Orthodontic Correction with Invisalign in Sutton Coldfield

Popular braces for adults and teens from The Family Smile Clinic

Invisalign adult braces, which are available from our Sutton Coldfield dental practice, have been a real game changer when it comes to the process of straightening a patient’s teeth. Whilst braces have been around for many years, they have not been without their issues. The two key problems have been the way that they look when they are worn and the fact that with the use of wires and brackets, it was very difficult to keep the teeth clean, often resulting in decay. With Invisalign braces though, both of these issues are greatly reduced if not eliminated altogether.

Instead of the use of wires and brackets, Invisalign braces are produced in a series of ‘trays’ which fit directly over the teeth. These are designed from x rays and digital impressions and are made specific to each individual patient. Whilst not suitable for all orthodontic problems, they are suitable for use in cases such as crowded teeth, overbite, crossbite and underbite in particular. A consultation with us will reveal whether Invisalign braces are the correct ones for your own individual case or whether others that we provide such as the Social 6, the Six Month Smile or Inman aligners are more suitable.

The Process

After an initial consultation, if Invisalign braces are deemed to be suitable for your own orthodontic problem, then x-rays and imaging of your teeth will take place which will then be studied to create the trays that will fit over your teeth.  These are made from a high quality medical grade plastic that is transparent and extremely difficult to detect when being worn – unless the other person has a really close look of course! Rather that one tray though, these are made in a series with each one of them acting to move the misaligned teeth into a new position. When this has been achieved, the next one is placed in order to continue the process and so on until the teeth are correctly positioned. These changes are made approximately every two to three weeks but it depends on the individual case.

Maintenance of Invisalign Braces

Unlike standard braces, Invisalign braces are changed by the wearer and to the prescribed schedule without the need to visit the orthodontist at our practice each time. However, you will be still be required to visit periodically to ensure that all is working as it should do. This leaves much more free time for yourself and family without the need for lots of visits to the dentist.

Advantages of Invisalign

As well as being almost invisible to the casual observer, our bespoke designed Invisalign braces are much more comfortable to wear than standard braces as they simply fit over the teeth and with no wires to irritate. The braces also make cleaning of the teeth much easier. Whilst traditional braces have to be carefully cleaned, Invisalign braces are simply removed to clean the teeth and then replaced afterwards. In fact, they should also be removed when eating, although it is important to remember to clean the teeth before replacing them to avoid food from becoming trapped.

How Long Should I wear Them For?

Although designed to be removed for cleaning and eating (and perhaps very important occasions), Invisalign braces should be worn for a minimum of 20 hours a day. If they are worn for less than this, the treatment time will become longer than should be the case.

Provided that the patient sticks to the instructions that are provided, the use of Invisalign orthodontics provides a stress free and aesthetically satisfying way to straight teeth and a new smile.