What is Invisalign™?

Invisalign™ treatment is a virtually invisible way to straighten your teeth. Using advanced 3D computer-imaging technology called the iTero Scanner, Invisalign™ shows you your complete treatment plan based on Dr Estella Mensah, Reigate Dental Centre’s Invisalign™ Provider’s prescription, from the initial position of your teeth towards the final desired position. 

Then, a series of clear aligners are custom-made for your teeth to move them gradually. 


Each aligner is worn for about two weeks before being replaced by the next in the series, gradually moving towards the projected final position. 

The treatment time depends on your specific needs and will be decided by Dr Estella Mensah, Reigate Dental Centre’s Invisalign™ Provider.


How does Invisalign™ work?

Invisalign™ aligners move teeth through a series of carefully controlled movements. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign™ treatment controls the amount of movement each aligner delivers and the timing of the movement. 

So, at each stage, only certain teeth can move, following the Reigate Dental Centre Invisalign™ treatment plan for that particular stage. This results in an efficient force delivery system. 

How much does Invisalign™ cost?

As with other types of orthodontic treatment, the cost of Invisalign™ treatment depends on the complexity of your teeth straightening issue and your course of treatment. Generally, the adult cost is comparable to traditional fixed braces, typically between £ 3,000 and £8,500.

How do I get started with Invisalign™?

Make an appointment with Reigate Dental Centre for a Free initial consultation with Dr Estella Mensah.

How long does the Invisalign™ treatment take?

The time taken depends on the complexity of the treatment and is generally comparable to that of traditional braces. During your consultation, Dr Estella Mensah Reigate Dental Centre’s Invisalign™ Provider can give you more detailed information. 

What are the benefits of Invisalign™?

Invisalign™ aligners are nearly invisible; typically, hardly anyone notices you’re wearing them.

Because Invisalign™ aligners are removable, you can eat and drink what you want during treatment by simply removing the aligners. You can also remove the aligners to brush and floss as usual to maintain your oral hygiene routine.

Unlike traditional fixed braces, there are no metal brackets or wires; in most cases, less time is spent in your Invisalign™ Provider’s practice for adjustments. 
Also, the Invisalign™ System allows you to view your virtual results and treatment plan before you begin treatment to see how your teeth are expected to look when your treatment is complete.

What are Invisalign™ aligners made of, and what do they look like?

The virtually invisible aligners are made of strong medical grade thermoplastic material, uniquely developed for the Invisalign™ System. The aligners are custom-made for you and fit snugly over your teeth.

How often do I need to see my Reigate Dental Centre Invisalign™ Provider once I have started treatment?

Patients typically visit their Invisalign™ Provider every 6 to 8 weeks to ensure the treatment is progressing as planned and to receive their following few sets of Invisalign™ aligners. Still, your Reigate Dental Centre Invisalign™ Provider will decide based on your treatment.

Is the Invisalign™ treatment painful?

Some people may experience temporary, minor discomfort for a few days when they insert a new aligner at the beginning of each new stage of treatment; this is normal and is typically described as a feeling of pressure. It’s a sign that the aligners are working, and it usually goes away in a couple of days.

Once Invisalign™ treatment is complete, is a retainer necessary? 

Wearing a retainer after any orthodontic treatment is essential because it keeps teeth stable in their new positions. If you want your teeth to remain in their ideal position, it’s best to wear a retainer as directed by your Reigate Dental Centre Invisalign™ Provider. Your last aligner will often be your temporary retainer until your retention option is determined. Your Reigate Dental Centre Invisalign™ Provider can advise you on longer-term retention options.

Does the procedure work on overbites?

An Invisalign™ Provider can use Invisalign to treat overbites in most adults and adolescents. Consult an Invisalign Provider to find out whether Invisalign™ is suitable for you.

Are there certain dental conditions that automatically exclude someone from being an eligible patient?

No – only your Invisalign™ Provider can determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign™ treatment.

Are bridges a factor in Invisalign™ treatment?

Because bridges firmly link two or more teeth, they offer significant resistance to tooth movement. Your Reigate Dental Centre Invisalign™ Provider will be able to work out whether bridges will be a factor in your treatment.

Are crowns an issue in Invisalign™ treatment?

Crowns (tooth caps) are usually not an issue in Invisalign™ treatment. However, sometimes, in Invisalign™ treatment, small tooth-coloured composites called ‘attachments’ are bonded onto teeth to help achieve specific movements, and these are more difficult to bond on crowns than on teeth. In these cases, the location of the crowns needs to be carefully evaluated. Your Reigate Dental Centre Invisalign™ Provider can provide further advice.

Can Invisalign™ treatment close gaps?

Yes. Spaces between teeth are generally easy to close with Invisalign™. Consult your Reigate Dental Centre Invisalign™ Provider to determine whether Invisalign™ suits you. 

Will TMJ affect Invisalign™ treatment?

TMJ refers to the temporomandibular or jaw joint. People with a TMJ condition can have many problems, some of which can be aggravated by appliances and treatments like Invisalign™ and others can improve or remain the same. To determine if your treatment will harm your TMJ problem, consult your Reigate Dental Centre Invisalign™ Provider.

Since having my braces removed, my teeth have shifted. Can Invisalign™ treatment correct this?

Some Invisalign™ patients have undergone a treatment involving braces at some point in their past, often during their youth. Invisalign™ can usually correct the shifting after braces – often called a relapse.

I am currently wearing braces. Can I switch to Invisalign treatment?

A significant number of patients are being treated with a combination of braces and the Invisalign™ System. Consult your Reigate Dental Centre Invisalign™ Provider to determine the best treatment for you.

What is the minimum age of a patient that a doctor can treat with the Invisalign™ System?

With experience, an Invisalign™ Provider can use the Invisalign System to straighten teeth for most adults and adolescents. For teenagers, talk to your Reigate Dental Centre Invisalign™ Provider to see if Invisalign™ Teen may be the right treatment option for your child. 

Are there restrictions on what I can eat while in treatment?

No. Unlike traditional wires and brackets, with the Invisalign™ System, you can eat whatever you like while in treatment because you remove your aligners to eat and drink; this also makes it simple to brush and floss your teeth after each meal to maintain good oral hygiene, before re-inserting your aligners.

What’s the best way to clean my Invisalign™ aligners? 

The best way to clean your Invisalign™ aligners is by brushing and rinsing them in lukewarm water and using the Invisalign™ Cleaning Crystals or special cleaning tablets. To maintain good oral hygiene, you must brush your teeth after each meal before re-inserting your Invisalign™ aligners.

How often should I wear the Invisalign™ aligners?

You should always wear your Invisalign™ aligners during treatment, except when eating, brushing, or flossing teeth. It is recommended that you wear them for 22 hours a day.

Will the aligners affect speech?

The vast majority of patients report no effect on speech. However, as with traditional orthodontic appliances, an initial adjustment period is associated with having something new in the mouth.