As the title of this blog article suggests, Invisalign is a treatment option that bridges two major dental benefits: the ability to straighten teeth, and the rollout of an innovative aligning tray that’s completely clear in design.

The more patients find out about Invisalign, its versatility, and its convenience from a patient perspective, the more it seems like a no-brainer. It is, to put it simply, a clear contender in the race to be named a leading approach to teeth aligning treatment – both structurally and aesthetically.

So, how does it work – and what does every Invisalign dentist want you to know about the process?

How Does Invisalign Actually Work?

When a patient gets in touch with us to enquire about Invisalign, the first step of the journey is to invite them to an early consultation and assessment. This is when we evaluate their smile and suitability for Invisalign, before using an industry-leading scanner to take pictures of their teeth.

These images are used to create the aligners that will be used throughout the treatment process: a process that can take anything from a few months to a year or more.
Tooth movements are mapped according to their starting formation and the patient’s ideal end results, with each aligner representing the next phase of the journey.

Aligner one is typically worn for around two weeks before progressing onto the second aligner – and so on. This continues for as long as the treatment requires, with between 15 and 29 aligners usually used by each patient. Upon completion, a final long-term aligner is provided to the patient to help keep their teeth in their final position – ideally worn at night.

Is Invisalign Worth the Cost?

In a word – yes. Invisalign isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about comfort, confidence, and convenience. Traditional braces can be restrictive and often uncomfortable, whereas Invisalign offers a more discreet and lifestyle-friendly solution.

For many of our patients, Invisalign has not only improved the alignment of their teeth, but also their overall confidence. The ability to remove the aligners when eating or brushing, combined with their nearly invisible design, makes them a popular choice for adults and teens alike.

While the cost may seem significant at first glance, it reflects the advanced technology behind the treatment and the truly transformative results it delivers. You’re not just investing in straighter teeth – you’re investing in long-term oral health and a smile you’ll love to show off.

What Invisalign Dentist’s Wish You Knew About Invisalign

Now that we’ve covered the Invisalign journey, what exactly do you need to know – and what do dentists wish was common knowledge among Invisalign patients?
The first and most important thing to understand is that every patient’s journey is different. Invisalign can take anywhere from 8 to 16 months to work, with the end results depending on the formation of your teeth at the start and how well you adapt and adjust your routine to having the aligners in place.

Aligners need to be worn for at least 22 hours of every 24 hour period. Without this consistent and continued use, the teeth will not move at the rate they should. They should only be removed for eating and for cleaning both teeth and the aligner itself.

Finally, remember that aligners may cause some discomfort at the start of each new step in the process – but this discomfort will fade as your teeth adjust to the aligner. It’s all in the name of your bright, vibrant smile!

Still wondering if it’s the right choice for you? Take a look at some of our real patient transformations and hear what they had to say about their Invisalign journey. To find out more about Invisalign, visit our smile gallery or book your early consultation, completely obligation-free, by getting in touch with us, The Essex Smile Centre, directly.

Our team are always here to answer questions and address concerns you may have!