Invisalign is a revolutionary teeth-straightening treatment that uses a series of custom-made, clear, removable aligners. These aligners are designed to gradually and gently shift your teeth into their desired positions. The treatment process is straightforward and involves three main steps:
It’s important to note that Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible and can be easily removed, allowing you to eat, drink, brush, and floss as normal. However, for the treatment to be effective, you should wear your aligners for 22 hours a day.
The duration of the Invisalign treatment varies depending on the complexity of your case, but on average, it can take around 6 months. Most patients start to notice a difference after three months, with more noticeable results after six months.
After completing your Invisalign treatment, you may need to wear Vivera retainers. These are custom-made retainers that are 30% stronger than other retainers, helping to maintain your new smile for the long term.
Remember, the specifics of your treatment should always be discussed with your Invisalign doctor to ensure the best possible results.
Invisalign® Treatment in Manchester could be the perfect solution for adults and teens seeking a virtually invisible method to enhance their smile. With our state-of-the-art technology, we can address almost all common teeth-straightening and bite issues, from the simplest to the most complex, without disrupting your daily routine. For our teen patients, we offer aligners with a discreet blue dot, giving parents peace of mind that their child is wearing their aligners as recommended.
What does the treatment process involve? Your journey to a better smile with Invisalign® Treatment in Manchester begins with a consultation with an Invisalign®-trained professional. They will assess your smile and create a precise, personalised digital treatment plan that outlines the step-by-step transformation of your smile.
Once you approve your plan, your bespoke aligners will be created. You’ll wear each set of aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day, changing to a new set of aligners every 1 to 2 weeks, as directed by your Invisalign professional. Each set of aligners will gently and gradually shift your teeth into place, according to your treatment plan, leading to your beautiful new smile.
How do I begin with Invisalign® Treatment? Our Smile Concierge team can assist you in scheduling an appointment with an Invisalign®-trained professional near you. You can also use our online locator to find an Invisalign®-trained professional near you.
Many Invisalign® professionals offer free initial consultations. For the best experience, take the time to find the right Invisalign professional for you — someone who makes you feel comfortable and has the experience you’re looking for.
What is the Smile Concierge team and what can they do for me? The Smile Concierge team is a friendly group, here to make getting started with Invisalign® treatment even easier. They can help you schedule a consultation and find an Invisalign®-trained professional near you.
Can I go to any dentist or orthodontist for Invisalign® treatment? Not all orthodontists and dentists are Invisalign®-trained professionals. Those who wish to offer Invisalign treatment must complete specialised training. Our Smile Concierge team can help you find an Invisalign-trained professional near you or you can use our online locator.
What should I bring to my consultation with my professional? Bring your questions (we’ve got a list to get you started here). You should also bring any information you might have about your dental history.
What should I expect during my consultation? During your consultation, your Invisalign® professional will discuss your teeth-straightening goals with you and examine your smile in order to determine your specific needs. Your Invisalign® professional may also talk to you about how quickly you could reach your new smile, as well as your individual treatment cost.
Your Invisalign® professional will most likely recommend scheduling a dental check-up and cleaning before you begin Invisalign® treatment, to make sure your teeth and gums are in top health and to avoid unnecessary risks.
How long will treatment take? The length of treatment depends on multiple factors, like how complex your case is and how often you wear your aligners. Your Invisalign® professional will determine exactly how long your treatment could take based on your specific needs. On average, Invisalign treatment time is 12 to 18 months, though you can start seeing results in a matter of weeks.
How often will I change my Invisalign® aligners? Your Invisalign® professional will tell you how often you should change to new Invisalign® aligners (this can vary based on your individual treatment plan). Many Invisalign® professionals recommend changing Invisalign clear aligners weekly or every other week.
How many hours per day should I wear my Invisalign® aligners? For the best results, wear your Invisalign clear aligners 20 to 22 hours a day, taking them out just for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.
How often will I have appointments with my Invisalign® professional? Your Invisalign® professional will schedule regular appointments, usually about once every four to six weeks. The goal of these visits is to ensure your Invisalign® treatment is progressing as planned.
My Invisalign® professional mentioned “attachments.” what are they and why would I need them for my Invisalign® treatment? Your Invisalign® treatment may require SmartForce™ attachments, small tooth-coloured shapes that are attached to your teeth. These shapes serve as handles, giving the aligners something to gently push on in order to move your teeth with the right amount of force, and are what make complex tooth movements possible without braces. Invisalign clear aligners fit smoothly and tightly around them, so they’re barely noticeable.
While not everyone who uses Invisalign clear aligners will need SmartForce™ attachments, if you need them, your Invisalign® professional will attach them to your teeth at the start of or during your treatment and remove them when they are no longer needed.
The cost of Invisalign® treatment, like other orthodontic procedures, is dependent on the complexity of your dental correction and your individual treatment plan.
Is Invisalign® treatment more costly than traditional braces? Typically, the cost of Invisalign® treatment in Manchester is comparable to that of traditional braces.
Will my insurance cover the cost of Invisalign® treatment? Many health and dental insurance plans now include coverage for Invisalign® treatment. For more information, it’s best to check with your insurance provider.
Can Invisalign® Treatment in Manchester correct teeth that have shifted after braces were removed? Absolutely, Invisalign® clear aligners in Manchester are capable of treating nearly all common teeth-straightening issues, from the simplest to the most complex. Many individuals who previously had braces opt for Invisalign® treatment as a discreet method to enhance their smile when they notice that their teeth have started to shift back.
Can Invisalign® clear aligners be used if I have veneers or crowns? This can vary. It’s important to discuss any dental work you’ve had, including veneers and crowns, with your Invisalign® professional in Manchester. They will assess your individual needs and determine the best course of action.
If I have bridgework on several teeth, can Invisalign® clear aligners still be effective? Invisalign® clear aligners are designed to move each tooth individually, which can present challenges when dealing with bridgework that connects two or more teeth. Therefore, Invisalign® may not be the most effective treatment in these cases.
Can Invisalign® clear aligners correct an overbite or underbite? Yes, Invisalign® treatment in Manchester can effectively correct both overbites and underbites. By creating a personalised treatment plan, your Invisalign® professional can use clear aligners to gradually shift your teeth into the correct position, improving your bite and overall oral health.
Are there any age restrictions for Invisalign® treatment? Invisalign® treatment is suitable for both teenagers and adults. For teenagers, it’s recommended that most of their adult teeth have erupted before starting treatment. For adults, there’s no upper age limit for improving your smile with Invisalign®. It’s never too late to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.
Will people notice that I’m wearing the aligners? Invisalign® aligners in Manchester are virtually unnoticeable. Most people won’t even realise you’re wearing them, making Invisalign® Treatment a perfect fit for your lifestyle.
Can I remove my aligners when necessary? Absolutely, you can take off your Invisalign® aligners for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. You can also remove them for special events, such as a wedding, job interview, or when participating in your favourite sport or playing a musical instrument. Just remember to wear them for 20 to 22 hours a day to achieve the best results.
Are there any food restrictions during the treatment? Not at all! Since Invisalign® clear aligners are removable, you can enjoy all your favourite foods without any restrictions. Unlike traditional braces, which can be damaged or trap food, Invisalign® allows you to enjoy everything from popcorn to apples.
Is Invisalign® Treatment painful? Invisalign® Treatment gently and consistently moves your teeth, but some individuals may experience temporary discomfort during the first few days of wearing a new set of aligners. This is usually described as a feeling of “pressure,” and it’s a normal part of the process — it means your Invisalign® clear aligners are working to transform your smile.
If you have any concerns or experience continued discomfort, please consult your Invisalign® professional in Manchester.
I’ve noticed my teeth feel loose when I remove my aligners. Is this normal? Yes, this is common. As your Invisalign® aligners gradually move your teeth into their correct positions, your gums are reshaping around each tooth as it moves. If you have any concerns, be sure to discuss them with your Invisalign® professional.
Can I wear my aligners only while I sleep? To achieve the desired results, you need to wear your Invisalign aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day.
Will wearing Invisalign® clear aligners affect my speech? You might experience a slight lisp for a couple of days as your tongue adjusts to having the Invisalign® aligners in your mouth, but this should disappear quickly.
Will smoking stain my aligners? Smoking is not recommended while wearing Invisalign® aligners as it can cause discolouration.
Can I chew gum while wearing aligners? No, gum will stick to your Invisalign® aligners. It’s recommended to remove your aligners for all meals and snacks, including gum.
Can the aligners fall off while I’m asleep? It’s highly unlikely that your aligners would fall out, regardless of what you’re doing, whether it’s sleeping, talking, or laughing. Invisalign® clear aligners are designed to fit snugly around your teeth, so this should not be a concern.
I forgot to take my aligners with me on a trip. Will they still fit when I get back? The answer depends on how long you’ve gone without wearing your Invisalign® aligners. If it’s only been a short time, your aligners should still fit, although they might feel a bit tight. If it’s been a longer time, consult your Invisalign professional in Manchester about your unique situation.
What is the recommended method to clean my aligners? The most effective way to clean your aligners is by gently brushing them and rinsing in lukewarm water, and using Invisalign™ Cleaning Crystals or specific cleaning tablets. It’s crucial to brush your teeth after each meal and before re-inserting your aligners to maintain optimal oral hygiene.
Can my aligners get stained if I have food residue in my mouth when I put them back in? Indeed, they can. That’s why it’s essential to brush your teeth after every meal before you reinsert your Invisalign aligners. This will help to prevent staining and maintain your oral health.
What should I do if I lose or break an aligner? If an Invisalign aligner is lost or broken, it’s important to inform your Invisalign professional in Manchester immediately. They will guide you on the next steps to ensure your treatment plan stays on track. This could involve wearing a previous set of aligners, moving on to the next set, or ordering replacement aligners.
Can I directly order replacement aligners from Invisalign? All aligners and retainers must be ordered through your Invisalign professional as they are prescription items. If you need a replacement, please contact your Invisalign professional in Manchester directly.
How often should I clean my aligners? For the best results and to maintain the clarity of your aligners, it’s recommended to clean them daily. Regular cleaning prevents build-up of bacteria and keeps your aligners as invisible as possible.
Can I wear my aligners while drinking hot beverages? No, it’s not recommended to wear your aligners while drinking hot beverages as the heat can warp and damage the aligners. Always remove your aligners when eating or drinking anything other than cold water.
Will I need to use a retainer after my treatment to stop my teeth from shifting? Most Invisalign® professionals in Manchester advise that anyone who has undergone orthodontic treatment, whether with traditional braces or Invisalign® treatment, should use a retainer. This is to prevent teeth from gradually moving back to their original position. However, every case is unique, so it’s best to consult with your Invisalign professional about whether you’ll need a retainer.
What kind of retainer should I opt for? There are various types of retainers available, but we recommend Vivera™ retainers. These retainers are specifically designed for use after Invisalign treatment and are made from a proprietary material that is 30% stronger than other leading clear retainer materials. This helps maintain your new smile.
Vivera™ retainers are virtually invisible and custom-made from an impression or scan of your teeth, utilising the same cutting-edge technology used for Invisalign® clear aligners.
What is the cost of Vivera™ retainers? For information on the cost of Vivera™ retainers, please contact your Invisalign® professional in Manchester. Pricing can vary based on your individual needs. All Vivera™ retainer orders will include an extra set, in case one gets lost.
How can I order Vivera™ retainers? Vivera™ retainers can be ordered through your Invisalign professional.
How long will I need to wear my Vivera™ retainers? Your Invisalign® professional will provide specific instructions on how often you should wear your retainers. Typically, you’ll wear your first set full time, then, based on your Invisalign® professional’s recommendation, you may gradually reduce how much you wear them until you only wear them at night.
What if I lose my Vivera™ retainer? If you lose or break your last set of Vivera™ retainers, or simply run out, just get in touch with your Invisalign® professional in Manchester. They can assist you in purchasing a new set of Vivera™ retainers, so you can continue to confidently show off your smile!
Can I clean my Vivera™ retainers the same way as my aligners? Yes, you can clean your Vivera™ retainers in the same way as your Invisalign® aligners. Regular cleaning is important to keep your retainers clear and free from bacteria.
