What are Invisible Aligners
Invisible aligners are a modern dental breakthrough aimed at giving anyone a beautiful smile. These clear, tailor-made devices are the new alternative to old-school braces, fixing problems like bad bites and teeth that aren’t in the right place. They work by gently moving teeth that are out of line until they’re perfectly straight.
In the past, if you had crooked teeth or gaps, or if your teeth didn’t meet correctly when you bit down, metal braces were your only option.
Even though metal braces did the job of straightening teeth, many people didn’t like how they looked while wearing them. The metal wires and elastic bands could make you feel less attractive. People often felt self-conscious and worried about what others thought, which could make them feel less confident.
Invisible aligners change all that. You don’t have to worry about people noticing metal on your teeth because these clear aligners are hard to see. They blend in, so most people won’t even know you’re wearing them. And the best part? They straighten your teeth and improve how you bite down without affecting your appearance.
Who are Invisible Aligners suited for?
Invisible aligners are a great choice for people with slight to moderate bite problems, also known as malocclusion. This is when your teeth and jaw don’t line up properly with the teeth and jaw opposite them.
But it’s not just for bad bites. If you have gaps, overcrowding, or wonky teeth, these clear braces could be just what you need. They work best when your teeth have stopped growing, which is why they’re a good option for older teens and adults.
Before you get started with aligners, your teeth and gums need to be in top shape – that means no gum disease, no untreated cavities, and no other dental issues. If there’s anything that needs fixing, our dentists will sort that out first before tackling the misalignment or spacing of your teeth.
Just remember, invisible aligners are best for simpler teeth spacing and alignment problems. If you’ve got more serious dental concerns, the team at Galway Dentists is here to guide you to the right treatment.
Invisible Aligner Treatment Procedure
Invisible aligners are among the simplest dental devices to fit, but it can take a few months to see the results. At Galway Dentists, we aim to make the process as smooth as possible with these steps:
Like other dental appliances, there’s no one-size-fits-all invisible aligner. Your first trip to our clinic involves assessing your mouth and its associated structures. We’ll check for gum disease or cavities and treat them before we can fabricate and fit invisible aligners.
We will assess and analyse your oral health status and discuss with you treatments, including invisible aligners. If you’re a candidate, we’ll share the treatment protocols and duration to inform you what to expect.
Our dentists will take a digital scan, x-ray, and other images of your teeth and jaw to create an accurate three-dimensional model. This action is necessary because we want the invisible aligners to correct the concerns of malocclusion or related alignment and spacing.
We will send the 3D model to a dental laboratory specialising in invisible aligners. It should take a few days to get the perfect mould.
Our dentists will take digital scans, x-rays, and pictures of your teeth and jaw to build a precise 3D model. This is crucial for crafting aligners that will effectively tackle any issues with bite or teeth spacing and alignment.
We’ll send this model off to a dental lab that specialises in invisible aligners. They’ll work quickly to produce the perfect fit for you.
Your follow-up visit is an exciting one – this is when we fit your bespoke aligners. We’ll attach small, discreet fasteners to your teeth to keep the aligners in place.
You’ll get to try out the aligners, attaching them to these fasteners, and practice moving your jaw around.
We’ll book you in for another visit a few weeks later to check on the progress of your teeth’s movement and alignment. We’ll provide you with a series of aligners to continue your treatment at home.
What Can You Expect After Fitting?
Wearing a clear plastic tray over your teeth may seem strange at first. You might feel your teeth are unusually “thick,” which can be a bit disconcerting. But rest assured, this peculiar feeling typically fades as you get used to the aligners. And here’s the silver lining: when you flash a smile, there’s no glint of metal braces to worry about, which can do wonders for your self-assurance.
Benefits of Invisible Aligners
As the name suggests, invisible aligners are clear and much less noticeable than metal braces. This makes them a discreet option for those concerned about their appearance during treatment.
Aligners are made from smooth plastic and are custom-fitted to the individual’s teeth, reducing the likelihood of irritation to the inside of the mouth that can sometimes occur with metal braces.
Invisible aligners are removable, allowing for easier eating and cleaning. You can take them out while eating, brushing, and flossing, which helps maintain better oral hygiene during treatment.
With the use of 3D computer imaging technology, patients and dentists can see the complete treatment plan from the beginning to the end, even before the treatment starts.
Since aligners don’t require adjustments like traditional braces, you may need fewer check-ups, saving time and inconvenience.
Many users report feeling more confident during the treatment process because the aligners are not as visible as metal braces.
years
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I had a few appointments with Dr Michael Donnelly and would highly recommend! Very friendly and puts you at ease!
Lauren O'Keeffe
January 19, 2017 -
Excellent service and treatment.
jinu thomas
January 19, 2021 -
Visited Eilis O'Hagan for the first time in August 2015 on a friend's recommendation. Very professional and thorough but still very pleasant which puts you as the patient very much at ease. Would definitely recommend.
Michael O'Hare
January 19, 2016 -
Dr.Eilis is a fantastic dentist! She is one of the nicest and most professional dentists I have met – she always puts you at ease. I highly recommend Eilis ???? Thank you for all the work you’ve done for me - Catherine
Catherine Magrath
January 19, 2019
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