It’s a brand that’s been in the public consciousness for many years – but few people fully understand what a powerful treatment option Invisalign is for individuals who want to straighten their teeth quickly, discreetly, and cost-effectively.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about Invisalign, including how it works, how much it costs, and how long a course of Invisalign aligners might take to deliver the results you’re looking for.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign was introduced to the orthodontic market in 1997 by business partners Zia Chishti and Kelsey Wirth. Since then, it has grown in popularity to become the best-known (and, arguably, the most effective) clear aligner system worldwide, boasting a global customer base of more than 17 million people.

Invisalign uses a series of clear, customised aligners to gradually straighten teeth over time. Unlike metal ‘train track’ style braces, Invisalign’s aligners can be removed throughout the day, meaning patients don’t need to refrain from eating and drinking the things they love, and can effortlessly clean all those hard-to-reach areas that are often tricky to get to when teeth are covered by traditional brackets, wires, and ligatures. Invisalign’s trays are also notoriously difficult to spot, making them ideal for those of you who are more self-conscious about your appearance. These unique features make Invisalign aligners suitable for use at any age; they are popular with teens and young adults but can be used to straighten teeth later in life, too.

What is Invisalign made from?

Invisalign products are made from medical grade plastic, meaning they are flexible enough to be comfortable yet won’t crack or warp when placed under pressure. The thermoplastic polymers in these products have been proven to be biocompatible and have passed all regulatory requirements for regular wear. And, according to Invisalign themselves, the company has a ‘long history of FDA approvals for long term use inside the human body’.

What types of dental issues can Invisalign correct?

Invisalign can fix most common dental problems, including misaligned teeth, overcrowding, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites. The Invisalign system can also be used to close any prominent gaps.

You might not be a suitable case for Invisalign if, for example, you have had previous dental work (including dental bridges), or a lot of veneers or crowns. More severe overbites may require different orthodontic procedures. Additionally, if you suffer from gum disease or need fillings, we usually advise that you receive treatment for these issues before starting a course of Invisalign. Your orthodontist will be able to assess your suitability for Invisalign at your initial consultation and address any concerns you may have at this early stage.

How does Invisalign work?

After taking in-depth models of your teeth using advanced scanning software, your Invisalign specialist will order a series of clear aligners that will be designed to apply the right amount of force to the right areas, resulting in gradual yet tangible movement over the course of the next few months.

You will need to wear each aligner for approximately 1-2 weeks, for a minimum of 20 hours a day (22 is ideal). At this stage, your consultant will check your teeth to see if they have moved correctly. If all is well, you can move onto the next tray. If not, you’ll likely need to wear the same retainer for a few more days.

Attachments, or buttons, might be applied to your teeth to help guide their movement. In some cases, you might also need to wear elastics for a set amount of time each day. Your consultant will discuss each treatment element with you, so you know what to expect throughout the process.

Preparing for your Invisalign treatment

As mentioned above, your dentist or orthodontist will carry out a full consultation before you commit to a treatment plan. This consultation gives you a chance to ask your burning questions and allows your provider to collect all the information they need to create an effective programme. Digital impressions and scans will be taken at this appointment before your custom aligners are ordered and you are given a start date. 

How long does the Invisalign process take?

It’s hard to say exactly how long it will take to straighten your teeth with Invisalign, because your treatment time will depend on how much work needs to be done to achieve the results you’re looking for, and how diligently you stick to wearing your aligners day in, day out! As a rough guide, most patients complete their course within 12 to 18 months.

What can affect the work of Invisalign?

Obviously, you’ll need to commit to wearing your aligners for the recommended 20-22 hours per day. This means being conscious of how much time it takes you to eat, and allowing for extra cleaning time in between meals, because it’s important to brush your teeth thoroughly before re-inserting your trays.

Smoking is generally not recommended during Invisalign treatment. Lighting up will only weaken your gums and make staying on top of your oral hygiene more difficult. Smoking with your retainers in will also stain the plastic material yellow, which is not ideal when you want your treatment to be unnoticeable!

What happens when your Invisalign treatment is finished?

Much of the hard work is over once you complete your course of Invisalign – but you will need to wear overnight retainers to keep your brand new smile in position in the longer term. Your orthodontist may recommend fitting a fixed wire to the back of your teeth for enhanced retention. You will also need to attend follow-up appointments so your dentist or orthodontist can monitor your results and tackle any unexpected post-treatment issues head-on.

The pros and cons of Invisalign at a glance:

Invisalign aligners are:

• Virtually invisible
• Completely removable
• Easy to clean and maintain (with the help of special cleaning crystals or tablets)
• A fuss-free alternative to traditional braces
• Designed to achieve quick results

However, when embarking on an Invisalign teeth straightening programme, you need to be aware that:

• You get out what you put in! You will need to be disciplined and stick to your schedule if you want to complete your treatment on time and achieve the best results possible
• Because they are actively moving your teeth, Invisalign aligners can cause a little discomfort, particularly when you put in a new tray for the first time. The pain should subside after a few hours, but if your mouth or teeth are particularly sore, over-the-counter painkillers will help (but are not recommended for long term use)
• You might find that it takes you a few days to get used to having Invisalign aligners in your mouth. But don’t worry, you’ll soon grow accustomed to them – and any changes to your speech should subside within a week
• Invisalign aligners are not indestructible. You will need to handle each tray gently and take extra care when inserting and removing them to avoid damaging the plastic

What’s the cost?

According to recent research, the average cost of a course of Invisalign treatment is just over £3,000 – but the price will vary depending on the complexity of your case and what’s included in your package.

This fee will usually include all consultations, scans and follow-up appointments, the aligners themselves, and monitoring for a set amount of time once the programme is finished. Many companies also offer financing options, so you can spread the cost over several years, if you want to.

Contact Beech Lane Dental to learn more about our Invisalign services in Reading. You can also read about other teeth straightening options here.