Thinking about Invisalign, or about to start your Invisalign treatment with us at Viva Dental Studio? Invisalign clear aligners are one of the most popular and effective ways to straighten teeth, but like any orthodontic treatment, there are a few things worth knowing before you get started.
From our dental clinic in Hornchuch, we’ve put together this straightforward guide to help you feel fully informed and confident going into your treatment.
1. 3D Digital Scan: The first step in your Invisalign journey is taking a precise record of your teeth. At Viva Dental Studio, we use the iTero Element scanner to create a detailed 3D digital scan so there is no messy traditional moulds required. This scan is sent directly to Invisalign, who use it to custom-make your series of clear aligners, designed specifically for your teeth and your treatment plan.
2. Invisalign attachments: One thing that surprises some patients is the use of Invisalign attachments.These are small tooth-coloured composite dots placed on some of your teeth. This is a necessary part of the Invisalign treatment as they enable the aligner to grip the teeth better to ensure the teeth move in a specific direction. Because they’re matched to the colour of your teeth, attachments are barely noticeable and you’d only really spot them up close. Not every patient needs them, but for many cases they’re an important part of achieving the right result.
3. Regular changing of the aligners: Invisalign works by wearing a series of aligners, each one moving your teeth a little further along your treatment plan. Each set is typically worn for 1 to 2 weeks before you move on to the next. The exact timing will depend on how quickly your teeth respond and what your treatment plan requires.
The key to staying on track is wearing your Invisalign aligners for the recommended 20 to 22 hours per day. The more consistently you wear them, the more predictable your results will be.
4. IPR Polishing: In cases where teeth are crowded or overlapping, there may not be quite enough space for everything to move into the right position. In these situations, your dentist may carry out a procedure called IPR (Interproximal Reduction). It involves gently polishing between specific teeth to create a small amount of extra space. It is a routine and safe part of Invisalign treatment and your dentist will let you know in advance if IPR is part of your plan.
5. Initial pain: When you first put in a new set of aligners, especially your very first set, you may notice some pressure or mild discomfort for the first couple of days. This is completely normal and is simply a sign that your aligners are doing their job and your teeth are beginning to move. Over-the-counter pain relief such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can help if needed. If you notice a sharp edge on an aligner that’s catching your gum or cheek, you can gently smooth it down using a nail file. If the discomfort persists beyond a few days or feels more significant, just contact us and we’ll take a look.
6. Refinements: Despite completing treatment and using all the Invisalign aligners sometimes the teeth do not move as desired. In these circumstances we will then need to retake your moulds which again will be sent to the manufactures to have new aligners made for you.
Ready to start your Invisalign journey in Essex?
If you’re considering Invisalign and would like to find out whether it’s the right treatment for you, our team at Viva Dental Studio in Hornchurch would love to help. As a Diamond Provider, we have the experience to guide you through every step of your treatment.
Find out more about Invisalign at Viva Dental Studio or call us on 01708 446 447 to book your consultation.