Q: Can you get Invisalign® on the NHS?

It is not usual to receive Invisalign® therapy on the NHS . A typical dental brace is available on a set fee band within the NHS treatment portfolio but the option available tends to be the traditional braces of the metal variety.

Question 1

How long does Invisalign® take to work?

Accepted Answer

Please note that the usual duration of Invisalign® therapy is between three months and two years. Your orthodontist will be able to offer a more exact timeframe for your individual case during your initial consultation.

Question 2

Is Invisalign® braces?

Accepted Answer

Technically, Invisalign® aren't "invisible braces" but invisible aligners. Invisalign aligners are different from traditional braces in that they can be taken out to eat, though they do still need to be worn 20-22 hours a day. Invisalign aligners also mean that it's much easier to brush and floss your teeth compared to wearing a traditional brace. Invisalign® are most commonly known as "adult braces" due to their increased popularity amongst adults who might be more self-conscious about having to wear braces in the workplace.

Question 3

How does Invisalign® work?

Accepted Answer

The Invisalign® system creates a set of virtually invisible and removable plastic trays (aligners or sometimes called splints) which are manufactured on a bespoke basis to provide a perfect fit over a patient’s teeth at every stage of the treatment process. The secret is the gradual and gentle pressure exerted by the clear aligners to shift the teeth into their correct position guided by the exact movements planned out by your dentist or orthodontist.

Question 4

Does Invisalign® work?

Accepted Answer

Did you know that more than 8 million dental patients worldwide have been treated with Invisalign ® therapy?

We would be delighted to show you a selection of before and after images of patients by video who have successfully completed their Invisalign® therapy with us and are now enjoying the results of having achieved the smile of their dreams.

Question 5

Can Invisalign® fix an overbite?

Accepted Answer

An overbite is one of the dental conditions which can be successfully treated using Invisalign®.

Question 6

Does Invisalign® hurt?

Accepted Answer

It can cause some mild discomfort. If you have concerns regarding pain or discomfort levels which you may experience when using the Invisalign ® system, please raise them with your orthodontist at your next check-up here at the dental practice in central London.

Question 7

Is Invisalign® worth it?

Accepted Answer

If you are experiencing modest to medium-level orthodontic dental conditions (as previously described) with your teeth, then Invisalign® treatment is indeed an excellent option for your consideration if you wish to pursue the perfect smile you have always wanted.

If you are experiencing a severe or complex dental condition you may wish to consult with your orthodontist and/or dentist to assess whether fixed braces or perhaps a surgical dental treatment may be more effective to straighten your teeth and so restore your smile, personal comfort and confidence. Ultimately, the value of the orthodontic treatment depends on your personal circumstances such as budget, oral health and lifestyle.

Question 8

How do you clean Invisalign®?

Accepted Answer

The creation and maintenance of a good oral hygiene regime is essential for both the care of your natural teeth and your Invisalign® appliance during your treatment.

Brush and floss your natural teeth as normal in addition to keeping a dedicated soft-bristled brush and toothpaste on hand to clean your Invisalign® tooth aligner with luke-warm water on a twice daily basis as part of your normal dental care routine.

Question 9

Can you get Invisalign® on the NHS?

Accepted Answer

It is not usual to receive Invisalign® therapy on the NHS. A typical dental brace is available on a set fee band within the NHS treatment portfolio but the option available tends to be the traditional braces of the metal variety.

Question 10

What does Invisalign® look like?

Accepted Answer

The Invisalign® tooth aligners are virtually invisible (transparent splints or trays) so even as an adult you can wear them discreetly on a daily basis. This is why Invisalign® is often a more popular choice compared to a typical brace. They are made from a strong, medical grade thermoplastic material, unique to the Invisalign® system and custom-made to ensure a perfect fit for you.

Question 11

Can you smoke with Invisalign®?

Accepted Answer

We would advise caution as the act of smoking may adversely impact on both the effectiveness of the Invisalign® tooth aligners and their discreet aesthetic appearance. Potential staining and discolouration of the appliance may occur as well as the risk of mis-shaping the bespoke fit of the thermoplastic material via the application of extreme heat present in a lit cigarette. Our orthodontic team will almost always recommend patients to try give up smoking before investing time and money in the Invisalign® system.

Question 12

Can you eat or drink with Invisalign®?

Accepted Answer

We would advise that your Invisalign® tooth aligners are removed when you are eating, drinking, brushing and flossing to maintain their hygienic condition and so encourage your daily use of this appliance.

Question 13

Is Invisalign® better than braces?

Accepted Answer

The Invisalign® system and conventional braces are both effective tooth aligner tools which your dentist can recommend dependent on the severity of the dental condition presented which is suitable for orthodontic therapy.

Invisalign® can treat predominantly modest to medium dental conditions (as previously described) which would be improved or resolved using a teeth alignment appliance and braces are often used to treat more complex cases. Invisible braces like Invisalign® are a popular alternative to adult braces as many adults may feel self-conscious about having permanent or fixed braces. Our orthodontic team will be able to talk your through all the options and provide further information on how both invisible braces and conventional braces work.

Your dentist or orthodontist can recommend the optimum course of action for you at consultation in our London clinic regarding your individual needs as presented.

Question 14

What are invisible braces?

Accepted Answer

'Invisible braces' is a phrase sometimes used to describe the Invisalign® system and refers to a form of orthdontic treatment like braces or aligners that is not as clearly visible as something like traditional braces. Clear aligners like Invisalign® are made from a transparent plastic and as such are barely visible when in place. More and more adults are seeking out invisible braces as an alternative to normal braces due to this discreet appearance.

Question 15

What's the difference between Invisalign® and lingual braces?

Accepted Answer

Invisalign® are clear aligners that can be removed and look to move teeth slowly over time. Invisalign are sometimes called 'invisible braces' as they are made from a transparent plastic material that fits over the team making them largely unidentifiable. Lingual braces, sometimes known as 'hidden braces', are like traditional braces apart from the fact that lingual braces are fitted to the inside of your teeth (by the tongue and palate).

Question 16

Can Invisalign® fix bad teeth?

Accepted Answer

Invisalign® can treat predominantly modest to medium dental conditions (as previously described) which would be improved or resolved using a teeth alignment appliance and braces are often used to treat more complex cases.

It is an orthodontic treatment option designed just to straighten teeth to create a perfect smile as opposed to a tooth preservation or tooth replacement technique used in general dentistry. Invisalign braces might not be suitable if your orthodontist feels that conventional braces are likely to be more effective.

Question 17

Can I get Invisalign® if I have cavities?

Accepted Answer

The Invisalign® treatment is designed just to straighten teeth but its clinical success is underpinned by the condition of the natural teeth to start with. Tooth decay causes cavities which may lead to tooth loss if left untreated which can detract from the quality of the smile both you and your orthodontist are striving to achieve.

Your dentist and/or orthodontist would normally advise that your cavities be treated prior to the application of your Invisalign® tooth aligner to ensure the best chance of both functional and aesthetic success can be realised for the sake of your continued good oral health.

Question 18

Can Invisalign® cause shoulder pain?

Accepted Answer

The way the Invisalign® system operates is to exert gradual, gentle pressure on the teeth to shift them into their new, correct position over the course of the treatment. This prolonged pressure can potentially impact on the comfort you may naturally feel in your jaw, your skull and the joints which connect them which could then lead onto discomfort in your shoulder area.

You may also be experiencing teeth clenching as you adjust to the daily use of your new tooth aligner appliance. Should you experience significant discomfort during your Invisalign® treatment process, please consult our orthodontics team at our dental practice for advice.

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