
Invisalign is an incredible new technique, which straightens teeth without the need for old fashioned metal braces or destructive porcelain veneers. We are currently one of only a handful of Dental Practices in the area to offer the service, which uses a series of almost ‘invisible’, custom fit aligners, or removable mouth trays, to straighten teeth without the need for metal brackets or wires.
These aligners are constructed using state-of-the art computer imaging technology, which is the most advanced technique of its kind in the world. The aligners are removable, so patients can drink and eat as normal during the treatment procedure. They are incredibly comfortable, and with no metal or wires, there is less chance of abrasions, or damage being caused to teeth and this means less time spent at the dentists getting adjustments.
The whole process is as quick and easy as can be imagined. Initially, a series of detailed moulds of your mouth are taken by the team at Raynesway, and these models are sent to America where a team of technicians convert them into 3D digital models.
A computerised movie called ClinCheck®is then created, showing the movement of teeth from the beginning to the final position. This means that even before they embark on any treatment, patients can see exactly what their teeth should look like at the end of treatment, and any desired changes implemented before commencing.
Invisalign® uses laser scanning to build a customised series of clear and removable aligners that comfortably and effortlessly move the teeth to the desired position.
When worn, the aligners are virtually undetectable. Each aligner is worn for between two and three weeks, and removed only to drink, eat, brush and floss. Each tray is designed to apply a steady amount of force to the teeth, enabling them to move into place little by little, week by week, until they are straightened to the position prescribed by dentists at Raynesway. Patients usually visit the practice every five to six weeks to ensure treatment is progressing as planned. The total treatment time can range from 10 to 20 months, according to each individual’s treatment plan.
Invisalign is suitable for most adults with relatively minor dental mis-alignments or crowding, and recent advances in technology mean it is becoming more popular with teenagers too!
Where tooth movements required are too complicated for this method, it is frequently possible to mix Invisalign at the front of the mouth with other more conventional orthodontics towards the rear of the mouth, where it is hidden from view!