Understanding your options
Clear aligners fit over the teeth and are changed in sequence according to a planned pattern of movement. Although often called invisible braces, aligners are discreet rather than completely invisible.
Benefits and points to consider
Crowding, spacing and bite discrepancies may develop through inherited jaw and tooth relationships, early tooth loss, habits or changes over time. Invisalign clear aligners apply controlled forces through a planned sequence of trays. Their benefits can include a discreet appearance and removal for meals and cleaning, but success depends heavily on consistent wear. Aligners may not be the appropriate way to achieve every movement. The assessment considers the whole bite, not only the appearance of the front teeth, and compares aligners with fixed braces or no treatment where relevant.
Your assessment in Ely
Suitability depends on the position of your teeth, bite, gum health and ability to wear the aligners as directed. Some movements may need another orthodontic approach, which will be explained after assessment.
What treatment involves
Planning includes an examination and records of your teeth. You can then review the proposed aims, limitations and likely stages. Attachments or other supporting measures may be recommended as part of treatment.
Care and next steps
Aligners need to be worn for the schedule provided and removed for eating and cleaning. Keep both teeth and aligners clean. Retainers are normally needed after tooth movement to help maintain the result.
Potential benefits
- Clear trays are less noticeable than metal brackets
- Aligners are removable for meals and cleaning
- Digital planning shows the intended sequence of movement
- Appointments monitor tracking, fit and oral health
What the treatment involves
- 1Examine your teeth, gums, jaws and bite, because aligner treatment should be planned around the whole bite and gum health rather than the front teeth alone.
- 2Take digital records for treatment planning, which are used to show the intended sequence of tooth movement and discuss what treatment can and cannot achieve.
- 3Review the aims, limitations and proposed sequence together, including the number of aligners, the attachments that may be needed and the wear schedule required.
- 4Wear each aligner as instructed and attend the scheduled checks, where tracking, fit and oral health are monitored and adjustments are made where needed.
- 5Use retainers after active movement is complete, since retainers are normally required to hold the teeth in their new positions over the long term.
Comparing the options
| Feature | Clear aligners | Fixed braces |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear and discreet | Brackets and wires visible |
| Removal | Removed for meals | Fixed to teeth |
| Cleaning | Normal access after removal | Requires cleaning around components |
Making an informed decision
Dental treatment should be based on an examination, a clear diagnosis and a conversation about what matters to you. At Broad Street Dental Care, we explain reasonable options, including the choice not to proceed, so you can weigh likely benefits, limitations, costs and maintenance. No webpage can determine whether a treatment is suitable for an individual mouth.
Dr Junaid Abbas Choudhry is the principal dentist at the practice and is registered with the General Dental Council under number 302053. You can also review the practice's independent regulatory information on its Care Quality Commission profile.