At Lancaster Smile Clinic, we understand that having a straight, healthy smile is important to our clients. That’s why we’re proud to offer Invisalign – a discreet and effective alternative to traditional braces. With Invisalign, you can achieve the smile you’ve always wanted without the hassle of metal brackets and wires. Whether you’re dealing with crooked teeth, gaps, or other alignment issues, our team of experienced orthodontists can create a personalized treatment plan that fits your unique needs. Keep reading to learn more about Invisalign and how it can transform your smile.
Invisalign is different to traditional teeth straightening treatments. Using innovative technology that continues to evolve, Invisalign comes as a series of clear removable aligners that straighten your teeth, little by little, and unlike fixed braces, there are no wires or brackets. This means there is no metal and they are nearly invisible when you wear them.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a clear brace system which straightens the teeth discreetly, with most cases being able to completed within 6 months (depending on complexity).
The treatment is completely digitally planned which improves accuracy and the efficiency of the tooth movement.
Furthermore, by taking a 3D digital scan of your teeth we are able to show you an outcome simulation of what your teeth could potentially look like after treatment. This way you can see the improvement before you commit yourself to having treatment
There is a simple 3 step process to begin your invisalign journey
The Process
Invisalign Consultation
At the consultation we will assess your concerns, wants and needs as well as taking a 3D digital scan to show you a potential before and after of what your teeth will look like.
Clincheck
At this appointment we will be able to show you a more accurate and detailed version of what the tooth movement will be as well as how many attachments are needed in addition to any space requirements.
Fit
Once the clincheck is approved we can then get the aligners manufactured within 3 weeks and fitted to start moving the teeth
At Lancaster Smile, we are committed to providing the highest level of dental care to our patients. We use the latest technology and techniques to ensure that you receive the best possible treatment. Our large portfolio of excellent before and after pictures is a testament to the quality of our work and the satisfaction of our patients. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and see how we can help you achieve the smile of your dreams with Invisalign.
Why Choose Invisalign?
If you are considering Invisalign as an option for straightening your teeth, you may be wondering about the reasons why people choose this treatment over traditional braces. Invisalign offers several benefits, including:
- Discreet Appearance: Invisalign aligners are made of clear plastic, making them virtually invisible when worn. This is especially appealing to adults who may feel self-conscious about wearing traditional metal braces.
- Comfortable: Invisalign aligners are made of smooth plastic, which is gentle on the inside of your mouth. Unlike metal brackets and wires, there are no sharp edges to irritate your cheeks and gums.
- Removable: Invisalign aligners can be removed when eating or drinking, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods without restrictions. They can also be removed for brushing and flossing, making it easier to maintain good oral hygiene.
- Effective: Invisalign is an effective way to straighten teeth, correct bite issues, and improve oral health. Our team of skilled professionals at Lancaster Smile has extensive experience in providing Invisalign treatment and achieving excellent results for our patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I need to see my dentist once I have started treatment?
Patients typically visit us every 6 to 8 weeks to ensure the treatment is progressing as planned, and to receive their next few sets of Invisalign aligners, but we will decide based on your treatment.
Once Invisalign treatment is complete is a retainer necessary?
Wearing a retainer after any orthodontic treatment is an important step, because it keeps teeth stable in their new positions. If you want your teeth to remain in their ideal position, it’s best to wear a retainer as directed by us. In many cases your last aligner will be your temporary retainer, until your retention option is determined. We can advise you on longer term retention options.
How often must the aligners be worn?
During Invisalign treatment, patients should wear their aligners as often as possible, ideally at least 22 hours per day. Aligners should only be removed to eat, drink, and brush and floss your teeth. Wearing your aligners as directed by your orthodontist will ensure you get the results you want on the original timetable you were given. How long you wear them for determines how long your treatment may last.
Are bridges a factor in Invisalign treatment?
Because bridges firmly link two or more teeth together, they offer significant resistance to tooth movement. We will be able to work out whether bridges will be a factor in your treatment and let you know at your consultation.
Are crowns an issue in Invisalign treatment?
Crowns (tooth caps) are usually not an issue in Invisalign treatment. However, sometimes in Invisalign treatment small tooth-coloured composites called ‘attachments’ are bonded onto teeth to help achieve certain movements, and these are more difficult to bond on crowns than on teeth. In these cases, the location of the crowns needs to be carefully evaluated. We can advise you on this during your consultation.
Does the procedure work on overbites?
We can use Invisalign to treat overbites in the vast majority of adults and adolescents. You will find out at your consultation to find out whether Invisalign is suitable for you.
Suitability for Treatment
Only your Dentist can determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign treatment during a consultation.
We can use the Invisalign System to straighten teeth for a majority of adults and adolescents. For teenagers, come in for a free consultation to talk to Dr Anna Allen to see if Invisalign Teen may be the right treatment option for your child.
What is the best way to clean my aligners?
The best way to clean your aligners is by brushing and rinsing them in lukewarm water and using the Invisalign Cleaning Crystals or special cleaning tablets. It’s important that you brush your teeth after each meal and prior to re-inserting your aligners to maintain proper hygiene.
Can I smoke while wearing aligners?
Smoking is discouraged while wearing aligners because it is possible for the aligners to become stained or discoloured. The same way your teeth would stain from smoking.
Smoking can also cause other dental issues such as the the effect it has on gums because smoking causes a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream, so the infected gums don’t heal.
Can I chew gum whilst wearing aligners?
Chewing gum while wearing aligners is not advised as gum can stick to aligners. It is recommended that aligners be removed for all meals and snacks.
Are there restrictions on what I can eat while in treatment?
No. Unlike traditional wires and brackets, you can eat whatever you like while in treatment because you remove your aligners to eat and drink. Thus, there is no need to restrict consuming any of your favourite foods and snacks. Also, it is important that you brush and floss your teeth after each meal and prior to re-inserting your aligners to maintain proper hygiene.
What are aligners made of and what do they look like?
The virtually invisible aligners are made of strong medical grade thermoplastic material, uniquely developed for the Invisalign® System. The aligners are custom-made for you and fit snugly over your teeth.
What is the difference between Invisalign express, lite and comprehensive?
This is to do with the complexity of tooth movements with express reserved mainly for one or two front teeth that need minor alignment requirements. More complex tooth movement will fall into the lite and comprehensive Invisalign categories
How long do you wear your retainers for after you have finished treatment?
Retainers must be worn on a part time basis (overnight) for as long as they wish the teeth to remain straight.
How quickly can I get started?
Following consultation we can normally get the aligners shipped and fitted within 3-4 weeks
Does Invisalign effect speech?
With any type of brace system, there will be an adaptation period which may result in a speech change, but this normally only lasts 1-2 weeks
How long does Invisalign Take?
The time taken depends on the complexity of the treatment and is generally comparable to that of traditional braces. During your consultation, we can give you more detailed information. We have seen results in as little as 5 months
Does Invisalign hurt?
Invisalign applies gentle forces to the teeth over the course of the treatment and there is some initial discomfort as the teeth start to move, but no pain.
What are the benefits of Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible and hardly noticeable when worn.
As the aligners are removable, you can also eat and drink whatever you wish during the course of Invisalign by removing the aligners before a meal, which is not the case with fixed braces which may result in dietary restrictions.
Oral hygiene can be easier to manage as the aligners need to be removed when brushing and flossing.
Brackets and wires are not used with Invisalign and as a result there are less appointments required to change these components compared to Invisalign which can reduce the amount of time taken off work to see the dentist to make these adjustments.
Am I suitable for Invisalign?
Due to the technological advancements in Invisalign over the last decade, there is a lot more scope to treat more complex tooth movements with Invisalign. Thus the vast majority of complex tooth movements can be treated with Invisalign
How does Invisalign work?
Invisalign clear aligners move the teeth through a series of careful and controlled planned movements. Each aligner will move certain teeth in a particular pre-set sequence which will move the teeth accordingly over the course of treatment. The aligners are dispensed to you in batches with each aligner needing to be changed around 7-14 days