Whether you’re a skincare fanatic with a proud 12-step routine or a makeup junkie always looking to try the latest release, as a nation it’s pretty safe to say we invest heavily in our beauty routines. In fact, research conducted by Cult Beauty recently revealed that the UK is the fourth highest spending country in the world – with Brits spending an average of £184.06 each year on beauty products alone.
And it’s not just our makeup bags where we splash the cash. Cosmetic dental treatments are also massively on the rise, with almost a third of the UK are considering, or have completed, cosmetic treatments.
Whether it’s the constant exposure to celebrities and influencers flashing their pearly whites on Instagram, or social media filters distorting our own smiles – it’s no surprise that we’re focusing more on our teeth than ever before.
From composite bonding to whitening, the cosmetic dentistry options available have never been more diverse. Below, we asked Dr. Stephen DoddCosmetic Dentist and Owner at Ringway Dental to give us the lowest price on one of the UK’s most popular cosmetic dentistry options: Invisalign.
What exactly is Invisalign?
“Invisalign is a brilliant orthodontic treatment that I often recommend to patients looking for a more discreet alternative to braces,” says Dr. Stephen Dodd, Cosmetic Dentist and Owner at Ringway Dental. “It includes a series of custom aligners that are made of a clear plastic material. They are more or less invisible when worn, making them an aesthetically pleasing option for those who don’t like the look of traditional braces.”
“The treatment process usually begins with an in-depth examination, including digital scans or impressions of the patient’s teeth, as well as x-rays. These scans are used to create a 3D model, allowing us to develop a detailed treatment plan. Based on this design, a series of clear aligners are made to precisely fit the patient’s teeth. Each set of aligners is worn for about two weeks, applying gentle and controlled pressure to specific teeth to encourage them to gradually move. Patients then move on to the next set of aligners in the series, continuing this process until the end of the treatment plan.’
How long does it take to see results from Invisalign?
“How long the results will take will depend on a number of factors. First, the complexity of the issue being addressed, i.e. how much correction/alignment is needed. Milder cases will see results much faster compared to someone with more complicated congestion, for example. The second thing that will affect how long it takes for results to be seen is how well the patient adheres to the treatment plan, i.e. whether they wear them for the required 22 hours a day that they need.”
“On average, patients begin to see noticeable results within a few weeks to a few months of starting Invisalign. But it is important to note that each case is unique and the total treatment time will vary from a few months to two years.’
What are some key things to know before considering treatment?
1/ You must brush your teeth every time you eat or drink anything other than water
“Aligners are designed to be removable, allowing you to take them out when you eat, but this also means that food particles can easily get trapped between your teeth and the aligners. If not removed, they can create a breeding ground for bacteria (which in turn can lead to bad breath, increased risk of plaque/caries/gum disease). It’s worth noting here too that certain foods will stain your aligners, so don’t try to eat them!’
2/ Aligners must be worn for 22 hours a day
“It is this steady wear that allows gradual and controlled tooth movement. Aligners apply gentle pressure to the teeth, and wearing them 22 hours a day allows for predictable tooth movement. Not wearing for the specified period of time will affect the progress of your results.’
3/ You will need to have “attachments” on your teeth to give the aligners something to grip onto
“Abutments are small composite bumps that we strategically place on your teeth to ensure they move exactly as planned. They essentially act as an anchor point for the aligners, giving them traction and leverage to apply the necessary pressure to move the teeth.’
4/ Regular check-ups with the dentist are essential
“You should visit your dentist regularly to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. In addition, you will also need regular hygiene appointments to ensure that the overall health of your teeth and gums is in good shape.’
Can anyone get Invisalign?
“Invisalign is suitable for many patients, but not everyone may be a candidate,” says Dr. Dodd. “It is particularly effective for treating mild to moderate issues such as crowded teeth, overbites, overbites and spacing issues. However, severe cases may need more traditional orthodontic treatment. A qualified cosmetic dentist will evaluate each individual case to determine if Invisalign is the most appropriate and effective solution to achieve the desired orthodontic results.”
What about Invisalign home kits, do they work?
“Anything that involves tooth movement, e.g. Invisalign will require professional supervision to ensure safe and effective results. Home aligner services often do not come with the supervision of a dentist who can assess complexities or individual cases or create a truly personalized treatment plan.
Also, home services do not allow for adjustments along the treatment plan. You only get one set of teeth and you have to take care of them, so anything related to tooth and gum health should really be face-to-face with a dentist.’
How much does Invisalign cost?
The cost of Invisalign treatment is determined by your dentist and will depend on the complexity of your case and the number of aligners required, but you should expect to pay between £2500 and £5000.
