17 MARKET PLACE STEVENAGE HERTS SG1 1DH
01438 358 025
Invisalign
At Village Dental Practice, we are able to offer Invisalign, the world's leading clear aligner system that is an alternative solution to traditional fixed braces to straighten teeth.
As well as using the most advanced materials to make their aligners and retainers, a fantastic and unique feature of Invisalign is your bespoke 3D treatment plan that your dentist will create. This will allow you to see exactly where your teeth will move week-by-week, and the end result, before you even start treatment!
Based on your FREE 3D Scan, our dentists can determine the complexity of your dental correction.
Scan the QR code with your smartphone for a simulated outcome for your smile*
*Please note the smile visualisation tool is a computer generated simulation of what your smile may look like after clear aligner treatment. Actual results may vary.
Please call 01438 358 025 to speak to one of our lovely reception team to book a consultation and find out more
Your Invisalign Journey
Consultation
Your dentist will first ensure your teeth and gums are healthy before starting anything else. If suitable, a scan and photos are taken at this stage to allow your 3D treatment plan to be developed.
Treatment Plan Review
Your dentist will present the proposed treatment plan including the end result.
This provides and oppurtunity for any question or changes should be made before approving your plan and ordering the aligners!
Fit appointment
Your dentist will fit your aligners and at this appointment. Your treatment may include small white composite buttons for the aligners to grip onto for moving larger teeth or interproximal reduction to create space for crowded teeth (see FAQs).
Refinement
After completing your treatment, we will review your progress. There is the option for further aligners* (£99 processing fee). You will minimise the need for extra aligners by ensuring you are wearing them for the recommened time!
*Additional aligners - £99 processing fee
Vivera retainers
Invisalign’s Vivera retainers are custom made clear retainers that look very similar to your clear aligners. However, unlike aligners that gradually move your teeth, they keep your teeth in place once you have finished orthodontic treatment.
Vivera aligners are designed not to break or lose their shape, but if they do, they come with back-ups so you can just switch them out easily. And, because your 3D imaging will be on file with Invisalign, reordering new ones is a simple process.
The superior strength of Invisalign Vivera retainers enables them to self-correct certain types of minor relapse that may occur during the retention period (up to 0.25mm per tooth).
Why do you need retainers?
When you have finished your Invisalign treatment, you need to wear a retainer to keep your teeth in place. Without a retainer, your teeth will gradually attempt to move back into their original positions. The same process happens with orthodontic treatment with fixed braces.
FAQs
Retention
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Gold standard - removable retainers worn every night for 6 months, following this you may be able to reduce to a few nights a week. Alternatively, having a fixed retainer means you may not need to wear the night time retainers for as many nights each week.
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You risk relapse of the treatment (teeth moving back to their original positions) if you do not wear your retainers - protect your investment!
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The advantage of a fixed retainer is an extra insurance policy, meaning you aren’t panicking that your teeth will start to move back if you forget to pack your removable retainers for a weekend away
Composite buttons/attachements
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Attachments are tiny tooth-coloured “bumps” that are bonded to the teeth using dental composites. They will be placed at precise locations to allow the aligners to grip the teeth as they are guiding them to their new locations.
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Placement of the buttons and attachments is an easy process. A template is created that marks exactly where they should be placed on the teeth. Then, the teeth receiving them will be cleaned and prepared to allow the material to bond properly. The bonding material will be placed in the specially marked spots and a special light will be used to harden or set the composite material. It’s a quick and simple process. Once treatment is over we simply polish the attachments off the teeth.
Interproximal reduction (IPR)
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Depending on your treatment plan, interproximal reduction (IPR) may be necessary to create space between your teeth, in order to shift into the right position and alignment through treatment. IPR is a quick polishing of the edges of the tooth enamel.
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How is interproximal reduction done?
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A disc/fine dental bur in a dental handpiece (drill) or
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By hand with an abrasive strip (file)
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How long does the interproximal reduction procedure take?
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Interproximal reduction takes only a few minutes and can be done in a single visit or spread over several visits.
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Does it hurt?
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No. Enamel is the material that makes up the outer shell of our teeth. It does not contain any nerves, and so no discomfort is felt. As only a very thin layer of enamel is removed, no anaesthetic is required. You may, however, feel a strange pulling/pushing pressure during the procedure.
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Are my teeth more likely to decay if the enamel is removed?
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No. The dentist will only remove the minimum amount of enamel required to get your teeth straight. After that, each tooth will be left with enough enamel to continue to remain healthy and sound. Studies have shown that the decay rates of teeth with interproximal reduction are no higher than normal teeth
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