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The Ultimate Guide to Invisalign: Everything You Need to Know
11 Dec 2023

The Ultimate Guide to Invisalign: Everything You Need to Know

There can be several reasons why you might want to straighten your crooked or misaligned teeth. The thought of having large, bulky, and uncomfortable braces holds many people back from undergoing orthodontic treatment. If you find this relevant, then you should know that Invisalign can realign your teeth and regain the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted without wearing metal braces. Go through this blog post to know what Invisalign treatment is and the benefits associated with it.

What do you mean by Invisalign treatment?

Invisalign is one of the orthodontic procedures your dentist might suggest as an effective solution for your crooked and misaligned teeth. The treatment consists of wearing clear aligners made from BPA-free and medical-grade thermoplastic. These have been specifically designed to realign a certain set of teeth. Due to this reason, a set of aligners designed for one person won’t work for another.

Unlike metal braces, Invisalign braces are completely transparent. When they are placed on your teeth, these customized aligners apply continuous force to move your teeth into a more orderly position. The effectiveness of these braces will depend on how well they fit your teeth, and as your teeth begin to move, the aligners lose their effectiveness. For this reason, Invisalign treatment requires patients to change their braces every few weeks.

What are Invisalign braces made of?

Invisalign aligners are made of SmartTrack™ material, a medical-grade, multilayer polyurethane plastic exclusive to Invisalign treatment. The material has been designed to improve the efficiency of tooth movement. It has been clinically proven to shift teeth at least 50% faster and with 75% greater reliability. This enhances the efficiency, comfort of wearing, and ease of putting on and removing the aligners.

Invisalign versus Braces: Which will work faster for your case?

If you are looking to attain fast results from orthodontics, then you will have to weigh your options for a treatment that is most appropriate according to your preferred time. Though Invisalign is among the favorable options available for teeth straightening, the timeframe will depend on your teeth's structure and how much the teeth will have to be aligned.

Patients who visit us for their orthodontic treatment often ask, “How long will Invisalign take to work?” while braces generally require somewhere between 18 months to three years to fully align teeth, Invisalign on average takes between 4 to 10 months only, based on how properly you wear your retainers throughout the day. Of course, this will depend on your teeth as each treatment time will be different.

How Invisalign works

The treatment for Invisalign works with a series of customized aligners that gradually move teeth to their desired position. Each set of aligners can be worn for nearly 1-2 weeks before replacing them with the next set in the series. The procedure will continue until you attain the most desired results.

The braces apply gentle force to shift teeth, making the treatment process more comfortable when compared to traditional braces. Besides, these aligners are made from smooth medical-grade polyurethane plastic which lessens the irritation to your cheeks and gums.

How much time do Invisalign braces take to work?

The Invisalign treatment process generally lasts for 4-12 months based on the severity of misalignment. Patients need to conduct routine check-ups with their orthodontist to monitor the progress and make any necessary adjustments. There are some cases when the treatment may take a longer time, which can be almost 18 months or more.

How much time should you wear braces daily?

If you want to attain the most effective results, then you should wear your braces for at least 20-22 hours daily. This will leave sufficient time for removing the braces when eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. It is necessary to wear braces as directed by the orthodontist and ensure the treatment process progresses in the most efficient way.

Benefits of choosing Invisalign

How Invisalign is a suitable option for you

Though there are several benefits of Invisalign, the treatment has its own limitations that prevent it from being a viable option for everyone. Here are some questions to ask yourself to find out whether or not this treatment is suitable for you:

  • Is your teeth misalignment simple or complex?
  • Will you take care of your teeth properly?
  • Will you wear aligners for the specified time period each day?
  • Can you afford Invisalign treatment?

Procedure for getting Invisalign

Getting Invisalign can be divided into these stages:

Book an appointment with the orthodontist for your consultation session.

The orthodontist takes X-ray images and teeth impressions to create a suitable treatment plan.

There will be a preliminary check-up involving reconfirmation of details and predicting how the aligners would appear.

After the braces are ready, you have to wear them as per your orthodontist’s advice.

How to take care of Invisalign braces

Once you remove the aligners, it is important to clean them thoroughly before storing them back in a container. Rinsing with lukewarm water might not be sufficient to get rid of bacteria and the buildup of plaque.

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild soap as suggested by your dentist.

  • Brush gently on both sides of the braces.
  • Rinse your mouth thoroughly with lukewarm water.
  • Do not use hot water as it may cause damage to the aligners.
  • Store them in a protective case when not in use.

Is it possible to smoke or vape with Invisalign?

Smoking with your braces in may lead to some problems such as discoloration and tooth decay. It is suggested that you take out your aligners before smoking and ensure good oral hygiene habits. Vaping is not suggested during the Invisalign procedure due to the possible negative effects it may have on your dental health. Vaping contains nicotine, which may be the reason for teeth discoloration, discomfort, and dry mouth when wearing your braces.

Can I drink alcohol while wearing braces?

No, the rule is applicable to all kinds of alcohols such as beer, wine, or other liquor. These drinks may lead to visible stains on the braces, making them visible and challenging the purpose of discreet designing. It is advised to avoid drinking alcohol while wearing Invisalign braces.

Can I drink tea and coffee with Invisalign?

Hot beverages and Invisalign braces do not mix well, and heat may warp the plastic, leading to discomfort or affecting the treatment progress. Also, tea and coffee are known for discolouring detachable braces and teeth. It is advised to take out your braces before enjoying hot beverage and cleaning teeth before you put them back inside your mouth.

Is it possible for me to eat with Invisalign braces?

Before eating, you need to remove Invisalign as it can cause damage to the braces. The food particles may get stuck in the aligners and enhance the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. But you may drink water with your aligners in place. Make sure you brush teeth before wearing your aligners back in the mouth. This way, you can keep braces clean and prevent the accumulation of bacteria.

Can I chew gum with braces?

No, chewing gum can cause your braces to get damaged or dislodged, affecting the treatment progress. It is advised to avoid chewing gum while wearing your braces.

Is it possible to play sports with Invisalign?

Yes, when wearing Invisalign braces, there is little chance that the aligners will fall as they are properly fitted. When you take part in several activities like football, make sure you wear your aligners. Taking them out at the time of playing contact sports like boxing may prevent any damage or lose your aligners.

Though Invisalign provides a discreet choice to traditional braces, maintaining good oral hygiene aligner care is vital to attain optimal results.

Make sure you wear your braces for the specified time, avoid certain habits such as smoking or vaping and follow cleaning guidelines to achieve your straighter smile. It is all about achieving aesthetic results and boosting your dental health. With the help of Invisalign treatment, you can get the convenience of wearing almost invisible aligners and maintain your lifestyle.

What is the cost of Invisalign treatment in the UK?

The cost of Invisalign in the UK will depend on the complexity of your case and the treatment duration. We are providing £1000 off on our Invisalign treatment with free consultation session including iTero scan. Read through our detailed guide on Invisalign costs by seeing our website.

Are you ready to start your Invisalign journey with us for the perfect smile? Visit or request an appointment here so that our dental experts can help to correct your crooked teeth and boost confidence level. We will restore your lost smile and improve confidence level.