Have you heard about Invisalign Wimbledon, the transparent and convenient orthodontic treatment option? Have you been wondering if it really works? We have treated more than 250 patients using invisible aligners at our clinic, so let’s talk a little bit more about how we carry out the treatment schedule and what you should expect.

Invisalign Wimbledon is a clear plastic tray, which is placed over the teeth. In some ways, it is similar to a retainer, but it is only meant to be used for 2 weeks before being exchanged for another. Many invisible retainers are used over the course of a longer treatment. Because each aligner is only used for a short period of time, it can be very lightweight. Being made from a transparent material has led to Invisalign Wimbledon being nicknamed as an ‘invisible brace’ even though it isn’t attached. But it does the same job in straightening the teeth.

The start of invisible aligner treatment is very simple. It begins with an assessment at the clinic where our staff will make a determination of what orthodontic options would be helpful for you. Clear aligners are not universally useful yet and for more complicated orthodontic issues they would be ineffective, but if they are suitable our dentist will suggest them as an option.

If you choose to proceed, the next stage is oral scanning. This is where an intraoral scanner (very similar to a camera with an integrated light) is used to take images of the inside of your mouth. From those images, a three-dimensional model can be inferred; this model is then used to design your aligners.

We use the 3D model to calibrate the simulation of your mouth. That simulation then goes through the entire treatment process, and each step and aligner is designed to push the teeth into a new position. This moves them into a fully aligned and well meshing bite, improving the function and appearance of your teeth, not to mention making brushing and flossing far easier.

The aligners are 3D printed and shipped to the clinic, but we will contact you to come in and pick them up. There will also be a final orientation where we talk about how you will use them on a daily basis.

Aligners have to be worn regularly in order to meet the expected treatment goals, to be able to move on to the next in the series. Gaps in wearing aligners will result in increasing the overall treatment time. It is not recommended that you eat or drink whilst wearing them, so aim to remove them briefly during meals. As long as you return them soon after you have finished eating, and wear them for the suggested 20 hours per day, your treatment schedule will remain on track.

After teeth begin to change position, the aligner will feel less tight; this is an indication that it is time to move on to your next aligner. But if you have any concern about if it’s the right time to move on to your next aligner, feel free to get in contact with the clinic and we will provide guidance over the phone. You come in to see us at any time if there are any complications.