Curious to learn more about invisible braces? Common Invisalign FAQs answered

When you are looking for a way to straighten your teeth as an adult, you may think that the only option open to you is a metal or orthodontic brace.

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Luckily as orthodontic technologies have advanced, braces and aligners have been designed to be more visually discrete, thus making them more appealing to adults and teenagers. And of course, as 3-D printing technologies have advanced, these once expensive aligners have dropped in price and are more affordable for everyday people.

At Bromley Dental, we are proud to be able to offer our patients invisible aligners. One of our more popular aligners is Invisalign in Bromley, which as the name suggests, is invisible and able to move your teeth with the precision and speed of a regular brace. Perfect!

Have some questions about Invisalign in Bromley? Read on for the answers to common FAQs.

How does the aligner work?

Invisalign in Bromley works via its custom-fitted design and in part due to its material.

As part of the fitting, our team will take a scan of your teeth and with computer software, we will plan how your teeth will move.

And so, when the aligner is in your mouth, its shape and flexible but firm material push your teeth into the desired position without the need for wires or tightening.

Are there food restrictions?

No there aren’t!

As you can remove this aligner to eat food, you won’t need to avoid foods like corn on the cob and can continue to eat a healthy diet. Just make sure that once you have finished eating before you put the aligners back into your mouth that you give your teeth a quick scrub with a toothbrush to remove any debris.

Can I take them out whenever I want?

Technically, you can but we will usually advise against it.

For an invisible aligner to be effective, you need to wear it for 22 hours per day and while you can take them out to eat, you will need to put them back in afterwards.

Failure to do so can result in a longer treatment time and potential reversion of your teeth to their former positions. So, keep the aligners in your mouth for the time spans set down by our team!

How long will I need to wear them?

To see a change in your smile, per day you will need to wear them for at least 22 hours.

However, the length of your treatment can only be determined by our team following an assessment and will vary based on the severity of your misalignment. Get in touch for more information about personalised time frames.

How do I keep them clean and functional?

Just rinse them daily under a cold tap and gently brush any debris away with a toothbrush. Do not use hot water, as it can cause the plastic to warp. To keep your aligners in good shape, keep them in the carry case supplied when they are not in your mouth.

Bromley Dental Practice

Zaki graduated from University of Bristol 1999 and has practiced in Kent since then. He is passionate about dentistry and providing the highest standard of care for patients, at the same time, he keeps himself at the cutting edge of modern dental techniques.

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Just got Invisalign and finding it difficult? 5 survival tips from Bromley Dental

Are you fed up with having misaligned teeth, but don’t want the hassle of a regular brace?

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While clear and invisible aligners now rule the adult orthodontic market and there are plenty of articles available to help new users adapt to wearing them. After all, any new appliance will require some getting used to. In order to ensure that you stick with the prescribed regime and to get the best results, we can offer some advice.

At Bromley Dental, we are proud to be able to offer our patients Invisalign in Bromley. A remarkable aligner that can straighten your teeth with discretion, it is the orthodontic appliance of choice for many teenagers and adults alike, but that doesn’t mean you won’t need to adapt to it!

What are some of our tips for getting the most out of Invisalign in Bromley? Read on to find out!

Dental wax

Firstly, when you first begin wearing Invisalign in Bromley, the durable plastic is going to feel sharp in your mouth, especially against your inner cheeks and tongue.

While this will subside eventually, it may be worth asking our team for some dental wax to place on the sharp spots. Dental wax acts as a cushion and will protect your softer areas against the rubbing of the hard metal.

Travel toothbrush

As mentioned, invisible aligners are removable and we advise that you take them out when you eat. But, in order to prevent food debris and bacteria from being pressed against your teeth (which can lead to decay and gum disease), we recommend purchasing a travel toothbrush, to give your teeth a quick scrub before putting the aligners back into your mouth.

Carry cases

All removable aligners come with carry cases and we advise you to use them.

The cases will prevent the aligners from becoming damaged, stained or even lost, so when they aren’t in your mouth, make sure they are in your case.

Timing

Aligners should be worn for 22 hours a day, so keep an eye on the time when you take them out to see the most benefit. This will involve living by the clock and, although most people have smartphones, it is worth setting timers or alarms to ensure the aligners get the required time in your mouth. Failure to adhere to the time limits set down by our team may result in your orthodontic realignment taking longer, or even a relapsing of the teeth to their former positions.

Pain relief

Many users of invisible braces are surprised by how tight they feel when they are put in. As we know, this tightness is required for them to be effective but it can be uncomfortable during those first few days when you wear each new aligner.

To ensure you are able to manage the pressure, invest in some over the counter pain relief, such as ibuprofen. Of course, if you are concerned about the level of discomfort you are experiencing, talk to our team promptly.

Bromley Dental Practice

Zaki graduated from University of Bristol 1999 and has practiced in Kent since then. He is passionate about dentistry and providing the highest standard of care for patients, at the same time, he keeps himself at the cutting edge of modern dental techniques.

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A beautiful smile with Invisalign in Bromley

If you’re looking to perfect your smile or even some more serious malocclusion issues that you might have with your bite, then using a teeth straightening device such as Invisalign in Bromley is perhaps the most convenient solution for teenagers and adults alike.

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This clear, plastic aligner simply fits over teeth and is worn for at least 22 hours each day for a number of weeks, before you change it to the next aligner which will be a slight adjustment from the previous one. Over the course of several months, your teeth will be gently pushed into their correct alignment and you can begin to enjoy that beautiful smile that you have always dreamed of having.

It is important to understand the advantages and any potential pitfalls that you might experience should you choose this treatment option to straighten your teeth, so by examining some of the features of Invisalign in Bromley and discussing your situation with your dentist, you will be able to make a more informed choice regarding your health and your lifestyle choices.

Many working adults find that wearing traditional braces can have a severe impact on their self- esteem and professional outlook. There may be some bias within the community where in some roles professionals need to look their best, but in many cases the biggest issue lies in a person’s self-esteem.

For someone to feel confident throughout their teeth-straightening journey, their device needs to be discreet and convenient. Invisalign in Bromley provides both of these features and as such, is a popular option for most.

Why is this treatment so convenient?

Having clear aligners works for you in many ways. There are no restrictions as to what you are allowed to eat because you simply remove them during meal times. It is important to brush and floss your teeth before you replace them to ensure a healthy smile, but you are free to do this as often as you wish to, whilst ensuring that you keep wearing your aligners for the prescribed 22 hours each day.

Rather than needing to visit your dentist every few weeks for an adjustment, you can set up an agreement with your oral healthcare professional that ensures this treatment plan works for you. We can monitor your progress remotely and you can simply pick up any new aligners that you need in bulk, allowing you more free time for yourself.

We are available for you whenever you need any questions answered and to alleviate any concerns that you might have and we do suggest that you make an appointment with us every few months, so that we can be sure that the treatment process is going as planned.

At the end of your treatment, expect to wear a retainer for some time, this will hold your newly aligned teeth in place. Your ligaments need to relax into this position otherwise they will snap back and your investment in time and money may unfortunately be lost.

Your dentist will talk you through your expected treatment plan and subsequent time frame when you begin your teeth-straightening experience.

Bromley Dental Practice

Zaki graduated from University of Bristol 1999 and has practiced in Kent since then. He is passionate about dentistry and providing the highest standard of care for patients, at the same time, he keeps himself at the cutting edge of modern dental techniques.

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How can Invisalign improve the smile?

Many people have heard of Invisalign, but what is it and how can it benefit a smile and its general appearance? It’s a relatively new treatment, often touted as a great alternative to fixed braces. Both Invisalign and fixed braces are fitted with the same goal of straighter and uniform teeth. For those considering Invisalign in Bromley, we can advise on how this treatment may be of benefit in helping patients to achieve the goal of an improved smile; and on the suitability of this treatment for patients on an individual basis.

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What is Invisalign?

This is a form of dental treatment that involves correcting crooked or uneven teeth to allow the patient to achieve a more uniform smile. Invisalign is based on the use of aligners which are made of soft transparent plastic. Because the aligners are clear, they are barely detectable when worn. This makes them a popular choice for those who wish to be discrete about the fact that they are having orthodontic treatment.

How do the aligners work?

If aligners are determined to be the most suitable form of treatment, we create clear plastic moulds that are perfectly shaped to fit the teeth of the individual patient. These are worn for most of the day, and should only be removed during meal times. The aligners create a gradual shift of the position of the teeth over time, which is facilitated by changing the mould every couple of weeks or so. In order for the treatment to be effective, the moulds must be worn for the majority of every 24-hour time period.

Do they hurt?

Because the position of the teeth is being altered, patients can expect to experience mild discomfort. This is especially true after the fitting of a new set of aligners. However, this usually resolves itself after a few days. Patients who have any concerns about this should talk to us here at Bromley Dental Practice, where we are happy to allay any worries and offer reassurance and advice on how to achieve the best possible outcome from treatment.

Is Invisalign suitable for everyone?

Orthodontic treatment using aligners is not necessarily the best option for every patient. There are a variety of factors that determine whether or not this is the most suitable treatment for the individual. The position of the teeth, the degree of unevenness, the condition of the teeth and gums, and the patient’s age are all used to help us decide on whether this solution or an alternative is best suited to the needs of the patient. Another important factor is whether or not the patient is committed to wearing the aligners for as much time as possible each day. If that is something that may be an issue, it might be worth exploring other alternatives.

How to get started in the process for a better smile

Here at Bromley Dental Practice, we offer all the support and information the patient might need to improve their smile. Make an appointment for a consultation with us to find out how Invisalign or any of our other treatments can help. We’ll be happy to explore all the options.

Bromley Dental Practice

Zaki graduated from University of Bristol 1999 and has practiced in Kent since then. He is passionate about dentistry and providing the highest standard of care for patients, at the same time, he keeps himself at the cutting edge of modern dental techniques.

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How does Invisalign differ from conventional braces?

It is only natural to want to feel confident about your smile for which straight and healthy teeth are essential factors. Orthodontics is the branch of dental care that is dedicated to correcting teeth issues through the use of dental devices to move teeth and jaws into better alignment so that they look and function better.

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Invisalign in Bromley has joined the bouquet of orthodontic tools available to dental practitioners and offers a more modern approach to straightening teeth. Many patients have caught onto the wonderful efficiency and convenience of Invisalign in Bromley and we at Bromley Dental Practice have never been more excited about helping patients to achieve better-looking smiles.

Patients will find that Invisalign in Bromley is a particular orthodontic alternative treatment solution that offers patients more reasons to smile.

What differentiates Invisalign from traditional braces?

Device construction

In the past patients were used to metal braces that consisted of wires and brackets that were permanently (for the duration of treatment) attached to teeth. Instead of wearing this highly visible metal device, patients on the Invisalign treatment plan get to wear aligner-like trays that are inserted onto teeth.

These aligner trays are made from medical grade, transparent plastic. Our dental practitioner will determine how many trays are required for the treatment to produce desired results and patients will then have to make sure they wear the trays as instructed by our dental practitioner.

How the aligners work

On the traditional braces treatment plan, a dentist is required to manually adjust the braces periodically to shift teeth. This is no longer required using the clear aligner system. The aligners are made from intuitive dental material. Each aligner is custom made to fit each patient, and each change in aligner gradually and comfortably moves teeth into the desired position.

What many patients find most remarkable about the aligner system is that they are easily removable. Thanks to this outstanding feature, patients no longer have to make personal sacrifices when receiving orthodontic treatment. Patients will find that:

There are no food restrictions as aligners are removed at mealtimes.

Oral hygiene is made easier as brushing and flossing can be done as normal. The aligners are cleaned separately using a dentist-approved product.

Seeing that the aligners are made of clear plastic material, they are barely distinguishable by others when worn.

The aligners are relatively more comfortable to wear as there are no metal parts poking into gums and cheeks.

A number of orthodontic issues can be resolved using the aligners from crooked teeth to malocclusions.

While there are many advantages to the aligners being removable, it is in the patient’s own interest to ensure that these are worn as instructed for a minimum of 20 to 22 hours a day.

While most patients know that straightening crooked teeth is effective in improving the look of smiles, there are lesser-known benefits to appreciate too. Correctly aligned teeth reduce the stress placed on teeth due to excessive wear and tear and contributes to improved overall health. Why not contact us at Bromley Dental Practice for high-quality orthodontics and exceptional dental care.

Bromley Dental Practice

Zaki graduated from University of Bristol 1999 and has practiced in Kent since then. He is passionate about dentistry and providing the highest standard of care for patients, at the same time, he keeps himself at the cutting edge of modern dental techniques.

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Why choose Invisalign to create the smile you want

The availability of Invisalign in Bromley has meant that the orthodontics market is no longer a one-horse race. Patients can resolve their less-than-perfect smile issues without the commonplace challenges associated with traditional orthodontic devices: food restrictions, difficulties in keeping teeth and gums clean, discomfort and braces becoming damaged or breaking.

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What makes Invisalign in Bromley the definitive orthodontic treatment

Addressing a range of tooth issues

A contributing factor to the increasing popularity of Invisalign in Bromley is the fact that this orthodontic solution can be used to treat a variety of orthodontic issues such as gaps between teeth, overcrowding or misaligned jaws. Custom-made plastic (made from medical grade technologically-advanced material) aligner trays work to move teeth over the duration of treatment into the desired symmetrically-aligned position.

Food restrictions are avoided

Many patients may be put off orthodontic treatment due to the restrictions on food consumption imposed by traditional braces. This is no longer the case as Invisalign trays are designed to be easily removable by the patient when appropriate – dental practitioners recommend that the aligner trays only be removed to eat and drink as well as when brushing and flossing. This massive plus point opens the way for patients to continue to consume the foods they have always enjoyed.

Spend less time in the dentist’s chair

An Invisalign treatment plan can help keep you out of the dentist’s chair in two important ways. Firstly, as the aligner trays are designed to reposition the teeth without manual adjustments being made by a dental practitioner, patients avoid the need for numerous dental appointments.

Secondly, by straightening the teeth, patients will find them easier to brush and floss. With improved dental hygiene, there is less chance of developing dental issues such as cavities, decayed teeth and poor gum health – all of which will require more dental visits and unwanted added expense to treat. This doesn’t mean that patients should overlook their regular professional dental check-ups as this is the only sure way to keep dental health current and enjoy long-lasting results from orthodontic treatment.

No metal wires and brackets mean aligner trays are more discreet

Whether a teenager or adult, patients want to avoid the stigma attached to wearing conventional braces. Made from clear plastic material, these aligner trays are hard to notice when placed on teeth – making them an ideal option for those who don’t want to announce their orthodontic treatment to all and sundry.

We cannot overemphasize the fact that in order for the treatment to work effectively and produce results, they should be worn as instructed by the supervising dental practitioner – most often we require patients to wear the trays for at least 20 to 22 hours a day.

Rethink your approach to teeth straightening with modern orthodontic options available at Bromley Dental Practice. During a consultation with one of our highly experienced dental practitioners, we will talk you through your suitability for Invisalign as well as the benefits patients on this orthodontic plan enjoy.

Bromley Dental Practice

Zaki graduated from University of Bristol 1999 and has practiced in Kent since then. He is passionate about dentistry and providing the highest standard of care for patients, at the same time, he keeps himself at the cutting edge of modern dental techniques.

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Invisalign in Bromley and what comes after

Invisalign in Bromley is a state of the art orthodontic treatment that has many people secretly undergoing treatment before your eyes without you even knowing it and you too can enjoy the many benefits that this discrete treatment has to offer. But what comes after orthodontics? What happens when your teeth are straight? Is it enough or is there an extra mile you can go to get that perfect smile? At Bromley Dental Practice we understand that some people may have worn down and chipped teeth as well as teeth that may need to be straightened. Some people may have yellowed or stained teeth that are keeping them from enjoying the full potential of their new straight smile which is why we offer cosmetic treatment post orthodontics in order to help you gain the full advantage of a perfect smile.

About Invisalign

This is an orthodontic treatment that uses removable clear aligners to straighten your teeth by applying slight pressure that pushes them into place. The treatment itself is just about invisible and can be controlled from the comfort of your own home. Changing these aligners weekly does not need to be overseen by a dentist and because they are removable you can enjoy all the foods you always have and ensure that your teeth are properly cleaned each day; clear aligners do not affect your lifestyle.

Post orthodontic treatments

Correcting crooked teeth with Invisalign in Bromley is a great start to getting that perfect smile, but a perfect smile is more than just straight teeth. People often want them to be bright and white as well and to have any imperfections covered up.

Whitening treatments – A whitening treatment is a perfect way to finish off the orthodontic treatment. Once your aligners have done their work and before you get anything else done to your teeth we advise that you whiten them. Not only to finish off that lovely Hollywood smile but also to set the standard of the colour of any composite bonding or veneers you may need.

Composite bonding – this helps correct the shape of the tooth should you have small chips or uneven wear. Through composite bonding we are able to reconstruct your teeth to fix minor imperfections without the need for veneers. A composite bonding material will be matched to the shade of your teeth and is later hardened with a special light to make it strong and long lasting.

Veneers – Veneers are porcelain coverings that can hide a multitude of issues with your teeth from large chips to unsightly stains. Veneers can be custom created to cover a tooth or multiple teeth that need to be hidden for whatever reason. Once you have finished a treatment of Invisalign in Bromley we can hide any other imperfections with this treatment. White fillings – If you have any old amalgam fillings in your teeth, chances are they are pretty visible, especially when you laugh. We can remove those old metal fillings and replace them with tooth coloured ones to improve the look of your teeth.

Bromley Dental Practice

Zaki graduated from University of Bristol 1999 and has practiced in Kent since then. He is passionate about dentistry and providing the highest standard of care for patients, at the same time, he keeps himself at the cutting edge of modern dental techniques.

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Smile makeovers start with Invisalign in Bromley

Invisalign in Bromley has helped thousands of patients get the beautiful smile they’ve always dreamed of, it’s taken gapped teeth and pushed them together, realigned crooked and overcrowded smiles and fixed malocclusions time and again. However this is not all that Bromley Dental practice has to offer, a full smile makeover can begin with this orthodontic treatment but we can take it so much further than that.

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What is Invisalign?

Invisalign in Bromley is a revolutionary orthodontic treatment that uses custom clear aligners to gently push the teeth into place over time. Depending on each person’s initial problems the process can take as little 7 -14 weeks or up to 9 months. Each person is different so each treatment is customised.

How does it work?

After determining that you are a good candidate for a smile makeover that starts with Invisalign in Bromley, we will perform a painless 3D imaging scan of your teeth. This scan relays information to a computer which then creates a 3D digital model of your mouth and can create a simulation for how your teeth will move over time which lets you see the results before treatment even begins.

If you are happy with what we can expect your teeth to look like then you give us the go-ahead and we send that information over to a lab which creates your custom clear aligners. Once we have received your sets of aligners we will teach you how to wear them when to take them out and for how long as well as how regularly you need to change them. After that, the treatment is in your own hands.

The beauty of these aligners is that they are invisible and no one will see you are even wearing anything. They are also removable which makes eating your favourite foods really easy and cleaning your teeth as normal as always.

After invisalign

Whitening – once you have the straight smile you always wanted it’s time to whiten and brighten, our inhouse whitening treatment will make your teeth a few shades whiter in just one session. We will expose all your teeth with a device that holds your lips open and then paint a special bleach onto each one, we then expose the bleached teeth to a special light with causes them to lighten.

Bonding – this step is needed if you have any chips in your teeth, we can apply composite bonding material to your chipped tooth and then sculpt it into the right shape in order to make your tooth whole again. Once you are satisfied with the look and have ensured we chose the right coloured material to match your new teeth, we will harden the substance with a special light making your chipped teeth brand new again.

Retainer – part of the Invisalign treatment is maintenance; your teeth are always going to want to go back to their old positions so you will be provided with a retainer to wear at night in order to keep your teeth in their new lovely straight position.

Bromley Dental Practice

Zaki graduated from University of Bristol 1999 and has practiced in Kent since then. He is passionate about dentistry and providing the highest standard of care for patients, at the same time, he keeps himself at the cutting edge of modern dental techniques.

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Closing gaps with Invisalign in Bromley

While there are a number of options out there for orthodontic care and cosmetic treatments that help the appearance of your smile, if you are looking for a safe and non-invasive solution to close the gaps between your teeth then Invisalign in Bromley may be able to help you. We at Bromley Dental practice know how self-conscious people can be about their teeth and gaps can make you look older and open you up to infection, which is why an invisible, non-surgical solution is a better option to unsightly traditional braces.

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Diastema or gaps in the teeth

This condition refers to gaps in the teeth and can form anywhere in the mouth but is most often seen in the front teeth, particularly between the top two front teeth. It is difficult to pinpoint a cause but often it is due to someone’s teeth being too small for their jaw bone, so spaces grow between them. This is normally a hereditary issue, with the same gaps seen in parents as well as their children. It can also be caused by an overgrowth of gum tissue between the teeth, in which case a laser can be used to first trim away this tissue before you undertake orthodontic treatment.

In the past, braces were used to pull the teeth into the correct position so that they fit snugly next to one another, but this takes a long time and doesn’t look very appealing, especially for adults. With the invention of Invisalign in Bromley, we are able to gently push your teeth into position over a shorter period of time than it takes with traditional braces and achieves the same result.

Invisalign

This treatment can take less than 4 months to close small gaps in your teeth, for more complicated cases of crowding and misalignment it may take longer, depending on the individual. One thing is guaranteed, it is almost completely invisible. No one will see that you have an aligner in your mouth as it is completely clear and clips perfectly onto your teeth. But how is this achieved if each person is different?

The secret lies in the innovative 3D scanning technology that analyses your teeth and creates a 3D model of them on a computer, which means no gooey molds. The computer then creates a simulation of how your teeth are expected to move over time and is able to 3D print the aligners to custom fit you at each point in your treatment time in order to shift your teeth in exactly the right way to close the gap. Invisalign in Bromley can transform your smile and close the gaps which are making you feel self-conscious in order to give you the healthy teeth you’ve been wanting. Clear aligners are becoming the preferred choice for orthodontics the world over as they cost less and take less time than traditional braces.

Bromley Dental Practice

Zaki graduated from University of Bristol 1999 and has practiced in Kent since then. He is passionate about dentistry and providing the highest standard of care for patients, at the same time, he keeps himself at the cutting edge of modern dental techniques.

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