Invisalign braces - the clear way to straighten your teeth

As part of our never ending search for dental products that can improve the teeth and dental experience for our patients, we are pleased to be able to offer the innovative Invisalign Aligners.

Unlike the braces you've no doubt seen over the years, Invisalign uses no metal wires or bands to straighten your teeth nor does irritate your mouth, and best of all, being clear, most people won't even notice you're in treatment.

Whether your smile needs minor improvements or more extensive adjustments, Invisalign can certainly help. It's successful in treating overly crowded or widely spaced teeth. It can also relieve more complex issues, including overbites, under bites and even cross bites. In fact, Wensleydale Dental Practice, as an Invisalign Certified practice can use Invisalign clear aligners in all or part of just about any treatment plan.

Custom made manufacture to fit your smile

The Invisalign treatment starts with a visit to your dentist, who will examine you and develop a computer model of your treatment. Together with your dentist you can review and agree your treatment before we make you a series of personal aligners. Each aligner is slightly different, moving your teeth  gradually into position. Each aligner is worn for 2 weeks, before moving on to the next one in the series. Treatment length will vary, depending on your case, but the average treatment is twelve to eighteen months. During the treatment you will visit your dentist regularly, until treatment is complete and you can show off your new smile!

One of the main benefits users have mentioned (apart from straighter teeth and a nicer smile) is the fact that the aligners are fully removable, so if you want to remove them at work, at school, with friends or maybe to conduct a meeting, you can. Obviously as Invisalign is clear and nearly invisible, most people will never know you're straightening your teeth - unless you tell them anyway.

Only your dentist can advise whether Invisalign is the best treatment for you. Arrange a consultation today!

We can now offer Inman Aligners!

While a standard brace or Invisalign can take more than two years to create the perfect smile, the new removable spring-loaded Inman Aligner takes between four and 16 weeks to nudge teeth back where they belong.

It is barely visible, apart from a clear bar across the teeth, and it can easily be slipped in and out of the mouth, allowing the wearer to go brace-free for important occasions.

Will the treatment be painful?

Most people experience temporary discomfort for a few days at the beginning of each new stage of treatment. This is normal and is typically described as a feeling of pressure. It is a sign that Invisalign® is working—sequentially moving your teeth to their final destination. This discomfort typically goes away a couple of days after you insert the new aligner in the series.

Will wearing Invisalign aligners affect my speech?

Like all orthodontic treatments, aligners may temporarily affect the speech of some people, and you may have a slight lisp for a day or two. However, as your tongue gets used to having aligners in your mouth, any lisp caused by the aligners should disappear.

Are there restrictions on what I can eat while in treatment?

No. Unlike traditional wires and brackets, you can eat whatever you desire while in treatment because you remove your aligners to eat and drink. Thus, there is no need to restrict your consumption of any of your favorite foods and snacks, unless instructed otherwise by your doctor. Also, it is important that you brush your teeth after each meal and prior to re-inserting your aligners to maintain proper hygiene.

Will smoking stain the aligners?

We discourage smoking while wearing aligners because it is possible for the aligners to become discolored.

Can I chew gum while wearing aligners?

No, gum will stick to the aligners. We recommend removing your aligners for all meals and snacks.

What's the best way to clean my aligners?

The best way to clean your aligners is by brushing and rinsing them in lukewarm water.

How often must I wear my aligners?

For the quickest results aligners should be worn all day, except when eating, brushing and flossing.

How often must I see my Orthodontist?

Your orthodontist / dentist will schedule regular appointments—usually about once every 4-6 weeks. This is the only way your dentist can be sure that the treatment is progressing as planned.

What happens after treatment to prevent my teeth from moving again?

This depends on the outcome of the treatment. Some patients might need a positioner, or conventional retainer. Other patients might need a clear plastic retainer similar to the ones Invisalign makes. Discuss these possibilities when you visit the practice as every patient is different and outcomes vary.