Achieve the smile you’ve always wanted with Invisalign in Swansea — a subtle, non-invasive alternative to braces
Have you always wanted a straighter smile, but didn’t want to commit to braces? You’re among millions of others — 12 million patients around the world have opted for Invisalign over traditional braces thanks to the subtle look and equal effectiveness. Rather than metal brackets, Invisalign utilises a series of clear plastic aligners to gently push your teeth into place, so you can straighten your teeth without a mouth full of metal.
Swansea Dental Practice is the leading provider of Invisalign in Swansea, helping patients achieve the smile they’ve always wanted. Learn more about Invisalign and book a consultation today.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign uses up-to-date technologies to straighten teeth using a series of custom-made clear plastic aligners. These aligners are virtually invisible and fit tightly over your teeth, gradually moving them into positions predetermined by your dentist. There are no metal brackets or wires and the aligners can be removed for eating, brushing and flossing.
Invisalign is a great way to straighten your teeth with minimal disruption to daily life — it might even be a good choice if your career requires you to interact with the public, hold a lot of meetings or speak in public. Invisalign is so discreet that most people will be unaware you are straightening your teeth.
Who can use Invisalign?
Invisalign is a suitable treatment option for adults and some teenagers, depending on the severity of their case. The treatment is designed to correct common orthodontic problems but patient compliance is important for success — the aligners must be worn for at least 22 hours each day for the treatment to be completed within the predicted timeframe.
Treatment time can vary based on the type of Invisalign system used and the problems that require correction. However, a typical Invisalign treatment takes around one year to complete. Afterwards, you will have to wear retainers to hold your teeth in their new positions.
It is important to note that Invisalign isn’t the best treatment for all patients. You may not be eligible for Invisalign if you have:
- Gum disease or cavities (these will need to be resolved before getting Invisalign)
- Oral conditions that require surgery
- Dental implants or bridges
- TMJ disorder
- Small/misshapen/eroded teeth.
We recommend booking a consultation with our team to determine if you are eligible for Invisalign. If Invisalign isn’t the right treatment for you, we will provide expert recommendations and advice to help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.
What is the treatment process for Invisalign in Swansea?
The treatment starts with a consultation with one of our dentists. We will evaluate your smile to determine your specific needs and discuss your teeth-straightening goals — this allows us to map out the treatment timeline and the costs. We will also encourage you to ask any questions you may have to make the treatment process simple and stress-free.
Thanks to Invisalign technology, we are able to map out a precise, customised digital treatment plan so you can see the step-by-step transformation of your smile. Once you approve the treatment plan, we will take a mould of your teeth and send the print away to have your aligners made.
Before starting Invisalign treatment, we will schedule a check-up and clean to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy. We may take some x-rays to examine your jaw and bone health to eliminate any unnecessary risks.
You will need to wear each aligner 20 to 22 hours per day and change to a new set of aligners every one or two weeks (depending on your treatment plan). Gradually, the aligners will shift your teeth into the correct position.
We will schedule regular appointments for you to check your progress — we will need to see you every six to eight weeks (or as clinically required by your treatment plan).
FAQs about Invisalign in Swansea
No. Invisalign treatment shifts your teeth into place without pain. However, in the first few days with a new aligner, you may feel some minor discomfort. This is normal and is described as a feeling of pressure — it’s a sign that the aligners are moving your teeth into their final positions. If you experience any pain, be sure to contact your dentist immediately.
The cost of Invisalign varies based on the complexity of your case and the length of your treatment. We will provide a quote during your first consultation including any follow-up consultation costs.
Yes. Braces are attached to your teeth and stay where they are until treatment is over — all we need to do is make adjustments periodically until we have achieved the desired effect. Invisalign, on the other hand, requires multiple plastic aligners to be made, making it more expensive than traditional braces. However, it comes down to your personal preference.
If you have orthodontic cover then quite possibly, yes. However, we recommend contacting your health fund before committing to Invisalign — all health funds and coverage is different, so it’s important to check.
Invisalign treatment is partially considered “cosmetic dentistry” so Medicare will not cover Invisalign.
The cost of Invisalign treatment is based on the consultation and the kind of treatment you need. We will provide an accurate quote during your first consultation so you know what you’re paying for.
Invisalign may temporarily affect your speech for the first day or two. However, your tongue will get used to the feeling of aligners and soon, any speech impediment caused by Invisalign will disappear.
No, you can usually eat what you like during Invisalign treatment because you will remove the aligners when eating or drinking. Unless you’re drinking cool water, you should always remove your aligners to eat (anything else will stain the aligners).
We recommend flossing and brushing your teeth after each meal/before reinserting your aligners to maintain proper hygiene.
Depending on your treatment plan, you may need “attachments” or “ridges” to help the aligners grip onto your teeth. The attachments are small pieces of composite that your dentist affixes to your teeth and helps the aligners move your teeth into the correct position. They are virtually invisible!
You must follow the treatment plan developed by your dentist. We will determine the recommended treatment duration depending on several variables e.g. the space between your teeth. It’s important to follow your treatment plan in order to get the best possible results.
You will need to wear your aligners 20 to 22 hours per day for the best results and a timely outcome. You should only take your aligners out to eat, drink, brush and floss.
Your teeth can move in a few hours so it’s important to remember to wear your aligners. If your aligners are left out for too long, they may not fit again when you try to put them back in. This can have a detrimental impact on your treatment timeline.
After Invisalign treatment, you will be required to wear a retainer to keep your teeth in the correct position. If you don’t wear your retainer, your teeth will start to move due to everyday wear and tear on your teeth e.g. talking, swallowing and chewing. With this in mind, it’s important to be consistent with wearing your retainer.
Once you have finished your Invisalign treatment, you will be required to wear a retainer 22 hours per day. This will be required for the first three to six months after finishing your treatment to ensure your teeth stay in the correct position.
Contact our team for fast, effective Invisalign in Swansea
Ready to start Invisalign in Swansea? Contact our team to book a consultation today! In our first consultation, we will examine your teeth, discuss your teeth-straightening goals and map out a treatment plan that’s customised solely for you. Book now!