Adult Orthodontics are more popular than ever thanks to more subtle methods of straightening teeth. When we think of braces, we no longer picture wires and metal brackets. Invisalign revolutionised orthodontics with its clear, removable aligners that are near invisible and very comfortable.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign works through small, gradual movements of the teeth. This is achieved through many different aligners, each to be worn for one week until the last set. Each set of aligners you wear gradually moves your teeth towards their desired position. Treatments can last between 7 weeks and 24 months, but it entirely depends on your own individual treatment.

Why choose Invisalign?
- Comfortable
Everything about Invisalign has been designed with comfort in mind. The accurate and precise impressions promise a secure fit and the careful gum-line trim ensures comfort.
- Discreet
When choosing to have a cosmetic treatment like orthodontics, it makes sense that it should be aesthetically pleasing. Invisalign appliances are made from a clear plastic that is durable and hardly noticeable when worn.
- Removable
Because Invisalign is removable, you can eat and drink the same foods you did before. You simply take them out when you eat, clean your teeth and then pop them back on.
- Minimally invasive
Invisalign is a gradual and gentle treatment. You barely feel anything as it works through applying small amounts of force on the teeth that need to be straightened.
- Innovative
Invisalign uses cutting edge technology in every step of its creation – from the 3D scanning used to capture accurate impressions of your teeth to the SmartTrack material specially engineered to straighten teeth with maximum comfort.

What is involved in having Invisalign treatment?
We first start by carrying out an assessment of your oral health. We’ll then take impressions of your mouth. These are used to create models of your teeth. The models are sent to the lab where they are digitally scanned so they can produce your custom-made aligners.
During your fitting, we make sure the fit is perfect and talk through how your treatment will work. We’ll explain when to move onto the next set of aligners and how to keep your mouth as healthy as possible during your treatment.
The length of the treatment depends on your individual case. If your teeth are expected to cover a lot of movement, more aligners will be needed and so lengthen your treatment. During your first appointment, we will be able to give you an estimate of your treatment length. Every mouth is different, and some patients tend to find that their teeth move more slowly.
At the end of the treatment, we will take impressions of your newly straightened teeth. These are used to create your retainer. Teeth have a habit of moving out of position and it’s necessary to have a retainer to prevent losing all that hard work. Retainers can be either fixed or removable.

Frequently Asked Question
The length of your Invisalign treatment depends on the complexity of your case, and how far your teeth need to move. Most cases last from 9-18 months, but your treatment may take a shorter or longer time. We will give you an idea of your expected timescale at your initial consultation.
You may find your speech is slightly different initially, as you get used to the feel of the Invisalign aligners in your mouth. However, this will soon improve and return to normal, allowing you to speak clearly and confidently once more.
If you lose one of your aligners, please contact us as soon as possible for further advice. In the meantime, you can wear an aligner from your previous set to prevent your teeth from moving too far out of line. We may also advise that you move straight onto your next set of aligners, depending on your individual case.
You need to wear your aligners for around 22 hours a day for your treatment to be most effective. You can take them out for eating, drinking, brushing your teeth and playing contact sports.
At the end of treatment, we provide you with retainers to support your teeth as they settle and firm up in their new position. You may be advised that this support should be continued at a lower level on a longer-term basis. If you don’t wear your retainers as instructed your teeth might not stay straight. No one regardless of technique can give absolute guarantees that teeth will stay exactly as they are after treatment, but treatments are undertaken on the basis that a worthwhile long-term improvement should be possible.
Unfortunately, Invisalign is generally not covered by the NHS. It is considered a cosmetic treatment, and the NHS primarily provides coverage for essential and medically necessary dental treatments. However, it’s always advisable to check with your local NHS dental service or dentist for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding coverage options. They can provide specific details based on your individual circumstances. If you’re interested in Invisalign, you may want to explore private dental options for more personalised treatment plans.
Invisalign offers several advantages, such as being virtually invisible, removable for easy cleaning, and often causing less discomfort than traditional braces. It’s a great option for those seeking a discreet orthodontic treatment. However, drawbacks include the need for strict compliance with wearing the aligners, the potential for higher costs compared to traditional braces, and it may not be suitable for severe orthodontic issues. Consult with your dentist or orthodontist to determine if Invisalign is the right choice for your specific needs and lifestyle.