If you’ve been thinking about straightening your teeth but don’t like the idea of traditional braces, you may have heard of Invisalign. It’s a treatment that uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gently move your teeth into a better position over time. The appeal is often in the subtlety — no metal brackets, no fixed wires — but there’s more to it than that.
Invisalign is just one of a many treatments offered at Crook Log Dental Practice, here in Bexleyheath, to resolve both cosmetic and functional issues. In this blog, we’ll take a closer, honest look at how Invisalign works, what it involves, and who it might be suitable for.
Invisalign is a type of orthodontic treatment that uses custom-made clear plastic aligners instead of fixed braces. Each set of aligners is slightly different from the last, and you change them every one to two weeks as your teeth gradually shift. The aligners are designed using digital scans of your mouth, so they fit closely and are made to follow a plan tailored to your individual case.
You’ll usually wear them for around 22 hours a day, taking them out only for eating, drinking (anything other than water), and cleaning your teeth. Our Dental team will ensure you have all the necessary information, prior to commencing your Invisalign journey.
Not necessarily. Our Dentists in Bexleyheath, will often advise that Invisalign may be a good option for mild to moderate crowding, spacing, or bite issues. Cases involving more complex movement, such as significant rotation or vertical changes, might still be better treated with fixed braces. Our very own Dr Semina Younis is available to advise on and treat some of the more complex alignment issues.
The technology behind clear aligners has developed a lot in recent years, and more types of cases may now be suitable than in the past. Your dentist or orthodontist will need to assess your teeth and bite to decide whether this kind of treatment is likely to work well for you.
One of our practice Principals Dr Baber Khan added ‘The results Crook Log Dental Practice have achieved with Invisalign have been amazing, the confidence boost it gives to patients, is so satisfying. We have used Invisalign to improve alignment for Oral Health reasons too, this allows for easier cleaning and reduced food packing, which helps lower the risk of decay…”
One of the main advantages is flexibility. Because the aligners are removable, you can take them out when eating or brushing, which means no restrictions on food and easier oral hygiene compared to fixed braces.
But there’s a bit of discipline involved too. For the treatment to work effectively, the aligners need to be worn consistently. Taking them out too often, or forgetting to put them back in, may slow things down or affect the final outcome. Our Bexleyheath team will be on-hand throughout your treatment to advise on how best to care for your aligners.
Some people notice a slight lisp when they first start wearing aligners, but this often fades within a few days as your mouth adjusts. There may also be some pressure or tenderness when switching to a new set. That’s generally a sign that the aligners are doing their job, though it should settle quite quickly.
This really depends on your individual case. Some treatments are finished in a matter of months, particularly for minor adjustments. Others may take a year or more. Your dentist will be able to give you a clearer idea after examining your teeth and reviewing your goals.
Keep in mind that treatment doesn’t end the moment the last aligner comes out. Like all orthodontic work, it usually requires retainers afterwards to help keep your teeth in their new position.
Not entirely, but it is discreet. The aligners are clear and closely fitted to your teeth, so they’re far less noticeable than traditional braces. People may not notice you’re wearing them unless they’re standing quite close. Still, they’re not completely invisible, especially if you look closely or if the aligners have attachments.
Attachments are small, tooth-coloured shapes that may be placed on your teeth to help the aligners grip and move them more effectively. Not every case requires them, but they are a common part of treatment and can make a difference in certain tooth movements.
Invisalign isn’t a quick fix, and it does take commitment. Wearing the aligners as instructed, keeping up with appointments, and being realistic about what can be achieved are all part of the process. Cost is also something to think about. Invisalign treatment is usually provided privately, and prices vary depending on complexity and duration. Many practices offer payment plans, but it’s always best to ask for clear information up front.
Invisalign can be a good option for people looking to straighten their teeth without fixed braces. It’s discreet, removable, and planned using detailed scans and software. That said, it’s not the right choice for every case, and successful results rely on wearing the aligners as directed.
If you’re considering Invisalign, it’s worth having a conversation with your dentist. They can assess your needs, explain the process clearly, and help you decide whether it’s the right step for you.
We have EXTENDED our exclusive Invialign Open Day Offer, giving you further opportunity to save over £1000! This offer is now available until the end of July 2025.
There’s no pressure to commit. Just a chance to find out what might work best for your smile, in a way that suits your lifestyle.
Call today on 0208 303 3838 to find out more or contact us via our website https://www.crooklogdentalpractice.co.uk/contact-us/
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