It was not too long ago when the only orthodontic appliance used to straighten teeth were fixed metal braces. Thanks to a forward-thinking approach to orthodontics, patients are now spoilt for choice with a plethora of exciting teeth-straightening options, including Invisalign Clapham.

As a long-standing dental practice, we at Clapham South Dental Centre know well that today’s patients look for customised, efficacious and convenience-focused dental treatments, which is why we are delighted to offer high-quality treatment options such as Invisalign Clapham.

Why are patients so drawn to the appeal of Invisalign Clapham? What does this system offer that makes it an increasingly popular choice for both patients and dental practitioners? Here, we take a look at some of the looked-for benefits of Invisalign.

Marvellous reasons to choose Invisalign

The first advantage of significant importance to patients on the Invisalign system is that the aligner trays are removable. This feature easily allows for fuss-free oral hygiene routines and the freedom to eat a more inclusive diet.

How this works is that patients are allowed a two-hour maximum period (for some patients this can extend to four) during the day within which they must eat and clean their teeth. Along with this convenience comes the need to practise restraint (no lingering over meals and snacking at will). Patients will also have to ensure that they adhere strictly to the time for removing the aligner trays.

There is hardly any patient who does not appreciate the discretion of these aligner trays. It is quite common for teens and adult patients to be more self-conscious about making it known that they are on orthodontic treatment, and the transparency of the clear plastic material the aligners are made of helps to obscure this fact. Invisalign patients can go about their day with ease knowing that the aligner trays are barely noticeable.

Another factor worth taking into consideration is that the system affords patients unrivalled control over their own treatment plans. It is up to the patients to comply with the guidelines for use as advised by our supervising dentist. Not only do patients need to ensure they wear the aligners for the minimum prescribed number of hours, but they must also follow the interchange schedule for each aligner tray in the series provided.

In addition to this, patients come to appreciate the fact that due to their responsibility in changing the aligners according to the schedule, they do not have to attend frequent dental appointments. As each tray has been deliberately designed to move teeth into desirable positions, there is no need for manual adjustments to be made by our dental practitioner.

While such desirable benefits are great reasons to make Invisalign the orthodontic solution of choice, there are a few things to know about choosing these removable aligners. Of prime importance is the safe storage of the aligner trays when they are not being worn. This is to protect the trays from damage and prevent loss – both of which are crucial if a patient is to avoid interrupting their treatment plans. To discuss what this treatment plan involves, please set up an appointment with our dentist by giving us a call at Clapham South Dental Centre.

You took the plunge and finally had your Invisalign aligners fitted. You’re really happy with how natural and comfortable they are, but now you want to make sure you keep them sparkling clean and taken care of, so they keep up their invisible appearance. We at Clapham South Dental Centre have collected all our top tips to help maintain your new aligners.

An Invisalign recap

Invisalign Clapham is a type of aligner used to straighten out crooked teeth, space out overcrowding or pull back overbites. They consist of a clear tray that is made from durable, rigid plastic. You will need to wear your aligners for 22 hours per day, then once the treatment is complete you’ll receive retainers which will normally have to be worn overnight for a certain period. The treatment is very subtle and perfect for adults with orthodontic problems who want a discreet way to treat their issues.

What is the best way to clean my aligners?

Just like your natural teeth, your Invisalign Clapham will need to be looked after assiduously. You will need to be cleaning the aligners every time you clean your teeth. To clean them you will need a toothbrush, toothpaste, aligner cleaning tablets and a bowl of tepid or cold water.

What’s the process of a good clean?

First, you need to rinse your aligners under lukewarm water – be sure to avoid hot water as this can cause heat damage to them. Secondly, you need to soak them in the special Invisalign cleaning fluid. We recommend leaving it for between five to ten minutes, but always double-check the instructions. Once ready, take your toothbrush and brush along the lining of the device both inside and out of the shell. Be extremely careful when doing this as too much pressure on the plastic could cause a break.

When you’ve completed the brushing you need to check over your aligner for any leftover build-up of plaque or tartar. This can appear cloudy or white and it will also be stubborn to remove. Much like how plaque or tartar will cause damage and infection to your teeth and gums, it will begin to rot your aligner and can lead to the plastic becoming fragile and eventually breaking. It’s also worth noting regular cleaning will also mean your aligners stay odour free.

Extra top tips for aligner use

Whenever you take out your Invisalign aligners you need to make sure you clean your teeth before putting them back in again. If there is any food or drink trapped under them it will cause serious damage to your teeth over long periods.

Keep your Invisalign Clapham clean and safe – always try to keep them in their box or in a glass of water. You don’t want any dirt to get onto the surface without you knowing.

Avoid drinking anything other than water when wearing your device. Tea, coffee, squash, juice or alcohol will all leave your aligners looking stained and discoloured and your once beautiful clear solution to straight teeth will appear less than squeaky clean.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign treatment comprises removable retainers moulded perfectly to your own teeth which appear invisible to the outside world. Past orthodontic treatments have focussed entirely on the pulling of teeth into a new aligned position, using a series of brackets and wires which have not always blended with the natural appearance of a patient’s smile. With modern advances within the dental world, both in terms of knowledge and equipment, orthodontic treatments have excelled and taken a cosmetically appealing turn. Effective tooth realignment combined with a cosmetically appealing material ensures that no compromises are made.

Why a consultation first?

As with all treatments and procedures, it is necessary to first understand all the details of the process before leaping into it. This includes all the benefits, whether short or long term, alongside any commitments and responsibilities which may come into the process. For this reason, a consultation appointment will always be booked first to ensure that any questions you may have get answered and to ensure that the treatment process is understood in full.

As with all consultation processes, a full, in-depth education on the entire process will begin. This does not mean an hour-long lecture, but a discussion on how the process relies heavily on the patient’s commitment, the length of time the process may or may not take and any benefits or impacts that the treatment may have on daily life. On top of all this, a thorough examination of your teeth, mouth and gums will need to be carried out both physically and in terms of digital scans and X-rays. Whilst this may seem a lot to cover, this thorough process from the outset ensures that the treatment is right for you going forward and puts to rest any concerns you may have.

With Invisalign Clapham, one of the highly innovative aspects to the treatment is the 3D plan which is created from the digital scans taken. This plan enables you to better understand what changes can be made, and effectively enables you to visualise your end goal.

Should the decision at the end of the consultation process be to go ahead with the orthodontic treatment, a series of tailor-made aligners will be created and provided to you within one to two weeks.

The next step – having your aligner

Once your custom-made aligners are ready, you will be invited in for an appointment to recap over the important aspects of the treatment and to show you how to use your aligners in the most efficient way. Whilst the treatment is essentially carried out at home, at no point are you left unsupported, our dental team at Clapham South Dental Centre are with you whenever you need them.

Once you have the aligners, it is important to follow the plan provided in sequence. Whilst this varies from patient to patient, the general idea is to wear the Invisalign Clapham aligners for approximately 22 hours a day, with removal being solely during the oral hygiene process and whilst eating. Aside from that the aligners should be at work and gently pushing your teeth into a new aligned position.

Approximately 4 to 6 weeks after treatment has begun a check-up with your dental team will be carried out. This not only allows them to monitor your progress, but also enables you to voice any concerns you may have. As the treatment develops you will be advised when to change over to the next set of aligners. The reason for this is to continue guiding the teeth into their new positioning in a gentle, but efficient manner.

Once the end goal has been successfully reached, a new tailor-made retainer will be created which is to be worn ongoing. Once again, the outside world will be unaware of the Invisalign Clapham appliance, but it will be hard at work preserving the positioning of your new smile.