Inverleith Dentalcare

9 Important Questions People Ask About Invisalign Teeth Straightening

Before committing to undertake tooth straightening treatment, there are 9 important questions people ask about Invisalign teeth straightening.

Do I have to wear “train track” braces to align my teeth?

As technology develops more and more issues that required fixed wire braces can now be tackled successfully with clear aligner systems such as Invisalign. For certain changes you may need the addition of a wire or even a temporary implant(s) to brace against especially if you have limited teeth at the back.

For minor changes, you may be able to use speed brace systems such as Inman Aligners. That’s why it’s important to consult with an experienced dentist who can offer you several options rather than “one size fits all.”

How does Invisalign® clear aligner system straighten teeth?

Invisalign® works in the same way as a traditional brace, applying constant, precise pressure on each tooth to produce the desired movement. You must wear the aligners throughout the day and night, only removing them when eating and cleaning. After every fortnight you move on to the next aligner in the sequence bringing you closer to the end result.

Do I have to wear the Invisalign® clear aligner for the whole day?

The system is designed to be a gentle tooth-moving process that causes little discomfort. To achieve this, it must make small movements and requires you to wear the aligners for 20-22 hours a day.

Don’t worry—it’s transparent and difficult to see when you’re wearing it. It has a minor effect on speech. You’ll probably notice a slight lisp for the first few days, but as you persevere, this should disappear.

How often do I need to see the dentist?

It helps to have regular supervision, at least in the early days. We review you every 4-6 weeks to begin with to ensure that you are on track. We may need to open up some space for your teeth to move into.

How long will it take?

Whilst you may finish as quickly as 12 weeks the majority of treatments take 12-18 months to achieve the desired result. If you want it to be comfortable and not intrusive on your lifestyle, you need it to make small changes at a time.

Remember, there are other options which can be used as a combination in certain cases. Why not discuss these with your dentist

Are there any other benefits of Invisalign teeth straightening?

Invisalign teeth straightening is a conservative treatment and does not usually require teeth to be removed, as can be the case with fixed braces.

You don’t need to commit to a big treatment plan. You may choose to stop after teeth straightening or go onto the next step and also whiten your teeth. If there are teeth you don’t like the shape of, you may choose to have cosmetic bonding applied to them to make the shape more pleasing. Basically, you control how far you want to go. Our dentists will show you many examples of what kind of outcomes they have achieved to help you make decisions on what you want to do.

As you can take aligners out means it’s much easier to clean your teeth with than a fixed brace. It also means you can remove them, if you wish, for a special occasion or meeting.

Aligning teeth makes it easier to clean between them, allowing teeth to last longer and, of course, helping you maintain fresh breath.

How much does Invisalign® teeth straightening cost?

The fee for the treatment is based on how much change has to be created to align your teeth. This will determine how long it will take and, consequently, how many clear aligners will be needed to achieve this.

As part of the process, our experienced dentists will discuss more economical solutions (provided it is appropriate to the result that you looking to achieve).

To make it more affordable, you will also have the opportunity to discuss methods of spreading the fees over a period of time to work within your budget.

Is teeth straightening available on the NHS?

Invisalign teeth straightening isn’t available on the NHS. It is considered a cosmetic treatment that creates a more attractive smile.

Can Invisalign trays be used to protect your teeth against nighttime grinding due to stress?

Invisalign trays are thin and optimally designed for moving teeth. However, the excessive pressure created when you grind or clench your teeth may damage these trays over time. If you are concerned about grinding or clenching, please speak with one of our dentists. They are very experienced in treating these issues and can discuss the many solutions available to you.

If you would like to find out more, please contact our team by calling 0131 552 4830 or emailing info@inverleithdentalcare.co.uk.

To book a consultation, you can use our direct online booking system by clicking here.

We look forward to welcoming you to Inverleith Dentalcare.

What Our Patients Are Saying

Inverleith Dentalcare

4.9

Based on 349 reviews

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Clara Gore

08:29 11 Feb 25

What a great gentle experience! Thank goodness for a lovely dentist

billy darling

08:21 11 Feb 25

Outstanding service as always

Amanda Robbins

08:15 10 Feb 25

Thomas Chan

11:20 07 Feb 25

David is very gentle and considerate with his patients. He explained every steps during the treatment. Very satisfied.

Gordon Clayton

10:00 06 Feb 25

Although a double appointment with the Hygienist is not my idea of fun, Rihanna and her Assistant were as usual very pleasant and took care to carry out the various procedures with care and ensure my comfort and provide good advice for future dental hygiene. Inverleith Dental practice can be recommended for care. .

chris fowles

15:27 30 Jan 25

I had an excellent hygiene appointment today with Brianna and Peter.They were very professional and the level of cleaning was second to none. I appreciated the advice that was given at the end of the appointment regarding my at home care.Thanks!

Brian Mulholland

14:23 06 Jan 25

I had a great experience at Inverleith Dentalcare. John McAleavey was very thorough during my check-up and used a camera system to create a 3D scan of my teeth, showing where plaque had built up, which was really helpful. Briana, the hygienist, did an excellent job, leaving my teeth feeling very clean. Overall, I was very pleased with the service and would recommend Inverleith Dentalcare, especially John and Briana.

Iwona Walkowiak

11:29 19 Dec 24

I was able to secure an emergency appointment as a new patient and was impressed by the friendly and welcoming reception staff. The dentists were both positive and highly professional, ensuring a smooth and painless removal of my wisdom tooth. Thank you so much for the exceptional care. I highly recommend their services.

Dona Easton

10:16 02 Nov 24

I cannot recommend this practice highly enough!It is a delight to visit. I am treated with courtesy, friendliness and respect from the reception staff. Likewise, my excellent dentist - Dr Chris Fowles, who is highly skilled and takes time to explain all the procedures to me, often on screen, which ensures my complete understanding of all my treatments.

David Wilson

20:26 15 Oct 24

Excellent service. Emergency appointment as lost a filling away from home. Staff were exceptionally helpful and supportive. From Reception through to Treatment it was a very positive experience. Should I move to Edinburgh I would be extremely happy to apply to join their books. Many thanksDavid Wilson

Jean Kenyon

18:00 12 Aug 24

David Neilson

16:45 08 Aug 24

Great dentistry. I would definitely recommend.

Susanne Goetzold

13:57 25 Jul 24

Really happy with this dental practice. Chris Fowles is an excellent dentist. He takes time to explain treatment and options and also explains what he is doing during check ups and treatments, so nothing comes as a surprise. Great for anxious patients. He also has a great sense of humour. Staff always really friendly and helpful.

Mariam Aziz

08:46 25 Jul 24

I would very highly recommend the Inverleith Dental clinic. They are very professional and really knowledgeable. The admin staff is very helpful and will get you the information that you need to make a decision abo the best treatments you need. Dr. John McAleavy is excellent. He was also very knowledgeable about my TMJ issues and he was really understanding during the appointment and he sign posted me to the tools I needed; this made me feel that he cares about my progress and the best outcome for my case. Overall, I had a great experience and I can confidently say that will come back to Inverleith for any follow ups and future dental needs.

mattias nuella

20:16 24 Jul 24

The staffs were nice and big ups to Dr. Chris, my consultation session with him was good and he was friendly.

Sandra Johnson

19:00 24 Jul 24

Could not ask for better treatment! Thank you so much for all your care, attention and kindness for my son Jay who is having treatment with Chris Fowles he has Cerebral palsy and cannot make it up the stairs so they use a room downstairs to support Jay, Chris has been so thoughtful and makes Jay feel at Ease and explains everything he is doing before he does it this really means a lot. Highly recommend to anyone.

Jo Nash

17:14 17 Jul 24

I met with Dr John McAleavey as a new patient for a consultation about my complex dental health situation. I'm a nervous patient and was instantly at ease on entering the practice. John really listened to my background story and quickly spotted the source of my problems that had been missed by other dentists. My assessment was the most rigorous I've ever received, yet very gentle. John took the time to explain everything thoroughly and clearly. I left the practice with a sense of peace that I'd found the answers I'd been seeking, and confident I was in the hands of expert professionals. I'd recommend them to anyone.

Rosemary Jamieson

19:58 05 Jul 24

I was anxious before my first appointment with Inverleith Dental - my dentist of 25 + years had retired and I needed a practice nearer home - but I should not have worried!The welcome from the receptionist was lovely - The initial conversation with the dentist was very helpful - I learned about the ethos of the practice and felt I was being listened to - in addition this chat took place before the mouth examination so I was not in the reclining position which can put the patient at a disadvantage!The receptionist was most helpful with my mobility problems on leavingThe beautiful Georgian building is a bonus

Ookii Neko

11:50 09 Jun 24

I found Inverleith Dentalcare as I needed emergency dental treatment. They were very accommodating and managed to allocate an appointment the next day. Their service is second to none with professional and caring staff, dentists take the time to explain the procedure to the patient, and use modern standard techniques, materials and treatments. Worth every recommendation.