Invisalign clear aligners are a worldwide success, used by more than 4 million patients since they were launched onto the dental market in the late 90s. And it’s easy to see why: they are transparent and removable, meaning the treatment fits easily into the patient’s lifestyle. No stares or rude questions about braces treatment from nosey observers, no spending ages picking bits of food out of brackets and wires.
For this reason, in Clapham, Invisalign is especially enjoyed by self-conscious teens, and adults with high-profile jobs. It does take a bit of discipline to remember to clean and re-insert the aligners after each meal, but as long as the patient is willing to take that on, Invisalign in Clapham is a great option for achieving a straighter smile. Many dental practices in the area, such as Clapham South Dental Centre, offer Invisalign, and can talk patients through the 4 steps of the treatment.
Step 1: Consultation
Invisalign in Clapham isn’t suitable for everyone, so first the dentist must check to see if this method works for the patient. The patient can also ask questions and share any concerns they have about treatment at this point.
Step 2: Preparation
If the dentist gives the okay and the patient decides to go ahead with Invisalign in Clapham, next is the examination and preparation for treatment. This involves taking photographs, x-rays and impressions of the teeth. Some dentists use a handheld digital scanner to take a 3D impression of the teeth. The other option is to use dental putty. The dentist uses this information to create a digital treatment plan to send to the Invisalign technicians, who use it to produce the aligners.
Step 3: Treatment
The patient receives their aligners and wears each pair for 7-10 days, until the feeling of pressure wears off. Then it’s time to change for the next set in the series. They continue to do this until they have used all the aligners. This takes 12-18 months, depending on individual circumstances.
Step 4: Aftercare
The Invisalign in Clapham patient will need to wear a retainer once treatment is complete to maintain the teeth in their new positions.