What are Clear Aligners?
Clear Aligners are an innovative system that offers you a comfortable, tailor-made alternative to traditional braces. The laboratory uses 3D computer technology to create exact images of your teeth. This technology can simulate tooth movement, allowing your Specialist Orthodontist to accurately predict exactly how your teeth will move. The series of near-invisible plastic aligners work to gently move your teeth into the desired position, to create the straight smile you’ve always wanted. Aligners are typically changed every 1-2 weeks by you, on the advice of your Orthodontist. With the use of Dental Monitoring, your orthodontist can see whether you are ready to move to your next set of aligners without you having to come in to see us! This is great for our patients as it helps to reduce your number of visits, and ultimately the length of your treatment!
Why choose Clear Aligners?
Tailor-made for you – You will receive a custom made treatment plan put together by one of our specialist orthodontists who work closely with our Clear Aligner providers. Each tooth movement is very carefully considered to achieve a precise end result. Your orthodontist can present to you a computer generated image of what your smile may look like at the end of treatment.
Predictable and Convenient – Clear Aligners use computer aided design technology and works with your orthodontist to accurately design the position of your teeth and smile. This technology allows minimal changes to your lifestyle. You can remove your aligners to eat, drink, brush your teeth and play sports. It allows you to maintain your dental hygiene routine and easily clean and care for your aligners.
Discreet and Comfortable – Unlike traditional metal braces, Clear Aligners are an option for patients who are seeking a near-invisible treatment. The aligners are designed with patient comfort in mind. They apply a constant gentle pressure to move the teeth, and the smooth clear plastic of the aligners provides extra comfort.
01
01
Your initial consultation with one of our Specialist Orthodontists costs £150. This will include a 45 minute clinical assessment, a set of photographs and an x-ray if required. One of our Treatment Coordinators will talk you through all the options you are suitable for, and help you choose the right brace for you.
02
02
Your records appointment will be with one of our orthodontic nurses. At this appointment you will have impressions or a digital scan taken of your teeth. Your nurse and orthodontist will then talk you through what to expect at your next appointment and go into further details about your orthodontic treatment plan.
03
03
Your aligners are ready! At this appointment your orthodontist will fit you with your first set of aligners. You will be shown how to wear and look after your aligners, and will receive everything you need to start your clear aligner journey with us.
04
04
Attachments are small tooth coloured dots that are bonded to the surface of your teeth to aid tooth movement. Once your attachments have been fitted, you will then be given a series of aligners to wear. At any point during treatment your attachments may need to be changed, in this case new impressions or a digital scan will be taken.
05
05
At certain times during your clear aligner treatment you may need to have some ‘Inter-Proximal Reduction’ done. This means we would take a very small amount of enamel from between certain teeth to allow for sufficient movement. This will be done at your adjustment appointment.
06
06
The big day has arrived! You have worn your last aligner and are ready to enjoy your new smile. At this appointment your attachments will be removed and you are ready for your orthodontic retainers.