For a long time the only way to straighten teeth was with traditional fixed braces using metal brackets and wires. Patients often referred to these as ‘train tracks’ and didn’t like the idea of wearing them.
In the last 15 years technology has advanced and almost invisible braces can now be used. The most proven of these systems is Invisalign®. We also offer clear aligners using the 32CO system.
From £2300 single arch, £4100 dual arch
What Is Invisalign®?
Invisalign® is a clear brace system which uses a sequence of computer-designed aligners made from durable BPA-free plastic to gradually move your teeth by applying pressure in precision locations.
How Does Invisalign® Work?
Detailed impressions of your mouth are taken which are then scanned into a 3D modelling software.
Using specific parameters for tooth movement and detailed experience gathered from over 5 million cases, a unique set of movements are planned to straighten your teeth.
These movements are then broken down into stages and 3D printing is used to create individual aligners to carry out the planned tooth movement.
Once these aligners have been created you will visit your Invisalign® Dentist to have the aligners fitted and your progress will be reviewed periodically.
How Long Does It Take For Invisalign® To Straighten Teeth?
On average, it takes between 20 to 30 aligners to straighten your teeth. These are changed approximately every 2 weeks. This gives an average treatment time of between 9 to 12 months. Each case is individual and to get a more accurate idea, we would advise you to contact us for a consultation.
Does Invisalign® Hurt?
When first starting any orthodontic treatment there will be minor discomfort due to the pressure applied to move your teeth. You may find eating at first slightly slower due to the slight discomfort. This usually lasts only a few days after fitting your new aligners. Over-the-counter pain medication such as paracetamol or ibuprofen will provide relief against this discomfort.
Invisalign® vs Fixed Braces
There are certain advantages with each brace system. It is important to understand these before embarking on treatment.
In this section we will discuss Invisalign® vs other braces and the advantages and disadvantages of Invisalign® (clear braces) and more traditional fixed braces.
Invisalign® (Clear Aligners)
Advantages of Clear Aligners (Invisalign®)
They are more attractive than metal braces and are almost invisible.
More comfortable than fixed braces as they are smoother and less likely to catch your cheeks and tongue.
Can be removed to clean your teeth more easily than with fixed braces.
Tooth movements modelled in 3D so you can see the approximate anticipated result.
Can feel more gentle than fixed braces as the movements are smaller and more frequent.
Disadvantages of Clear Aligners:
Patients need to be motivated to keep aligners in place for 22 hours per day.
Aligners need to be removed for eating and teeth must be brushed before putting them back in, this makes snacking difficult.
Clear aligners are not suitable for patients who require more extensive, severe tooth movement.
Attachments (made from small amounts of white filling material) are sometimes required to be placed on the teeth for the duration of the treatment. These attachments make the braces slightly more visible. The attachments are always removed by the end of treatment.
Fixed Braces
These systems utilise brackets which are bonded to the teeth for the duration of treatment. Onto these brackets, titanium or stainless steel wires are tied in place using small elastic bands.
Advantages of Fixed Braces:
Fixed in place which means you can eat with them in place and don’t have to worry about taking them in and out
Can be used in more complex cases when difficult tooth movement is required
Can be a little quicker than clear aligners
Can be cheaper than clear aligners
Disadvantages of Fixed Braces:
Patients don’t often like the appearance of fixed braces.
Fixed in place, so more difficult to clean around and food can trap around them while eating
Wires can sometimes be uncomfortable at first and can cause small amounts of ulceration
Can be more uncomfortable than clear braces.
Who is Invisalign® Suitable For?
It is difficult to answer this question without having a consultation. Please contact us for an assessment.
Invisalign® can treat a number of different types of mild to moderate discrepancies. Discrepancies in tooth movements are called malocclusions. These malocclusions include:
Crowded Teeth
This is when the teeth aren’t quite in the perfect alignment and need a number of movements to bring everything into line.
Overbite or Increased Overjet
Where the top teeth overlap the lower teeth a little too far and have been pushed forward. This is sometimes corrected by moving the bottom and top teeth into line.
Underbite or Reversed Overjet
Where the bottom teeth overlap the top teeth. This is sometimes corrected by moving the bottom and top teeth into line.
Spacing
This is when there are gaps between the teeth that need closing. This is corrected by bringing all the teeth closer together.
Who is Invisalign® Not Suitable For?
Again, it is difficult to answer this question without having a consultation. Broadly speaking, treatment is only suitable for people when they only require mild or moderate corrections to their teeth.
There is a smile assessment tool which may be useful in determining if you are suitable. Please contact us for an assessment at the practice.
The Invisalign® Process Explained
1. The Consultation and Treatment Plan
First you will have an assessment of your teeth by a dentist. This includes a checkup if you aren’t a patient at our practice. Your needs and what you would like to change with regard to your teeth are discussed. Following this, if you are suitable and decide to go ahead with treatment impressions are taken of your teeth and sent to the laboratory.
After the impressions of your teeth and have been scanned a treatment plan will be formed. This is referred to as a ClinCheck®.
Your dentist will work closely with Invisalign® to optimise your treatment plan. When this is ready the number of aligners and stages will be identified. You will receive a ClinCheck® showing the anticipated movements of your teeth.
2. Delivering and Fitting Your Aligners
Once we have received your aligners, we will make arrangements to fit them. Sometimes you will be given a number of aligners and instructed on when to change them. Each one is numbered on the pouches they are delivered in and also printed on the aligner itself. Your progress will be reviewed with your provider roughly every 2-6 weeks.
At these appointments, your progress will be reviewed alongside the ClinCheck®. Sometimes small tooth adjustment is required to create space. This is the process where up to 0.5mm of enamel can be removed from each surface of the tooth, this allows further space for your teeth to be aligned. This is known as interproximal reduction.
This interproximal reduction is done with thin abrasive strips most commonly. This process is painless and doesn’t require any local anaesthetic. Here is the British Orthodontic Society information leaflet on interproximal reduction.
3. Refinements
Sometimes as you reach the end of your treatment, extra refinements may be required to give you the very best results. Often this is included in your treatment plan and requires a new set of impressions, from which a small set of aligners are made to move your teeth into their final positions. Once all tooth movements are completed the most important stage comes next
4. Results and Retention
Once you have reached the end of your treatment, it is really important to plan how we are going to hold the teeth in their new position. Usually teeth want to move back to their original position.
Retainers:
Hold the teeth in place so your teeth do not move back to their original position (also known as relapse). You will require life-long retainer use to ensure you keep your teeth in their new positions.
Fixed vs Removable Retainers:
Retention can either be removable, fixed or commonly – both may be required. Your Invisalign® Provider will discuss which options will be used and which would be the best on a case by case basis.
Invisalign® have their own system of retainers, Vivera Retainers® to hold teeth in their new position. These can be added to your treatment plan from the outset.
5. Follow-up Care
You will be advised by your Invisalign® provider how often you should be seen for a review and check-up following your treatment.
Before and After
Here are a number of before and after pictures of patients which Dr Aslam Invisalign® Provider at the Vallance Dental Centre has created
How Much Does Invisalign® Cost?
Each treatment plan is unique with its own individual complexity. As such, it is hard to give an exact price without a consultation.
At The Vallance Dental Centre, our prices start from £2500 for a single arch case, or from £3500 for a dual arch case. Additional costs may be required for retainers, fixed and/or removable.
At the Vallance Dental Centre, we include tooth whitening for free at the end of your Invisalign® treatment.
Finance your dental treatment with Tabeo
It only takes 2 minutes to apply and you’ll get an answer straight away. Applying for a loan has never been easier.
Available for many treatments and for up to £30,000. Credit decisions will be subject to your individual circumstances. You must be over 18 and earn an income to apply.
See our price list here for detailed information on the cost of all brace options.
Meet the Invisalign® Team…
Arfeen Aslam
Dr. Arfeen Aslam graduated from Guy’s, King’s and St Thomas’ School of Dentistry, King’s College London and obtained his membership of the faculty of the Royal College of Surgeons in 2012. He has completed various postgraduate dental courses including a certificate in advanced aesthetic and restorative dentistry, becoming a certified provider of a wide range of orthodontic treatments and completing a year long programme in implant placement and restoration. Along with a caring, ethical approach he strives to make a difference to each and every person that he treats. Arfeen won the prestigious Private Dentistry award as the Best Young Dentist North in 2018.
B.D.S(2008)
Registration
number: 156196
Private Dentistry Award winner 2018 - Best Young Dentist North area
Had check up and review and clean appointments with Tiphanie (assisted by Catherine) and both were a delight to be around. Tiphanie took the time to explain everything thoroughly and was very gentle.
My first visit to the dentist in over twenty years so was quite nervous. Amy and Pauline made me feel very comfortable and were professional throughout. Thank you
Just had my 6 month check up with Amy & Pauline. What can i say two lovely people very easy to talk to, never feel judged. Going to the dentist can be traumatising for some but with lovely staff like Amy & Pauline and the reception ladies its a very pleasant experience thank you. Have a lovely Christmas everyone, i hope you enjoy that cake 🤣. See you soon ✌️
John.
My experience in Vallance dental centre was fantastic. The dentist was amazing because she was sure of her work. I really appreciate her and her assistant. I will definitely recommend the practice to anyone who needs a professional dental care. Thanks.
I visited yesterday for my six month check up. As always reception was very helpful.
My dentist, Amy, is amazing. I have been seeing her for a year now and I am delighted. I also saw Catherine and Megan, who were so helpful and kind.
As always this was a really pleasant dental experience.
Was seen by Tiphanie & Catherine for a couple of fillings to correct chips on my front teeth. Great care was taken to make them look natural, and the colour match was brilliant. The care and attention to my comfort was paramount. Thank you Girls xx
Frequently Asked Questions
What Do I Need to Bring to My First Appointment?
Please Bring the Following Items With You to Your Appointment:
Completed written medical history, details and names of any medication
Funds adequate to cover appropriate fees.
If applicable, proof of any exemptions from NHS dental charges. If not exempt from NHS charges,
Proof of address (utility bill, driving licence)
Proof of ID (passport, driving licence, red book if child)
What do I need to bring to subsequent appointments?
Please Bring the Following Items With You to Your Appointment:
Any updated medical history details and names of any medication changes
Funds adequate to cover appropriate fees
My teeth feel fine why do I need regular checks?
It is great that your teeth feel fine, but we would recommend you have a dental checkup if you haven’t had one for a while. The reason for this is that often when dental symptoms appear the problem causing them is much more difficult to fix, and often with a worse prognosis. For example, early tooth decay often causes little or no discomfort or sensitivity. If this decay progresses then tooth loss or root canal treatment may be inevitable. With regular dental checkups the aim is to identify any problems early so they can be resolved with the best prognosis.
We follow the guidelines set out by NICE with regard to dental examinations. Your risk to certain dental diseases will be assessed and a recall interval will be recommended from 3 to 24 months for your next check up.
Contact Us Today
Feel free to complete the contact form below to inquire about Invisalign® at The Vallance Dental Centre.
Or if you prefer to call our reception directly on: 0161 273 5998. You can find our address and further information on the full Contact page here.
