Many people are eager to treat dental misalignments later in life especially if they have occurred in their later years.

In the past, the only way you could straighten your teeth as an adult was to wear a fitted metal brace. But this has been deemed excessive in the majority of cases and now, many adult patients can get the straighter smile that they want by using an invisible aligner.

Visually, these aligners look similar to a sports guard but are made from clear plastic and are custom fitted to slot over your teeth. They are available at most dentists and orthodontists and on average, they are more affordable than you may think.

Do you have some questions about this type of orthodontic treatment? Read on for the answers to commonly searched questions relating to Invisalign Weybridge.

Can invisible aligners treat my overbite?

Yes, they can, but it will depend on the severity of the overbite. If it is mild to moderate, your dental team will be unlikely to have an issue with treating it using invisible aligners. However, if it is severe or also involves misalignment with the molar teeth or one of your teeth needs rotation, your dentist is likely to suggest a fitted brace rather than an aligner, simply because it will be more effective.

How long do they take to work?

Invisible aligners take on average 3 to 6 months to straighten a mild to moderate case of dental misalignment. However, this may vary depending on the severity of the alignment that you have. Your dentist or orthodontist will be able to give you a more personalised timeline when it comes to how long your treatment will take but it’s worth noting that when compared to traditional braces, aligners allow your teeth to be straightened in the blink of an eye!

Are they hard to look after?

Not at all and actually, the majority of people have stated that invisible aligners are very easy to care for. To clean them, all you need to do is rinse them under a cold water tap. To keep them safe when they are not in your mouth, make sure they are placed in the carry case provided by your dentist.

Can I take them out when I want to?

Technically yes, you can take the aligners out whenever you want to, but your dental team will have provided you with a timeline of how many hours per day you will need to wear the aligners for them to be effective. For most people, this is around 22 hours and if you do not adhere to this, you may find that your orthodontic treatment begins to slow down or that your teeth revert to their previous positions.

Are they affordable?

In a word, yes, invisible aligners are more affordable than most people assume but you should always check fees with your dental team. The majority of surgeries that are able to offer invisible aligners can also provide financing options which will help you spread the cost.