Invisalign® treatment uses a series of custom-made, clear and removable aligners to gradually move your teeth into their planned positions. Unlike traditional fixed braces, there are no metal brackets or wires.
The aligners are made from SmartTrack®, a flexible thermoplastic material developed specifically for Invisalign® treatment.
How does Invisalign® straighten teeth?
James creates a personalised digital treatment plan that maps out the planned movement of your teeth. Each set of aligners applies controlled pressure to specific teeth, gradually moving them according to your treatment plan.
What are the benefits of Invisalign®?
Invisalign® aligners are discreet, removable and custom-made for your teeth. You can remove them when eating, drinking, brushing and flossing, making it easier to maintain your usual diet and oral hygiene routine during treatment.
Is Invisalign® suitable for me?
Invisalign® may be suitable for adults and teenagers with a variety of teeth-straightening and bite concerns.
Suitability depends on your individual dental needs and will be determined following a consultation and clinical assessment.
Previous orthodontic treatment, crowns, veneers or bridges may affect your treatment options, so James will consider any existing dental work.
Treatment begins with a consultation, during which James will assess your teeth, discuss your goals and create a personalised digital treatment plan.
Once your plan has been approved, your custom aligners will be produced. You will generally wear them for 20–22 hours each day, moving on to a new set according to the schedule provided by James.
Regular appointments allow him to monitor your progress and ensure treatment is progressing as planned.
How long does Invisalign® treatment take?
Treatment time varies according to the complexity of your case and how consistently you wear your aligners. James will provide an estimated treatment time following your assessment.
How often do I change my aligners?
James will provide a personalised schedule.
Depending on your treatment plan, aligners may typically be changed every one or two weeks.
What are Invisalign® attachments?
Some patients require small, tooth-coloured attachments to be temporarily bonded to certain teeth. These give the aligners additional grip and help achieve specific tooth movements. They are removed when they are no longer required.
The cost varies depending on the complexity and length of your treatment. Following your consultation, you will receive a personalised treatment plan and information about the associated fees and available payment options.
Invisalign® aligners are designed to fit discreetly over your teeth. You remove them for eating and drinking anything other than water, as well as for brushing and flossing.
You may initially notice mild pressure, temporary discomfort or a slight change in speech when wearing a new set of aligners. This usually improves as you become accustomed to them.
Because the aligners are removable, you can generally continue enjoying your usual foods. Smoking while wearing the aligners should be avoided, as it may cause staining, and chewing gum with the aligners in place is not recommended.
Clean your aligners regularly with lukewarm water and a suitable aligner-cleaning product. Avoid hot water, which could affect their shape.
Brush your teeth before replacing your aligners whenever possible, particularly after eating, as food and strongly coloured drinks can contribute to staining.
What happens if I lose or break an aligner?
Contact James as soon as possible. He will advise whether you should wear a previous or subsequent aligner or whether a replacement needs to be ordered.
Replacement aligners should be arranged through James.
Once active treatment is complete, you will usually need to wear retainers to help maintain the new position of your teeth. Your dentist will advise you on how often and for how long they should be worn.
What are Vivera retainers?
Vivera retainers are clear, custom-made retainers designed for use following orthodontic treatment. They help maintain the position of your teeth after your Invisalign® treatment has finished.
Vivera retainers can be ordered through James, who can also advise you on costs and arrange replacements if a retainer becomes lost or damaged.
