The 21st-century “invisible” way to straighten your teeth

INVISALIGN is the “invisible” way to straighten teeth without the metal or wires needed for braces.

Using a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten teeth, Invisalign combines 21st-century technology and revolutionary manufacturing to customise a treatment for each individual patient.

How does Invisalign work?

Invisalign works using aligners that look a little bit like a sports mouth guard but are a lot thinner and less noticeable. These aligners, which are made of clear, strong, medical grade, non-toxic plastic, are specifically moulded to your individual requirements and fit over your upper and lower teeth.

This plastic is virtually invisible when worn so no one will notice you’re having treatment.



The aligners are designed to gradually move your teeth into the desired position. Every two to three weeks you’ll be given a new set of aligners which build on the work of the previous ones.

The length of treatment is dependent on the severity of individual cases. It may vary from anywhere between six months and two years, with the average being around 12 to 14 months.

What are the benefits of Invisalign?

DISCREET TREATMENT: Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible so you can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing. They’re also removable so you can eat and drink whatever you want during treatment.

COMFORT: Invisalign aligners are comfortable to wear as there are no metal brackets or wires to cause mouth irritation. No metal or wires also means you spend less time in the orthodontist’s chair getting adjustments.

EASY TO CLEAN: Traditional metal braces can make it difficult to floss and brush properly, which can cause decalcification. This can lead to unsightly marks on the teeth and possibly even decay. Because Invisalign aligners are removable, you can brush and floss normally, making it easier to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent decalcification.

LESS RISK: In order to move teeth, force needs to be applied. One of the problems that can arise from this is root resorption. This condition refers to the breakdown of the root of a tooth and could lead to the loss of the tooth. Because the forces exerted by Invisalign aligners are more gradual than those applied by traditional braces, early indications are that Invisalign treatment exhibits a much lower rate of root resorption.

SAFER ON TEETH: When traditional metal braces are removed from teeth, this can sometimes cause some of the tooth’s enamel to be removed as well. Because Invisalign doesn’t involve using adhesive to bond brackets to teeth, enamel scouring is not an issue.

Dr Sameer Patel is a partner at Blandy House Dental Practice here in Henley, and also the clinical director at Elleven Dental, the award-winning dental practice. He is proud to introduce Invisalign for patients who want to straighten their teeth without metal or wires.