Curious to learn more about Invisalign? Our dentist at Vogue Dental answers your FAQs

When it comes to getting straight teeth as an adult, many patients are amazed at the range of options available. While the standard metal brace will always have its place in orthodontics in relation to complex cases, there are now other ways to straighten your teeth, without the metal. Indeed, in the last 10 years or so, more dental surgeries than ever before have been able to offer their suitable patients clear and invisible braces.

And at Vogue Dental, we are one of those surgeries! Our dentist in Luton is able to offer our patients the world-renowned clear aligner, Invisalign! A perfect mesh of form and function, this aligner is perfect for treating anything from minor misalignments to overbites, making it suitable for treating almost every orthodontic condition you can think of. Perfect!

But how does it work? Here, our dentist in Luton answers your top 5 FAQs about this invisible brace.

Can anyone wear Invisalign?

To begin treatment with Invisalign, you have to be over 18 years of age. Now, onto the conditions it can treat! Our dentist in Luton will need to conduct an initial assessment of your teeth to ensure that you have a misalignment within the range that this aligner can treat. If you don’t, we will be happy to offer you a different type of orthodontic treatment. But for the majority of patients, Invisalign is a suitable option.

How long does it take to work?

The length you wear this aligner for will vary, based on the severity of the condition you have and your dedication to wearing it for the time set down by our team. On average, most people wear the aligner for 3-6 months. In order to keep in time with the predicted time slot, be sure to keep it in your mouth for 22 hours per day and keep in regular contact with our team.

Is it uncomfortable?

While many patients have told us that this aligner is not uncomfortable, we have to emphasise that there is no such thing as a comfortable brace or aligner at this point; moving teeth is tough, and requires a great deal of force. However, as this aligner utilizes a gentle pushing motion over a pulling motion (as is the way with regular braces) many patients describe it as being comfortable to wear in daily life.

It’s rubbing against my tongue; what can I do?

As the aligners are made from malleable but durable plastic, rubbing against the tongue and inner mouth are common complaints. Luckily, we have an option to prevent this; simply ask our team about dental wax. Applied to the harder edges of the plastic, this will create a cushion for the softer tissues, so there will be no associated friction ulcers.

Will I need retainers?

Yes, you will but the retainers that follow this aligner are very similar in appearance to the aligner itself. Be sure to wear them for the designated time set down by our team to prevent relapses.