Top 5 Questions About Invisalign Answered by Hounslow's Orthodontic Experts

Gone are the days when orthodontic treatment was limited to teenagers. We’re now seeing an increase in the number of adults seeking treatment. If you’re curious about how Invisalign could help you, it’s likely that you have a lot of questions. To help answer these, we’ve sought the help of Hounslow’s orthodontic experts at Armytage Dental to address some of the most common questions.

1. How does Invisalign work?

Invisalign aligners look like a retainer you might wear at the end of orthodontic treatment. Instead of fitting your teeth perfectly, they are designed to apply pressure to your teeth and gradually move them into the correct alignment. Instead of visiting the dentist for adjustments, you move through a series of aligners at home. As you move through the case of aligners, your teeth will get closer and closer to perfect alignment.

2. Is there an age limit for Invisalign?

No, there is no upper age limit for Invisalign. This means you can straighten your teeth at any age, provided you have good overall oral health. The most important thing is that your teeth and gums are healthy enough to undergo orthodontic treatment.

3. Can Invisalign fix complex cases?

Yes, Invisalign can be used for a wide range of cases, including complex cases related to the alignment of your jaw. To help your clear aligners get a better grip on stubborn teeth, your dentist might use attachments, which are small bits of resin applied directly to the surface of your teeth. These are removed after treatment and won’t leave any lasting residue. They help the aligners to get a better grip on the surface of the tooth so the aligner is more effective.

4. How long does Invisalign treatment take?

This all depends on your individual case and is determined by a number of factors. For example, do you want to straighten both arches or just one arch? Another factor to consider will be whether you want to straighten all of your teeth or whether you just want to focus on the top 6 teeth that are most visible when you smile.

In general, treatment could take as little as 6 months, but in more complex or comprehensive cases, it could take up to 2 years. Your dentist can tell you more about treatment times during your initial consultation. Just remember that these are always just estimates, as a lot can change during the treatment plan that could mean that it takes longer.

5. Does Invisalign hurt?

No, Invisalign shouldn’t hurt. You might experience some discomfort at the start of your treatment as you get used to wearing your aligners. The sensation of having pressure applied to your teeth continuously can be very strange, and some people find it uncomfortable. However, orthodontic treatment should not hurt.

The times that will be most uncomfortable will be at the very start of your treatment and when you move to a new aligner in your case. Thankfully, you can remove your aligners to eat and brush your teeth, which can offer some relief from the pressure on your teeth.

It’s just very important that you make sure you wear your aligners for at least 20 hours per day. If you fail to meet this target, you might find treatment is more uncomfortable, as your teeth won’t be ready for the next aligner change.

Ready to explore Invisalign with our team? Get in touch to book your consultation today to find out if you could be a suitable candidate.