Do You Need Invisalign in Harrow?

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign braces are a new form of braces that are almost invisible. The great thing is that no-one can tell from a glance that you’re wearing them. What’s more, the braces are removable, so you can take them off whenever you need to.

If you’re looking for a perfect smile but you want something more discreet than ordinary braces, then Invisalign could be for you.

What are the benefits of Invisalign braces?

Invisalign has several benefits over traditional metal brackets braces:

1. Discreet. As their name suggests, Invisalign braces are (almost) invisible. This makes the braces discreet and allows them to fit into any lifestyle. They are also perfect if you’re self-conscious. This is because they won’t draw attention to your teeth, unlike the large and ugly metal brackets of days gone by.
2. Removable. Invisalign braces are removable, which in itself has several advantages. Eating is comfortable, as you can simply take the braces out before a meal. Cleaning your teeth is easy too: simply remove your braces and you can then brush and floss your teeth as your normally would. You’ll definitely be able to keep your teeth nice and clean. Contrast this to fixed metal brackets, where food often gets stuck in-between the brackets and becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. You can also remove your Invisalign braces when you have a special occasion, such as a photography session, a wedding, or a big meeting.
3. Comfortable. Invisalign braces are more comfortable than traditional braces. They’re smaller than the brackets you might be used to and they’re made of plastic instead of metal.

What is the procedure for Invisalign braces?

First, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth. Here, you will bite down into an impression tray filled with putty. Once the impressions have set, the dentist will then send them to Invisalign. From here, Invisalign will use the impressions to create a 3D model of your teeth. Their computer software will also model your teeth in their ideal position and then calculate how exactly to get you there. From this calculation, Invisalign will make a series of customised aligners for you. You will wear each aligner for two weeks. The aligners will very slowly straighten your teeth into their proper positions. Every two weeks, you will switch to a new set of aligners that will move your teeth a little more. The average course of Invisalign treatment is about a year for adults.

Are there any drawbacks to Invisalign?

As with all braces, Invisalign is a big commitment. You will need to wear the braces for at least 22 hours per day, and the entire treatment can take over a year. What’s more, once the treatment is over, you will still have to wear a retainer every night to keep your teeth in place. If you fail to do this, then there’s a risk that your teeth will slip back to their old positions. However, all braces carry this risk, not just Invisalign braces.

Invisalign is also more expensive than traditional metal braces. This is because you will need to see your dentist every two weeks to get a new mould. In contrast, patients with traditional braces only need to see their dentists in harrow once a month, so the process is cheaper.

How can I find out if I’m suitable for Invisalign?

Book an appointment with us. One of our friendly dentists will be happy to examine your teeth and let you know if Invisalign braces could be an option for you.

We’re the proud owners of an iTero Intraoral Scanner

We’re one of the few dentists in the area with an iTero Intraoral Scanner in Harrow. This state-of-the-art equipment makes 3D digital models of your mouth, teeth and gums. We then use these models in the Invisalign Outcome Simulator to show you what your teeth will look like after braces.

The iTero Intraoral Scanner really is better than the traditional method of taking impressions with a tray with putty. The advantages of interoral scanning are numerous:

• Intraoral scanning is comfortable. You can breathe and swallow as normal. You can even pause during the process to ask questions.
• Impressions are detailed and high quality. This helps our laboratory to make your Invisalign braces to the perfect shape and size.
• Intraoral scanning is fast. We can make 3D models in just a few minutes and then instantly pass these onto the lab. This means shorter waiting times and fewer appointments.
• You can see the images instantly on a screen in front of you. We find that this helps patients understand their treatment plan better.

Interest Finance now available on Invisalign

We’re now offering interest-free finance on our popular Invisalign treatments. Spread the cost of your treatment with a monthly plan suitable for you. Find out more by calling our reception team on 020 8428 3769.