Invisalign: all you need to know

The Invisalign system has revloutionised the approach to teeth straightening, allowing people of all ages to wear removable ‘braces’ that are practically invisible

While traditional ceramic and metal braces are still used, particularly for teenagers, Invisalign removable aligners have made the process of getting your teeth straightened easier and more accessible.

What are Invisalign braces?

Invisalign is an innovative system for straightening teeth that uses clear aligners instead of traditional metal or ceramic braces. It is a form of orthodontics that is less invasive and easier to use.

Where can I get Invisalign braces?

They are available in the following Dental Care Ireland practices:

Greystones: Greystones Braces & Invisalign in Co Wicklow

Kilkenny: Braces & Invisalign Callan Dental in Callan

We will also be rolling them out in other Dental Care Ireland practices in the coming months, many of which already do orthodontics.

Is there a dentist near me that does Invisalign?

If you are living in Wicklow or Kilkenny, our practices in Greystones and Callan offer this service.

How much does Invisalign cost?

This varies depending on the amount of work your teeth need. Find a general guide to fees for all treatments in Dental Care Ireland practices.

How long do Invisalign braces last?

Your dentist or orthodontist will be able to advise you on this as it will depend on the severity of the issue. In general, they are usually worn for about 12 months, with patients recommended to keep them in for 20-22 hours a day.

Do Invisalign braces work?

Yes, these clear aligners have been shown to be very effective for straightening teeth. It is worth bearing in mind that they will not work for everybody and more severe problems will need traditional orthodontic treatment.

How long does it take to get Invisalign ftitted?

You will need to visit your dentist or orthodontist at least twice to get assessed and to be measured for your own unique ‘trays’ or aligners. A 3D impression is taken of your teeth and the team will assess how they want your teeth to move. You will then be given different aligners to use as your teeth being shifting.

Do Invisalign braces hurt?

In general, they don’t but you may experience some discomfort.

Are Invisalign aligners worth it?

They have been shown to be an extremely effective method for straightening teeth in patients of all ages and there is not a huge price difference between them and standard orthodontic treatment.

What’s the difference between Invisalign and normal braces?

The aligners are almost invisible, meaning people feel more comfortable wearing them. However, in many cases, traditional ceramic or metal braces are still used.

Can children get Invisalign?

Yes, they can be used by teenagers instead of traditional orthodontic treatment. Your dentist or orthodontist will advise you on what is the best system for your child’s particular situation. Sometimes it is simply better to use metal or ceramic braces.

What do I need to do once they are fitted?

Your dentist or orthodontist will give you all the advice you need about using these clear aligners. They should be worn for 20-22 hours a day in order to get the best results in the shortest timeframe. They also need to be removed when eating or drinking; you should then brush your teeth before re-inserting them.

To find out more about all teeth straightening options available from Dental Care Ireland, go here: www.dentalcareireland.ie/specialist-treatment/orthodontics/

You’ll find a list of all our practices nationwide, with full contact details here: www.dentalcareireland.ie/practices/

Invisalign: all you need to know about the alternative to braces

In this week’s Q&A, Dr Jacqueline Clune, specialist orthodontist at our Callan practice in Kilkenny, answers some frequently asked questions about the benefits of Invisalign versus traditional braces

Q: What is Invisalign?

Aligner braces, such as Invisalign, straighten teeth using a series of clear plastic aligners which are custom-made for your mouth. The aligners are removable and barely visible.

Q: Is Invisalign as effective as traditional braces?

A: The type of orthodontic treatment that is suitable for you depends on the type of orthodontic problem you need to have corrected. It is typically not recommended for more complex orthodontic cases. Often a combination of Invisalign and traditional braces may work best. Your orthodontist can advise you on the treatment best suited to your individual needs.

Q: What are the benefits of Invisalign?

A: The biggest benefit is that the retainers are virtually invisible. Unlike fixed metal braces, you can also remove your aligners to eat or brush and floss your teeth as normal. As your aligners are built from a 3D scan of your teeth in a lab, progress visits are kept to a minimum of every few months. You just change your aligners as your orthodontist advises.

Q: Is Invisalign suitable for everybody?

A: It is an ideal treatment method for many patients but it is not suitable for all orthodontic issues. Your orthodontist will first need to assess a range of factors including the shape of your teeth, the position of your teeth, if your teeth are tilted, if the gap between your teeth is larger than 6mm, and whether you have had previous dental treatments such as a dental bridge, veneer or crown.

Q: Are there any drawbacks to Invisalign for a suitable candidate?

A: For best results, it needs to be worn for 20 – 22 hours each day. The aligners need to be removed before eating and drinking anything other than water. It requires discipline to replace them afterwards. You also need to brush your teeth before replacing aligners, as food particles can stop your teeth from moving, and put you at increased risk of cavities and bad breath.

Q: When are braces a better choice than Invisalign?

A: With braces, you can treat all dental and facial issues. Even if you have multiple problems with your teeth, braces can treat each one individually. Braces also have more force than the Invisalign aligner to move crooked teeth into the desired position. Outside of the aesthetics of wearing braces, they are often the best solution for straightening your teeth.

Q: Is there any alternative to traditional metal braces?

A: In addition to metal braces, there are now lingual (behind the teeth) and ceramic options available.

Q: What are the disadvantages of braces?

A: Aside from being visible in the mouth, it is a little more difficult to brush and floss with braces. Extra care also needs to be taken with the food and drink you consume. Certain foods can cause the arch wire to break or a bracket to dislodge from a tooth, preventing the effectiveness of the treatment. Regular visits to the orthodontist are required with braces to check on progress and have them adjusted.

Q: Is Invisalign more painful than braces?

A: Whilst your clear retainer may still cause some discomfort and pain, there are typically fewer mouth and gum problems. Unlike braces, Invisalign retainers are unlikely to cut the inside of the mouth. They also eliminate the discomfort associated with tightening braces.

Q: Which treatment is faster?

A: When closing gaps and aligning teeth, the treatment time is generally faster with braces than Invisalign.

Q: Is it cheaper to get braces or Invisalign?

Due to advances in the 3D scanning technology and the flexible material involved in making the aligners, the cost of Invisalign can be similar to braces. However, some treatment results are not possible to achieve with Invisalign alone. In some cases, it may be necessary to finalise tooth positions with braces, which could result in a more expensive treatment overall.

Callan Orthodontics, which is part of our practice in Callan, Co Kilkenny, is hosting an Invisalign Open Day on Saturday, November 9th, 2019. There will be exclusive offers including:

• €500 off Invisalign
• Free Consultations
• Free 3D scan of your new smile
• Free whitening with treatment
• Free goodie bag.

Appointments are necessary so book today by calling Callan Orthodontics on (056) 7755577.

For more tips and advice on looking after your family’s oral health, visit dentalcareireland.ie

Invisalign braces: the future of orthodontics?

Dental Care Ireland is committed to providing a reliable, community dental experience. If you are interested in orthodontic treatment, get in touch with us

Orthodontics is defined as the treatment of irregularities of the teeth and the jaws. Up until recently, people assumed that braces could only really be worn by children, as their jaws and teeth were generally softer than those of adults, and thus had the potential to be “corrected” effectively.

Fortunately, technology has improved hugely the design of braces, and now the likes of Invisalign braces have resulted in more controlled, faster, less forceful orthodontic movement of teeth. Importantly, these new braces, and others like them, are far more discreet than some of the older models, resulting in a surge of interest from adults.

Barely visible

Invisalign braces work to straighten teeth using a series of clear plastic aligners which are custom-made for the patient’s mouth. The aligners are removable and are barely visible, making them particularly popular with adults.

These are just one type of braces that can be used – among other options are ceramic braces which are clear and “tooth-coloured” so they blend in with your teeth to make them almost unnoticeable. Of course, traditional metal braces are still an option, and are still used by children and adolescents.

As technology has improved, so naturally has the prominence of orthodontic treatment acorss the demographic spectrum. A number of celebrities have invested in orthodontics over the past number of years, including Faith Hill and even Faye Dunaway at 61 years old.

Lian O’Dwyer, orthodontist with Dental Care Ireland Knocklyon, says: “The best age for orthodontic treatment varies from patient to patient. A specialist orthodontist will be able to advise you on the appropriate time to start any treatment.

“However, as long as your teeth and gums are healthy there is no age limit to treatment, and an increasing number of adults are availing of the benefits of orthodontic, including Invisalign braces.”

If you’re looking to book an appointment for orthodontic treatment, the Dental Care Ireland practices around the country can offer you the help you need. Dental Care Ireland practices open late, on weekends and during lunchtime, so make sure you consult our opening hours