What to expect from Invisalign in Golders Green

Here at The Garden Dental Practice, we offer a wide range of options when it comes to having teeth straightened. One of the most popular of these is Invisalign. Because there is lots of choice when it comes to this kind of treatment, it can be hard to know which is the right one. This is a guide on what our patients can expect if they decide to go for Invisalign Golders Green.

What is Invisalign Golders Green?

Invisalign Golders Green offers our patients the opportunity to get the smile they want without having to opt for the more conspicuous traditionally styled braces that are usually associated with orthodontic treatment. It is the trade name for one type of invisible brace. The braces come in the form of trays of very soft plastic that are completely transparent. These trays are also known as aligners and are worn over the teeth.

The consultation

For the patient who is considering treatment with clear aligners, the first step is to book a consultation with us. We can examine the teeth and gums to ensure that the patient is a good fit for this kind of treatment. Most types of misalignment can be corrected using invisible braces, but it is important that this is ascertained on an individual basis.

We will also check that the patient has healthy gums, as this is an important prerequisite for treatment. If this is not the case, and the patient has the beginnings of gum disease, for example, then this does not necessarily mean that they can’t get clear braces. We will treat the gums to ensure that they are returned to a healthy state before getting started with Invisalign.

First impressions

When the patient is ready to go ahead with starting the process of getting invisible braces, we will take impressions of the teeth. This allows us to tailor the aligners to fit the teeth of our patient on an individual basis, allowing them to be most effective.

Getting the braces

When the first aligner trays are ready, we help to fit them and talk to the patient about how to care for them and their teeth during the treatment process. The patient will be advised to remove the trays when eating, which can be greatly beneficial as it means that there are no limits on the kinds of foods that can be enjoyed during the time that they are getting their teeth straightened.

It is important that the teeth are thoroughly cleaned after each meal before putting the trays back in. If this is not done, then bits of food can become trapped between the braces and the teeth causing decay and staining.

The braces should be worn for the majority of every 24-hour period, ideally around 22 hours if the patient wants to achieve the best possible results.

Changing trays and maintaining results

The aligners are changed every few weeks, with each set helping to gently move the teeth into the optimum position. When the treatment is complete, most patients are advised to wear a retainer at night. This helps to keep the teeth in the best position and ensure that they continue to enjoy the smile they have always wanted.