What Invisalign Does to Your Smile?

Invisalign makes you smile more! Struggling with crooked teeth? Wondering if there’s a discreet way to fix your smile? Let’s talk about Invisalign—a modern solution for straightening teeth without the hassle of traditional braces.

Invisalign straightens your teeth! It’s one of the simplest ways to achieve a confident smile. These aligners, fit snugly over your teeth and gradually shift them into their ideal position. Unlike traditional braces, there are no metal brackets or wires involved. Think of them as nearly invisible, removable mouthpieces that fix crooked teeth, gaps, and bite issues.

Let me tell you exactly what Invisalign does as someone who’s helped hundreds of patients transform their smiles at Dental & Wellness. These clear aligners work like a gentle guide for your teeth, pushing them into perfect alignment bit by bit. The best part? You can take them out to eat, drink, and clean your teeth.

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What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a teeth-straightening system that uses clear plastic aligners instead of traditional metal braces. Dr Vishal Patel and our team create a custom treatment plan using 3D scans of your teeth.

We also use special impression techniques for accuracy that surpass many other clinics’ scans. These scans and impressions help map out every tiny movement your teeth need to make.

Invisalign aligners are made from SmartTrack®, a flexible thermoplastic material designed specifically for comfort and precision. This material ensures the aligners are easy to wear and effective at moving teeth.

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How It Works: Six Easy Steps

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Step 1: Consultation

Your journey starts with a consultation. Our dentist will assess your smile and discuss your goals. This involves analyzing your teeth, your facial structure, and how your smile fits into your overall appearance. It’s a personalized approach to ensure your results are as harmonious as they are functional. We listen to our patients request and create a harmonious desirable smile.

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Step 2: Digital Scanning and Impressions

Along with high-resolution photography, we take detailed 3D scans of your teeth to create your custom treatment plan. Dental impressions in special materials may also be required for some cases. These scans and impressions are used to map out every movement of your teeth, ensuring precision in your aligners.

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Step 3: Custom Aligners

We would design your smile on Invisalign software called ClinCheck. We would ensure that any movement we try to achieve is safe and within the remit of anatomy. Once the plan is finalized, you receive a series of custom aligners. Each aligner is slightly different, designed to move your teeth approximately 0.25mm at a time. You’ll wear each aligner for about 1-2 weeks before switching to the next in the series.

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Step 4: Gradual Movement

Your teeth are gently guided into their ideal positions. The aligners apply controlled force to specific teeth at specific times, based on your treatment plan. This gradual process ensures effective and safe tooth movement.

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Step 5: Regular Check-ups

Every 6-8 weeks, you’ll visit our clinic for a progress check. These appointments ensure everything is on track and allow for any necessary adjustments. We also ensure we offer any additional appointments if patients have further questions.

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Step 6: Completion and Retainers

Once your treatment is complete, retainers are used to maintain your new smile. These retainers are crucial in preventing your teeth from shifting back to their original positions.

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Does It Fix Teeth Permanently?

Yes – Just like traditional braces, Invisalign will provide a permanent solution for straight teeth. As one grows older, the jaw and face changes, to ensure we lock teeth into place, we have a trick up our sleeves, it's called retainers. Teeth have a natural tendency to shift over time, so retainers are essential to maintaining your results. Think of them as insurance for your new smile.

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Benefits

• Nearly invisible – Most people won’t notice you’re wearing them.
• Removable – You can take them out for eating and drinking, ideally wear as much as possible, if you have a special event or an important meeting, you can leave them out for that part, wear them back as soon as you can.
• Hygiene-friendly – Easier to keep your teeth clean compared to metal braces. Flossing is recommended after eating, this is to ensure that no food is trapped in-between your teeth.
• No food restrictions – Enjoy your favorite foods without worry. As a holistic clinic, we always recommended healthy, whole foods and to avoid artificial food and drinks. Food that are bad for your teeth are generally bad for your body, for example; avoid, refined sugary foods like sweets, cakes, biscuits, acidic drinks.
• Comfortable – Less irritation to your cheeks and gums compared to traditional braces.
• Convenient – Fewer dental visits needed compared to traditional braces.
• Progress you can see – Watch your smile transform with every aligner change.

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Downsides to Consider

• Discipline required – Success depends on wearing them 20-22 hours daily.
• Initial discomfort – Slight soreness when switching to a new aligner.
• Attachments – Some cases require small tooth-colored bumps for better grip.
• Not for everyone – Complex dental issues may need alternative treatments.
• Care needed – Aligners must be removed and stored while eating, and there’s a risk of misplacing them.

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How Much Does the Treatment Cost?

In the UK, the cost of Invisalign treatment typically ranges from £2,000 to £5,500. The price can vary depending on several factors:

• The complexity of your case (like crooked teeth or bite issues).
• How long your Invisalign braces treatment lasts.
• Whether additional procedures, such as extractions or attachments, are required.

While Invisalign uses cutting-edge technology to create virtually invisible aligners, the cost of Invisalign treatment is often comparable to traditional braces. This makes it a discreet and effective option for people considering orthodontic treatment.

If you'd like to learn more, we've written this article with the detailed costs.

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Does My Insurance Cover the Costs?

Many UK dental insurance plans cover Invisalign, much like they do with traditional braces. Typically, they reimburse 25-50% of the cost, depending on your policy.

Want to get Invisalign but unsure about the cost? It’s worth checking with your provider to see if your policy helps offset the treatment cost.

Some clinics also offer payment plans, making it easier to spread the cost of treatment over time. This can make Invisalign an affordable way to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.

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How Quickly Do Teeth Move With Invisalign?

Teeth usually begin to shift within the first few weeks of starting the Invisalign process. For most people, the full treatment takes 12-18 months, but simpler cases might show noticeable results in as little as 6 months.

This gradual, steady progress helps ensure lasting results. If you’re wondering what your smile could look like, many providers offer simulations during the preparation for Invisalign, showing how your teeth will move over time.

So, whether it’s a long Invisalign journey or a shorter one, it’s all about getting to that perfect alignment at your own pace.

If you need more details, go ahead and read our article How Long Invisalign Takes: Complete Treatment Timeline Guide.

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How Long Do I Need to Wear My Aligners Each Day?

For the treatment to be effective, you’ll need to wear the aligners for 20-22 hours a day. This means only removing them for:

• Eating and drinking (except water).
• Brushing and flossing your teeth.
• Short periods, like during special occasions.

Skipping wear time can delay progress. Compared to traditional metal braces, the flexibility of Invisalign braces makes the treatment much easier to stick to.

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Invisalign vs. Braces – What’s the Difference?

When deciding between Invisalign vs braces, it comes down to your needs and preferences. While traditional braces use brackets and wires to adjust your teeth, Invisalign uses a series of custom-made, virtually invisible aligners to achieve the same results.

Invisalign braces are:

• Removable, so you can eat what you want and maintain better oral hygiene.
• Discreet, making them a popular choice for adults and teens.
• Comfortable, with no sharp wires or brackets to irritate your gums.

If you’re looking for an orthodontic treatment that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle, Invisalign might just be the perfect choice.

But, if you still need some more research, we advise you to read this article, where we do a full comparison.

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Success Stories

Sarah, a 29-year-old professional, came to us with a gap between her front teeth. She was hesitant to smile in photos. Within eight months of Invisalign, her gap closed completely. Her confidence skyrocketed.

James, a teenager struggling with overcrowding, used Invisalign Teen. After 15 months, his teeth were perfectly aligned without the awkwardness of traditional braces.

Real people. Real transformations. And it could be you next.

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Final Thoughts

Whether you’re considering Invisalign for its virtually invisible aligners, its flexibility, or its proven results, the treatment is a modern, effective way to straighten your teeth.

From the preparation for Invisalign to the final stages, it’s important to follow the guidance of your provider and commit to wearing your aligners for 20-22 hours daily.

So, if you’re ready to transform your smile with Invisalign, book a consultation today and find out if it’s the right fit for you.

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FAQs

What is Invisalign made of?

Invisalign aligners are made from SmartTrack®, a flexible plastic material. This material is custom-designed to move your teeth gradually and comfortably during the teeth straightening process. It’s a BPA-free, clear plastic that fits snugly over your teeth, making it a discreet and comfortable alternative to fixed braces. It is a safe and effective way to align your teeth without the metal brackets and wires of traditional braces.

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Can you drink with your invisible braces?

When using Invisalign clear aligners, it’s best to stick to water. Drinks like coffee, tea, or anything sugary can stain or damage your aligners, which can affect the invisalign treatment. Just make sure to remove the aligners before eating or drinking, to keep your teeth and your aligners in top condition. One of the disadvantages of Invisalign is the need to take them out for meals, but many find this routine easy to adapt to.

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Do you wear Invisalign for life?

No, you won’t need to wear your aligners for life, but you’ll need retainers to maintain your results. After you complete the Invisalign process, the retainers will help keep your teeth straight. The cost of Invisalign treatment is an investment in your smile, and retainers like Vivera are recommended to make sure all the hard work doesn’t get undone.

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Which teeth are hardest to move with it?

Most people think molars are the hardest to move, but Dr Patel, a professional with years of experience, says upper lateral incisors can be the trickiest to shift. These teeth are smaller compared to others, which can make them harder to align correctly. It’s all part of the Invisalign treatment—each set of aligners works to move the teeth gradually into their ideal position. For some orthodontic options, shifting of bite between the upper and lower teeth can be a challenge, but with proper monitoring and care, Invisalign clear aligners are highly effective.

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What is the biggest complaint about it?

The most common complaint? Having to remove the aligners before eating or drinking anything except water. But, as Dr. Patel says, “I’ve never had a patient complain about this. Everyone finishes their treatment, and some do it well in advance of the predicted time.” In fact, most patients find that the advantages of Invisalign far outweigh the inconvenience of taking them out for meals. You can learn more about the biggest complaints here.

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Can you lose teeth during the treatment?

Invisalign treatment is designed to move your teeth safely and effectively. As long as you’re working with an expert in Invisalign, the chances of losing teeth are extremely low.

In fact, Invisalign is a teeth-straightening system that helps realign your teeth and improve the position of your teeth, preventing dental issues in the future. It’s crucial to follow your dentist’s advice to ensure a successful treatment outcome.

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What does it do to your teeth?

Invisalign works by gradually shifting your teeth into better alignment. The aligners are custom-made to move your teeth incrementally towards their ideal position. Each set of Invisalign clear aligners is designed to shift your teeth in a way that’s both comfortable and effective.

Over time, Invisalign treatment works to straighten your teeth and move the teeth into their proper places. And the best part? You can wear the aligners without anyone noticing, so your treatment stays discreet.

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What does it do to your face?

Orthodontics doesn’t just change the alignment of your teeth, one of the main benefit of invisalign or orthodontics is that it can improve your overall facial appearance too. As your teeth move into place, the symmetry of your smile improves, which can lead to a more balanced look.

For some, correcting bite issues with Invisalign can also help align your teeth and create a more relaxed, natural appearance of the lips and jawline. Invisalign is a great option for enhancing facial aesthetics as well as improving the alignment of your teeth.

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What does it do to your jaw?

Invisalign helps with jaw problems by correcting bite issues. If you have an overbite, underbite, or crossbite, Invisalign is designed to shift your teeth and improve jaw alignment. This can reduce pressure on the jaw, alleviate discomfort, and even help prevent long-term issues like teeth grinding or TMJ disorders. In the long run, Invisalign treatment not only realigns your teeth but also helps create a more comfortable and functional bite, making your jaw feel better.

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