Invisalign Barnes | Castelnau Dentists
Serving patients throughout Barnes, Richmond, Hammersmith, Fulham, Putney and London SW13
Invisalign Clear Aligners in Barnes
Invisalign is one of the world's most popular systems for straightening teeth using clear, removable aligners. At Castelnau Dentists, we offer Invisalign treatment as a discreet and flexible alternative to traditional fixed braces, suitable for a wide range of alignment issues in adults and older teenagers.
Invisalign works by using a series of custom-made, clear plastic aligners that are worn over your teeth. Each set of aligners is worn for approximately one to two weeks, gradually moving your teeth into the desired position. Because the aligners are removable, you can take them out to eat, drink, brush, and floss, making treatment much easier to manage in daily life.
What Can Invisalign Treat?
Invisalign can address a wide range of orthodontic concerns, including crowded teeth, gaps between teeth, overbite, underbite, crossbite, and generally misaligned teeth. The suitability of Invisalign for your specific concerns will be assessed at your consultation. More complex orthodontic cases may require an alternative approach, and your dentist will advise you honestly if this is the case.
Invisalign and Teeth Whitening
Many patients choose to combine Invisalign with teeth whitening once their alignment treatment is complete. Straightening your teeth first means any whitening or cosmetic work can be precisely planned around your new smile. If you are also considering orthodontic treatment more broadly, we can discuss all the options available to you at your consultation.
To find out whether Invisalign is right for you, book a consultation with our team in Barnes. We also offer finance options to help make treatment more manageable. Results may vary. Individual outcomes will be assessed and discussed at your consultation.
Your Invisalign Journey
Your Invisalign treatment at Castelnau Dentists will begin with a consultation to discuss your smile goals and assess your teeth. We may use digital scanning technology to create a precise 3D model of your teeth, which forms the basis of your treatment plan. You will be able to see a visualisation of how your teeth are expected to move throughout the treatment before you commit to proceeding.
Your custom aligners will be made specifically for you and will arrive as a complete set. You will progress through each set of aligners in sequence, typically wearing each one for one to two weeks. We will schedule check-up appointments throughout your treatment to monitor progress and ensure everything is going as planned.
The total duration of treatment varies depending on the complexity of your case. Mild cases may be completed in a matter of months, while more significant alignment corrections can take longer. Your dentist will give you an estimated treatment timeline at your consultation.
After Invisalign treatment, you will need to wear a retainer to maintain your results. This is an important part of the process and will be discussed with you before treatment begins. Meet our dental team to find out who will be supporting you throughout your Invisalign journey. Results may vary. A consultation is required to assess suitability and expected outcomes.
Wearing Your Invisalign Aligners
For Invisalign to work effectively, the aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day. They are only removed for eating, drinking (anything other than plain water), brushing, and flossing. Compliance is important: the more consistently you wear your aligners, the more predictable your treatment progress will be.
Because the aligners are clear and sit closely against your teeth, most people find them very difficult to notice in social or professional settings. They do not affect speech for the vast majority of patients, though some find they take a day or two to adjust.
Caring for Your Aligners
Aligners should be cleaned regularly using a soft toothbrush and cool water, or using the Invisalign cleaning system. Avoid using hot water, as this can distort the plastic. Do not eat or drink (other than plain water) with the aligners in, as this can cause staining and potentially trap food against your teeth. Always brush and floss before reinserting your aligners after meals.
If an aligner feels particularly tight, this is usually normal and means your teeth are moving. If you experience significant discomfort or an aligner feels wrong, contact our practice and we will arrange a review appointment. You may also like to consider professional teeth whitening after completing your Invisalign treatment, as many patients wish to brighten their smile once straightening is complete. See our fees page for Invisalign pricing. Finance options are available to help spread the cost. Results may vary between individuals.
Is Invisalign suitable for me?
Invisalign is suitable for many adults and teenagers looking to straighten their teeth. It works well for a variety of concerns including crowding, spacing, and some bite issues. More complex orthodontic cases may require fixed braces or a combination approach. The best way to find out whether Invisalign is right for you is to come in for a consultation, where your dentist will assess your teeth and discuss your options honestly.
Will Invisalign affect my speech?
Most patients find that Invisalign has very little impact on their speech. Some people notice a slight lisp when they first start wearing aligners, but this usually resolves within a few days as you adjust to having them in. Because the aligners are custom-made and fitted closely to your teeth, they are generally much less noticeable than traditional braces.
Can I eat and drink with Invisalign?
You should remove your Invisalign aligners before eating or drinking anything other than plain water. Eating with aligners in can damage them and trap food against your teeth, which can increase the risk of decay. Always brush and floss before putting your aligners back in after meals. Removing the aligners to eat means there are no food restrictions during Invisalign treatment, unlike with fixed braces.
What happens if I lose an aligner?
If you lose or damage an aligner, contact our practice as soon as possible. Depending on where you are in your treatment, we may suggest moving on to the next set of aligners or providing a replacement. It is a good idea to take care of your aligners and store them safely in their case when not wearing them to avoid accidental loss or damage.
Do I need to wear a retainer after Invisalign?
Yes. After Invisalign treatment is complete, wearing a retainer is essential to maintain your results. Without retention, teeth can gradually shift back towards their original position over time. Your dentist will recommend the most appropriate retainer option for you and explain how often it should be worn. Retention is an important part of the overall treatment process and will be discussed with you before treatment begins.
Can I whiten my teeth during Invisalign treatment?
We generally recommend completing Invisalign treatment before undertaking professional teeth whitening, so that any cosmetic treatments can be planned around your final tooth position. However, every patient's situation is different, and your dentist will advise you on the best timing during your consultation. We offer professional whitening and can help you plan a combined treatment approach to achieve the smile you're looking for.
Book Your Invisalign Consultation in Barnes
Ready to find out if Invisalign is right for you? Our team at Castelnau Dentists in Barnes would love to help you start your journey towards a straighter smile. Book a consultation online or give us a call to get started.
We offer flexible appointments and finance options to make treatment as accessible as possible. We look forward to meeting you.
Straighter teeth and a healthier bite with orthodontic treatment at Castelnau Dentists in Barnes. We offer a range of orthodontic options to suit adults and teenagers.
Achieve a noticeably brighter smile with professional teeth whitening at Castelnau Dentists in Barnes, London. We offer safe, clinically supervised whitening treatments tailored to your needs and lifestyle.