Invisalign treatment in Sussex
Invisalign is a modern, orthodontic treatment used to straighten teeth without the need for traditional metal braces. Instead of using metal brackets and wires, it uses a series of custom-made, clear plastic trays — called aligners —that fit snugly over your teeth.
What is Invisalign and how does it work?
Invisalign is a state-of-art cosmetic dentistry solution, which uses a series of custom-made, virtually invisible plastic trays—called aligners—to straighten y
our teeth without metal brackets or wires.
- We use a digital scanner to build a 3D model of your mouth (no messy putty moulds).
- Advanced software plans your entire treatment, showing you a digital preview of your final smile before we even begin.
- You wear each set of aligners for 1 to 2 weeks. Each tray applies gentle, targeted pressure to gradually guide your teeth into place.
How many hours a day do I need to wear them?
You must wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day. You should only remove them to eat, drink (anything other than cold water), and brush your teeth. Skipping hours can delay your progress or affect your results.
Is the treatment painful?
Invisalign is generally much more comfortable than metal braces because there are no sharp wires to poke your cheeks. However, you will feel a temporary sensation of pressure or tightness for the first 2 to 3 days of switching to a new tray. This is completely normal and shows that the aligners are doing their job.
Are there any dietary restrictions?
No. Because the aligners are completely removable, you can eat and drink whatever you like.
Important Rule: You must brush and floss your teeth before putting your aligners back in. This prevents trapping sugars and bacteria against your teeth, which can cause cavities.
How do I clean and care for my aligners?
- Rinse them in cool or lukewarm water. Never use hot water, as it can warp the medical-grade plastic.
- Gently brush them daily using a soft toothbrush and water.
- Avoid soaking them in standard mouthwash or harsh denture cleaners, as these can turn the clear plastic cloudy and make them visible.
How long does treatment take, and do I need a retainer afterward?
Treatment length depends entirely on your individual case. Simple adjustments can take as little as 3 to 6 months, while more complex cases typically take 6 to 18 months.
Yes, you will need a retainer. Teeth have a natural tendency to drift back to their old positions. To protect your investment, you will wear a custom-made retainer (such as Invisalign’s durable Vivera™ retainers) at night to keep your new smile perfectly in place.
