Very few people are ever thrilled about having to wear braces, even though they want to have straight teeth. The prospect of wearing a fixed metal brace for two years is never a pleasant one yet many people are willing to do it to have the perfect smile, but there are alternatives. Invisalign is a revolutionary system for straightening teeth that are unevenly spaced or overcrowded which does away with the need for fixed brackets and metal wires.

Invisalign braces use a system of clear plastic retainers that are virtually invisible, to gradually move teeth into the desired position. Retainers are made from one millimetre thick see-through plastic using the very latest in computer-aided technology and three-dimensional imaging. On average about twenty sets of retainers are needed for each treatment, each with small adjustments to move the teeth. They are usually worn for two to three weeks each but this often depends on the patient’s needs. Regular check ups with a Leeds dentist throughout the course of treatment will assure that the retainers are having the desired affect and any adjustments can be made accordingly.

Retainers need to be worn for about 22 hours a day but can be removed for teeth cleaning and crucially, meal times. Anyone who has worn a fixed metal brace will know that some foods are almost impossible to eat and others are off-limits because they can damage the brace. By being completely removable, the braces impact on the patient’s life is reduced. The retainers can also be removed for important business and social occasions. Because there are no wires or brackets, Invisalign braces are also more comfortable than metal braces, although patients may experience some discomfort when the retainers are initially fitted.

Invisalign braces can be used to treat the majority of orthodontic problems including teeth that are overcrowded, unevenly spaced or with any sort of bite problem. However, some of the more serious cases of overcrowding where extraction of significant movement is required, prior treatment may be needed before Invisalign braces can be used. Make an appointment with a Leeds dentist to see if your teeth are suitable for straightening with Invisalign invisible braces.