Invisalign – What You Might Not Know

Invisalign is the leading clear aligner technology brand. Since 2000, this removable teeth-straightening protocol has helped over 17 million people achieve a more natural-looking smile alignment.

If you’re seeking Invisalign, Leeds is home to a number of private dental practices offering this treatment. Whilst we may be biased, here at Meliora Dental we believe we’re your top choice of dentist for teeth-straightening treatment, and you don’t have to take our word for it. Just take a look at some of the testimonials our wonderful patients have left us.

But that’s enough showing off from us for now…! Here are some of the lesser well-known aspects of the Invisalign journey and system that you’ll want to be aware of prior to treatment.

Invisalign Aligners Are Recyclable

Here at Meliora Dental, we are thrilled to have so many eco-conscious patients who enquire about recycling their Invisalign after treatment is complete. The good news is that this is possible.

Invisalign aligners are made from BPA-free recyclable plastic. Whilst they cannot be recycled with domestic waste, you have the option of handing them back to us where we can recycle them on your behalf.

Your Will Need to Prioritise Your Oral Hygiene For Best Results

Oral hygiene is an important consideration when choosing to undergo any orthodontic treatment, including Invisalign.

Failing to rinse your mouth out with water and brush after each meal (make sure you wait half an hour to give your enamel a chance to remineralise), can result in plaque and tartar build up, as well as decay.

Any food particles left behind on your teeth after brushing threaten not only to stain your Invisalign aligners but to increase your vulnerability to dental problems, as your aligners will be covering your teeth. With your teeth covered, saliva and any water you drink to rinse your mouth will not be effective in washing away residual plaque and decay-inducing bacteria.

Your Post-Invisalign Smile Is Viewable Before Treatment Starts

In an ideal world, we’d all want to see what the results of a treatment might look like before we go ahead. Well, with Invisalign that’s a reality.

The innovative integrated ClinCheck software allows patients to see a digital image of their post-treatment smile prior to beginning treatment.

This is made possible by scanning your teeth into our computer system, using our sophisticated iTero machine. This technology substitutes the manual impression-taking system, replacing it with a more accurate and comfortable alternative for our patients.

Having access to a mock-up of how your teeth will look can be of great benefit to your resolution during the treatment period (which can sometimes be up to 18 months long). With evidence that consolidates the promise of a straighter smile at the end of treatment, you can stay motivated to stick to your Invisalign routine each day of treatment. The Meliora team will of course, give you positive reinforcement every step of the way!

Invisalign (Typically) Requires Fewer Visits Than With Fixed Braces

Whilst it’s true that you will need to attend regular check-ups on your journey to a straighter smile with Invisalign, these tend to be less often than with fixed braces.

As there are no wires or brackets used during the Invisalign process, there is no tightening and adjustment of the brace required (as is necessary with fixed braces). Another factor that can reduce the number of appointments is that the risk of brace damage is far greater in the case of fixed braces.

You can expect to attend check-ups every 6-8 weeks as part of your Invisalign treatment.

Invisalign Isn’t For Everyone

Just as with all the treatments we offer as a private dentist in Leeds, going ahead with Invisalign treatment involves an in-depth consultation.

Severe misalignment and jaw-related orthodontic issues may require intervention with a fixed brace, or surgery. During your appointment we will present you with digital images showing the condition of your teeth and jaw, outlining if Invisalign is the best course of action for correcting alignment problems with your teeth.

If you are ineligible for Invisalign, don’t worry. We will explore alternative options for improving your tooth alignment, and in turn, your confidence.

Invisalign Leeds – Choose Meliora Dental For a Seamless Patient Experience

When we say we’re passionate about the level of patient care and treatment we deliver, we really can put our money where our mouths are!

Practice Principal Dr Kunal Rai has twice been a finalist for the Best Young Dentist award. He has overseen over 100 cases and won the prestigious ADA Case of the Year Award in 2022, making him an Elite Invisalign provider.

Be Prepared to Wear a Retainer After Completing Treatment

Many patients who enquire about Invisalign are not aware that once treatment with the aligners is complete, a retainer needs to be worn at nighttime.

Alas, even after Invisalign treatment, your teeth will be itching to move back into their pre-treatment position (even if you emphatically will them not to!)

Teeth that require moderate to complex corrections will be looking to shift back out of position at the first opportunity after you’re done with your Invisalign aligners. So, make sure you never miss a retainer-wearing night.

If you can, try to treat the action of wearing your retainer as you would the action of brushing your teeth each evening. Reframe it as a habit you know is going to pay dividends for your whole life long (your dentist here at Meliora Dental will be proud of you, even if you’re not proud of yourself for doing so!)

Private Dentist, Leeds: Contact Meliora Dental

Get in touch with us to book your Invisalign consultation. This is a completely no-obligation appointment, and your chance to ask us everything and anything you wish to know about the treatment.

We look forward to booking you in with a private dentist; Leeds-based Meliora Dental.