Invisalign has become one of the most popular means of straightening the teeth. It boasts a wide range of benefits and delivers great results. This guide explores what the treatment is like and answers the questions that many patients want answered before they make the decision to get started. Anyone who is unsure about Invisalign cost London, how long these braces need to be worn for, and if they need to make any lifestyle changes during treatment should read on to find out more.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign as a treatment is also referred to as clear or invisible braces, and it is completely different from the usual braces with wires and brackets. It features trays of soft plastic that are totally transparent that are called aligners. These fit over the teeth to create a type of brace that is completely undetectable by others.
Is it expensive?
Anyone who is concerned about Invisalign cost should be assured that this treatment is affordable for most people. Payment plans are usually offered, which allow the patient to spread the cost over time so that they can enjoy all the benefits of getting their teeth straightened in an affordable manner.
Does it take long?
The amount of time that treatment with invisible braces takes very much depends on the individual patient. It is well worth discussing the expected timescale with the dentist before getting started. However, as a rough guide, many patients find that they have the results they want after a matter of months. This compares very favourably with other, more traditional kinds of braces.
Does it hurt?
Getting the teeth straightened with clear braces is one of the most comfortable ways of doing so. The aligners are created to fit the patient on an individual basis and are made of a type of plastic that is very soft and malleable. These two factors combine to make the braces easy to wear.
There is sometimes a degree of discomfort when the patient first gets their aligners, and when they are swapped for a new set (something which takes place every two weeks or so). However, this is often only in the short-term and is usually very manageable with the use of over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen.
Does the patient have to change their eating habits?
One of the great advantages of Invisalign is that the braces are made to be taken out for meals. This means that the patient does not have to change their diet in any way, and can continue to enjoy all their favourite foods as before.
However, they may have to be a little more organised about eating times. Frequent snacking throughout the day (and removing the aligners each time) can result in the braces not being as efficient as they should be. The patient should ideally only take the trays out for a total of 2 hours out of every 24. This might mean exercising a little more self-discipline about when they eat. Most patients find that they quickly establish a new routine without any issues.