Can I have clear braces to straighten my teeth?
Whether or not clear aligners are for you depends on three key factors:
1) the complexity of your individual 'case' (i.e. how much overcrowding, overjet, buck teeth etc)
2) how you feel about wearing the braces (our pre-aligners will help you understand this more)
3) how compliant you are - clear braces need to be worn at all times, only removed when eating or drinking.
Find your nearest provider, and book a consultation - they can book you in for a consultation and advise further.
How much does Smilelign cost?
It is impossible to provide a fixed price without seeing your teeth, and prices also vary from dentist to dentist. Smilelign can be as low as £1000, but this can increase with case complexity.
Your nearest provider will be able to walk you through the benefits of Smilelign and work out if it is the right treatment for you.
How do clear braces ('aligners') move my teeth?
Clear braces work in the same way as traditional braces - by exerting gradual pressure on one or more teeth.
At Smilelign, our skilled technician's carefully plan how much each tooth can move - looking at available space, root positioning and bite (how your teeth work together). A series of braces are then planned, each one designed to move your teeth closer to your future smile. Each clear brace gradually moves one or more teeth approximately 0.3mm at a time.
How do I maintain good oral hygiene?
To maintain the best oral hygiene you should brush your teeth as standard (twice a day including flossing a couple of times a week) as well as after eating. This is most important: brushing removes food particles and sugars that can lead to tooth corrosion. A brace prevents the free movement of saliva around the mouth, which, in turn, inhibits the cleaning process aided by the movement of saliva.
Equally, the brace requires cleaning. After brushing it is good practice to brush the aligner too - ideally with soap and not toothpaste. Twice a week it is also important to clean the brace with a disinfecting tablet. These can be purchased here.
How long do I wear my clear braces for?
The longer you wear your Smilelign aligners each day, the more effective and quicker your treatment will be. We suggest you aim for 24 hours a day, only removing them to eat and clean them.
How do I know if Smilelign is right for me?
Smilelign are the only clear braces system who allow you to try before you buy. When you visit your Dentist to discuss your treatment plan, you will be presented with your pre-aligners. These are “non active” clear braces, which won’t move your teeth but will allow you to try life wearing Smilelign clear braces before you commit to treatment.
Can I drink with my brace in?
Drinking water whilst wearing your braces is fine. Under no circumstances should you drink carbonated, sugary or acidic drinks such as fresh juice, fizzy drinks and energy drinks as this can lead to corrosion of your teeth. If you need to drink these types of drinks you must remove your clear braces and make sure you clean your teeth and the brace before inserting them back on your teeth.
Can I drink tea or coffee?
Again it is recommended that your Smilelign braces are removed when drinking hot drinks like tea and coffee, not only can it lead to staining of your teeth but the heat can damage the thin plastic of the braces and prevent them working or deform them.
Can I eat with clear braces in?
No! Even really soft foods can damage the plastic when chewing. It is recommended that all drinking and eating is kept to mealtimes when you can remove your braces. If you eat or drink with the aligners in food debris and liquids can become trapped between your teeth and the clear plastic, not only will it look unsightly but it can lead to decay or acid in the fluid can erode the enamel of your teeth. We only recommend drinking still water whilst wearing your clear aligners.
When do I change my aligner for the next one?
We find that Smilelign aligners have achieved their movements within 2 weeks. However, do not move onto the next aligner until the one you are wearing is completely finished and never move on to the next aligner in less than 2 weeks. You should only move onto the next aligner when the aligner can be removed and fitted in easily and there is no pressure felt on any of your teeth and it should also fit perfectly with no obvious gaps or spaces between the aligner and teeth.
If the aligner is still extremely tight move back to the previous aligner for another week or two then try the next aligner again. If after a further period it is still tight then we recommend you contact your dentist. If you move on too quickly this will result in treatment taking longer or even worse the teeth can stop moving.
Does Smilelign offer a guarantee?
Smilelign is an effective way of straightening teeth and works similar to traditional methods of orthodontics but largely depends upon a patient’s biology and compliance with treatment. As such, Smilelign as with any orthodontic treatment, cannot guarantee that your teeth will move exactly as predicted. The prescribing orthodontist or dentist is responsible to use their experience and skill to treatment plan and monitor the appropriate treatment as it progresses. If necessary, additional treatment with Smilelign or other forms may be needed. It is essential that appropriate consent is discussed and obtained from the patient prior to starting treatment.
Want to know more? Watch our patient testimonials or read how Smilelign clear braces work to straighten your teeth.