What is Invisalign and Composite Bonding?

What is Invisalign and Composite Bonding?

18-11-2022

Invisalign is the market leader in clear aligner systems and is used to correct teeth alignment or to close/open gaps between teeth. It is a popular treatment among teenagers and adults because it is less noticeable than traditional wire braces. Invisalign works by using a series of clear trays developed by a special CADCAM system, that are worn over the teeth for a number of weeks (depending on the severity of the case), for 22-23 hours a day.

Composite bonding is a type of dental treatment that can improve your teeth’s appearance. It involves using a tooth-coloured resin to bond the tooth and change its shape, colour, or size after the Invisalign treatment has been completed. Composite bonding can be used to repair chipped or cracked teeth, close gaps between teeth, or change the shape of teeth.

Many people choose composite bonding because it is less aggressive than other dental treatments, such as veneers or crowns which involve shaving the teeth down considerably.

Invisalign vs. Fixed Wire Orthodontics

Invisalign offers bespoke clear aligners formulated from an intraoral iTero scanner and CADCAM clincheck simulation. They are less noticeable than traditional braces and removable, making it more convenient for cleaning teeth. However, Invisalign may not be suitable for very severe cases of misalignment and these are best treated by conventional fixed wires.

Fixed wire orthodontics is the traditional method of teeth straightening. It uses brackets and wires that are attached to the teeth. Fixed wire orthodontics is therefore more noticeable than Invisalign and can take a long time to achieve the results (2-3 years), in most cases.

The Process

Invisalign treatment can take as little as 7-50+ weeks, depending on the severity of the case, as it is moving your teeth in a rapid but controlled fashion, as designed by the Invisalign software algorithms. During the process the dentist will take photographs, scan the teeth with an intraoral scanner and send off for your bespoke CAD-CAM clincheck to Invisalign to create a simulation.

Once manufactured, the dentist then fits the aligners and may also attach small invisible composite attachments to the teeth, or shave in between severely crowded teeth to create space. Invisalign must be worn at all times except when the person is eating, swimming or brushing their teeth.

Each aligner is then replaced by the next one in the series, 1-2 weeks later. Over time, the teeth gradually move into their correct position and the dentist can then remove the aligners and composite attachments. At the practice we also offer free teeth whitening and removable retainers, as added bonus!

Aesthetic Composite Bonding and Teeth Whitening

In some cases, patients may also need to undergo additional teeth whitening/aesthetic composite bonding/veneers after their Invisalign treatment is completed. This is because some treatments require refining the final positions of mis-shaped teeth to achieve the perfect smile. Teeth whitening takes 2-3 weeks prior to any additional composite bonding, so that the resin matches the new shade of the whitened teeth.

Retainer Options

Patients will also need to wear retainers after their Invisalign treatment is completed. This is to prevent the teeth from moving back into their original position. Retainers can be removable, fixed wires, or bespoke Invisalign Vivera retainers.

Removable (Essix) retainers are the basic type that are worn for 22-23 hours a day for the first 6 months and every night thereafter, for life.

Invisalign Vivera retainers have a special patented mesh incorporated inside the retainer material to help move teeth back to the final tooth position, should there be any relapse from not wearing the retainers on the odd occasion.

Fixed wire retainers need bonding to the back of the teeth so they are invisible, therefore avoid the need for wearing removable retainers during the day as they are fixed. After 12 months the wires have generally achieved their function and can be removed if necessary.

Why choose us?

Finding the right Invisalign trained dentist is essential to ensure you receive the best care and have the highest chance of successful tooth movements. Not all dentists are trained in complex Invisalign like us, and we treat both teenagers and adults, providing Invisalign for mild to very severe malocclusion cases.

We can help you decide if Invisalign is the proper treatment for you. The Invisalign website can also provide you with more information about the process.

Conclusion

For those looking for Invisalign, fixed orthodontics or retainers, our website provides the prices for all of these treatments or you can ring us on 01162785611 as well as email us on info@dentalandcosmeticclinic.co.uk for further information.

We also include a free Invisalign consultation with one of our highly trained patient care co-ordinators that can discuss all of your options and see if Invisalign is suitable for you or not.

If you’re looking for the specific types of Invisalign options that we provide, please visit our website for more information on Invisalign Express (1-7 weeks aligners), Invisalign Lite (8-14 weeks aligners), or Invisalign Comprehensive (15+ weeks).