Invisalign
Stunning straight teeth with Invisalign braces in Watford
You may not have thought of having your teeth straightened, because you don’t want to wear ugly, metal braces on your teeth for months on end.
Invisalign is the new way to straighten teeth invisibly. They are made up of a series of thin, plastic aligners which sit over the top of your teeth and gently move your teeth into the correct position. They are so discreet that most people won’t know that you are wearing braces.
Invisalign are removable braces. You wear them for a minimum of 22 hours a day, but you can take them out to eat, drink anything other than water and to brush your teeth. They are more hygienic than traditional braces as food cannot get trapped.
We treat hundreds of patients from Watford, Bushey, Rickmansworth, Chandler’s Cross, Moor Park and throughout Hertfordshire for teeth straightening with Invisalign braces. Patients love the fact they are discreet, removable and because they are made from plastic, they are comfortable too.
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Invisalign can be used to
Straighten crooked teeth
Space out overcrowded teeth
Close gaps in your teeth
Correct most bite problems
Correct protruding teeth
How do Invisalign braces work in Watford?
Consultation
The first step is to x-ray and take digital images of your teeth using Invisalign’s unique scanner.
These images will be uploaded to form your bespoke Invisalign plan. The plan will give you an indication of how your teeth will move and how long your treatment will last before you start wearing braces.
Create your bespoke Invisalign aligners
Your Invisalign plan is then used to create a series of bespoke plastic trays or aligners which are custom-made to fit your mouth.
Once your aligners are ready, they will be sent back to Watford Dental Practice where we can show you how to wear and remove your Invisalign braces.
Wear your Invisalign aligners
You wear each set of aligners for a minimum of 22 hours per day for a period of two weeks. You then move on to the next set of aligners in the series.
Each set of aligners is slightly different allowing for the gradual movement in your teeth.
You continue wearing your Invisalign braces in this way until you have reached the end of the series and your teeth have reached their final position.
What can Invisalign® fix?
Crowded teeth
Crowded teeth is a condition where you do not have enough room for your teeth to fit normally. This can cause plaque or tartar and other harmful bacteria to build up as it is harder for you to brush and floss well.
Gaps between teeth
Gaps between teeth is when there is extra space between two or more of your teeth. This can cause pockets between your teeth and gums and can cause food to get stuck making them tender and sore. This might also lead to gum disease.
Open bite
An Open bite is when your upper and lower teeth don’t touch when you close your mouth. An open bite can make it hard for you to chew or difficult to bite even the most common of food like apples.
Underbite
An underbite is when you close your mouth and your lower front teeth are in front of your upper teeth. In many cases, this is actually a problem with your lower jaw being too far forward. An underbite can make it hard to chew properly and speak clearly, and it might cause your teeth to wear down more quickly.
Overbite
An overbite is when your upper front teeth overlap with your lower front teeth. Most people have at least a little overbite. When your overbite is too large, your doctor might tell you you have a deep bite. This can cause problems, from your teeth wearing down to pain in your jaw.
Crossbite
A crossbite is when you close your mouth and yet some of your upper teeth are sitting inside your lower teeth rather than on the outside. A crossbite can make your teeth wear down or chip. It can also make your gums start to recede or make little notches above your gum line. This kind of damage can lead to painful gum problems or even bone loss.
Benefits of Invisalign braces at Watford Dental Practice
Patients from Rickmansworth, Bushey, Moor Park, Chandler’s Cross and Hertfordshire are choosing Invisalign braces because:
- Invisalign is made from thin clear plastic which sit over the top of your teeth, making them extremely discreet. Most people won’t be able to tell that you’re having your teeth straightened
- Invisalign aligners are removable so you can take your braces out to eat, drink anything other than water and to brush your teeth
- Invisalign can be used to treat a range of orthodontic issues including overcrowded, crooked, misaligned and protruding teeth
- There are no brackets, wires of elastic band with Invisalign so most patients find this form of teeth straightening more comfortable than conventional metal braces
- You can maintain a better standard of oral hygiene with Invisalign as you can remove your braces and brush your teeth thoroughly as usual without any food getting caught in your braces
- You don’t need to visit your orthodontist as frequently with Invisalign as you do with metal braces because you do not need to have your braces tightened. Instead, you’ll be given several aligners up front and only need to check in with your dentist occasionally
FAQ's for Invisalign
Why do I need to remove my Invisalign braces to eat and drink?
Your Invisalign aligners are made of a thin, transparent plastic so you risk chewing through them if you eat with your braces in. We recommend only drinking water whilst wearing Invisalign because anything else may stain your aligners which will make them unsightly and unhygienic.
It may seem strange to remove your aligners before eating, but you will quickly get used to it.
Are Invisalign braces suitable for everyone?
Most adults are suitable for Invisalign aligners, but we assess your teeth, jaws and bite before commencing treatment to make sure. A small percentage of people are not suitable for Invisalign, and this is usually due to a severe bite issue. If this happens, we can discuss alternative options. Children and young teenagers are not always suitable for Invisalign because their teeth and jaws are still growing.
How long will it take to straighten teeth with Invisalign?
This is difficult to answer without first seeing your teeth. On average, most patients reach the end of their treatment within 9 to 12 months. You will be given a more precise treatment time after your teeth have been scanned and before you commit to going ahead with Invisalign.
Wearing your aligners regularly and for a minimum of 22 hours a day can help ensure you stay on course with your treatment time.