Invisalign In Cardiff.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a clear aligner treatment used to gradually straighten teeth and improve dental alignment. Unlike traditional fixed braces, Invisalign uses a series of removable, virtually invisible aligners that are custom-made to fit snugly over your teeth.



Treatment begins with a consultation, where your dentist will assess your teeth, bite and oral health and discuss what you would like to achieve. Digital scans can then be used to create a personalised treatment plan, mapping out the planned movement of your teeth.

You will receive a series of aligners to wear throughout treatment. Each aligner applies gentle, controlled pressure to selected teeth, gradually moving them towards their planned position. You will change to a new set of aligners at intervals advised by your dentist, with regular appointments to monitor your progress.

Who Is Invisalign For?

Invisalign can be suitable for adults and teenagers looking to improve a range of orthodontic concerns. This may include crowded or crooked teeth, gaps between teeth, rotated or protruding teeth and certain problems with the way the upper and lower teeth meet.

Not every orthodontic problem is best treated with clear aligners. Your dentist will assess the complexity of your case and discuss whether Invisalign or another orthodontic treatment would be more appropriate.



The results that can be achieved will depend on your starting position, the complexity of the tooth movements required and how closely the aligners are worn as instructed. Your personalised treatment plan will give you a clearer idea of the changes that may be achievable before you decide to proceed.

Discreet and Convenient.

One of the main benefits of Invisalign is that the aligners are clear and designed to be less noticeable than traditional fixed braces. They are also removable, allowing you to take them out for eating, drinking and cleaning your teeth.

For treatment to progress as planned, however, your aligners need to be worn consistently. Your dentist will advise you how many hours each day you should wear them and when to change to your next set.

Because the aligners can be removed for meals, there are generally fewer food restrictions than with fixed braces. You should remove your aligners when eating and when drinking anything other than water, unless advised otherwise by your dentist. Before putting them back in, clean your teeth where possible to help prevent food and plaque becoming trapped against them.

Good aligner care is also important. Clean your aligners regularly using the method recommended by your dental team and avoid hot water, which may affect their shape. When they are not being worn, keep them safely in their case.

How Long Does Invisalign Take to Work?

There is no single treatment time for Invisalign, as every smile is different. Treatment length depends on factors such as the amount of movement required, the complexity of your case and how consistently you wear your aligners.

Minor corrections may take less time, while more complex tooth movements can require a longer course of treatment. Following your consultation and digital assessment, your dentist will be able to provide a more personalised estimate of how long your Invisalign treatment is expected to take.



During treatment, you will attend review appointments so your dentist can check that your teeth are moving as planned and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment.

Once you have completed your final aligners and achieved your planned result, your treatment does not simply stop.

 Retainers are an important part of maintaining your new smile. 

Teeth naturally have a tendency to move over time, so you will be advised to wear retainers following treatment to help keep your teeth in their new positions.

With appropriate treatment planning, consistent aligner wear and long-term retainer use, Invisalign can provide a predictable way to improve the alignment and appearance of your smile.

Invisalign Vs Traditional Braces.

Both Invisalign and traditional braces are designed to move teeth, but they work in different ways. Traditional braces use brackets and wires that remain fixed to the teeth throughout treatment, whereas Invisalign uses a sequence of removable clear aligners.



Clear aligners can be a more discreet option and can make eating and maintaining your usual brushing and flossing routine easier. Fixed braces, however, may be more appropriate for certain complex orthodontic problems and do not rely on the patient remembering to wear them. Your dentist can explain the advantages and limitations of each option based on your individual needs.

Your Invisalign Consultation.

Your initial Invisalign consultation is an opportunity to discuss what you would like to change about your smile and find out whether clear aligner treatment is suitable for you.

Your dentist will assess your teeth, gums, bite and overall oral health, as healthy teeth and gums are important before beginning orthodontic treatment. Digital scans and photographs may also be taken to assess your smile and begin planning your treatment.

Your digital scan is then submitted for treatment planning, allowing a personalised simulation of your proposed tooth movements to be created. Once this is returned to the practice, your dentist can show you a digital preview of how your teeth are planned to look following treatment. This gives you the opportunity to understand the proposed changes and discuss the treatment plan before deciding whether you would like to proceed.

If Invisalign is suitable for you, your dentist will explain how treatment would work in your individual case, the tooth movements required, your expected treatment time and the results that may be achievable. You will also have plenty of opportunity to ask questions before making your decision.

At West Grove Dental, Invisalign treatment is provided by Dr Charlotte George or Dr Sophie Bannister. Both dentists take a patient-centred approach to smile improvement, carefully considering not only the position of your teeth but also your bite, dental health and overall smile.



Your treatment will be individually planned and regularly reviewed by your dentist throughout your Invisalign journey. This allows your progress to be closely monitored and ensures each stage of treatment is carefully considered with your final smile and long-term dental health in mind.