Clear Braces

Orthodontics, or the movement of badly aligned teeth to the correct position, is one of the fastest growing sectors in UK dentistry. It is estimated that over 17 million patients in the UK would benefit from orthodontics and more and more teenagers and adults are demanding clear or invisible appliances. A recent study (the world’s largest orthodontic dental trial) demonstrated that the corrective movement of tooth position significantly improved a patient’s confidence and self-esteem.

Invisalign is a series of custom-made aligners or braces made out of a clear polymer that is capable of gradually moving teeth in a controlled way. Invisalign works by using the latest advances in 3-D computer technology to follow the dentist’s instructions to produce precisely customised aligners. The fabrication process is extremely complex, involving CAT scanning of impressions and sophisticated 3-D computer graphics to project tooth movement and stereo lithography to make the aligners. Each set of aligners is worn full-time, apart from eating, drinking or brushing teeth, for approximately 2 weeks, moving certain teeth by up to 0.25mm.

Invisalign can treat a wide variety of malocclusions, however, not every case is suitable, so the first step is a consultation with your dentist, who will determine if Invisalign is right for you. In order to aid diagnosis, study models, photographs and x-rays will be taken at the start of treatment. All the aligners are made at the start of treatment and the next stage is to take extremely accurate impressions of the teeth. These impressions are then submitted for CAT scanning in California and complex computer graphics are used to show all stages of the proposed tooth movement, advising the dentist how many aligners will be required to produce the movements planned. Once the ClinCheck (the animation of planned tooth movement) has been approved, the aligners will be manufactured and dispatched, so that treatment can commence.

Invisalign can be used to treat upper and lower arches to close spaces between teeth and to help overcome crowding of the teeth. The principles of tooth movement never change; a force is applied to a tooth supported by a ligament and bone, causing the tooth to move. A tooth can only be moved if there is sufficient space; in crowded arches space can be created by removal of teeth (rare in adult cases), tilting of teeth, distal or backward movement of teeth, expansion of the arch or the removal of a small amount of tooth tissue from between the teeth.

Key Features of Invisalign:

• Invisible, no-one will know that you are in treatment
• Removable, eating drinking and cleaning don’t present any problems.
• Comfortable, no brackets or wires.
• Convenient, shorter and less frequent appointments.
• Teeth remain intact and natural.

Useful Websites

www.invisalign.com

Invisalign examples

Start	Finish
Upper Aligners	Aligner
ClinCheck Start	ClinCheck Finish

Top Patient Tips

• Orthodontics with a “wow”
• Remove your aligners to eat, brush and clean
• Change aligners every two weeks
• Your teeth move little by little
• Regular progress, every 6-8 weeks, checks with your dentist or orthodontist
• Results often in 6 months to 1 year.

Invisalign is the invisible way to straighten teeth using a series of custom-made, nearly undetectable aligners.  And it’s been proven effective in both clinical research and in practices nationwide.  So whether your teeth are crowded, too far apart or have shifted since previously wearing braces, you’ll have a new reason for a confident smile.