How to Choose an Invisalign Dentist
When you decide to straighten your teeth as an adult, it is probably something you have thought about for a while. Invisalign treatment offers the most popular alternative to metal braces, and dentists prefer Invisalign clear aligners over all other brands. Straight teeth and the alignment of your bite are key to having perfect and healthy teeth. Invisalign clear aligners make it comfortable to have orthodontic treatment that fits in with your life.
If you are considering investing in Invisalign teeth straightening, the next step is to find an Invisalign dentist. Invisalign prices in the UK vary, and it can be difficult to determine how to choose the right Invisalign dentist. You may be tempted to find the cheapest dentist that provides Invisalign in your area, but basing your choice of dentist on the cost may not be the best decision.
Choosing the type of teeth straightening treatment might seem like the most significant aspect of getting the smile you want. But the dentist that provides your treatment is just as important. There are aspects of your Invisalign treatment that can only be decided by your dentist. One critical part of your treatment may be the use of SmartForce attachments that might be needed to move individual teeth into the correct position.
Invisalign is an excellent way to correct crooked teeth and a misaligned bite. But it still requires commitment and time, so you don’t want a dentist who is new to Invisalign. Here are a few things you should consider when choosing an Invisalign dentist to ensure you get the best results.
Check When the Dental Clinic is Open
Maybe you have plenty of spare time and the times the dental clinic is open really don’t matter. If so, skip this paragraph. But if you have commitments during the day and fitting in a dental appointment is difficult, you definitely don’t want a dentist that only offers evening appointments one or two days a week or opens for a half day on a Saturday!
Find the Right Cosmetic Dentist
The cost of Invisalign will be partly down to the treatment you require and the time it will take. This makes sense when you consider the length of treatment will determine the number of aligners required and how many dental checkups you need. Invisalign treatment is not just a cosmetic treatment but also orthodontic. So finding a cosmetic dentist that has completed Invisalign orthodontic training can be crucial to your results. Any dentist can apply to become an Invisalign provider, but very few will have taken a Diploma in Clear Aligner Therapy or have mentors who are internationally recognised for their expertise.
Most dentists will have profiles on their websites and should specify any training they have done. If they have worked with a dental mentor, then it is highly likely they will include their name. When you enquire about Invisalign treatment, don’t feel embarrassed to ask if they have completed the Diploma in Clear Aligner Therapy. If they haven’t, you may want to look for another Invisalign dentist.
After all, Invisalign aligners are a tool and don’t guarantee the end result if they are not used correctly. The success of your Invisalign treatment will, of course, also be down to you. You need to be committed and wear your aligners for 22 hours a day, every day, for the treatment to work. But, there is a reason Invisalign is one of the only clear aligner teeth straightening treatments that require face-to-face dental checkups. After all, only so much can be assessed virtually!
Face-to-face checkups allow your dentist to assess and accurately adjust your Invisalign treatment using their knowledge and expertise. As your treatment progresses, your dentists will decide if you need SmartForce attachments to give specific teeth an extra push in the right direction. Only your Invisalign dentist can ensure you obtain unsurpassed results and feel confident every time you smile. One last thing, a cosmetic dentist can also provide other treatments, such as teeth whitening and composite bonding, to repair chipped teeth. This is often the final step when you complete your Invisalign treatment to give your smile the extra wow factor!
What to Expect at Your Invisalign Consultation
From the very first appointment, the skill of your Invisalign dentists will start to make a difference. Invisalign technology is advanced and highly accurate, which is part of why the price of Invisalign in the UK may be more than other teeth straightening options. But technology is only effective when it is used correctly. This is why your first appointment is key to the long-term results achieved with Invisalign treatment.
Before starting Invisalign, your dentist will take 3D digital scans to create a 3D digital model of your mouth. Using this model, your dentist will be able to see how your jaw and teeth are aligned in order to design a custom treatment plan. You will then be shown a digital image of how your teeth will look when you complete your treatment.
Check Online Reviews of Invisalign Dentists and Dental Clinics
Online reviews will never guarantee that you are in the hands of an experienced dentist. But they are a great way to get an idea of how other people feel about the treatment provided. The best way to know if a review is genuine is to see the person and the results for yourself. Check if your dentist’s website has video reviews for Invisalign,
Another place to find reviews for cosmetic dentists is on Google, and as Google also specifies when the review was left, you can check if there are any recent ones.
Make Sure You Feel Comfortable with Your Invisalign Dentist
Training, skill, and expertise are all critical but so is how your dentist makes you feel. Invisalign treatment will require face-to-face appointments every six to eight weeks and treatment, on average, takes approximately 6-18 months. So you really want to get on well!
A dentist who will care for you without judgement and cares about your mental well-being can make a huge difference. Before booking an appointment, see if they offer a free Invisalign video consultation. This is often one of the best ways to find out if you will feel comfortable at the dental clinic. Awkward conversations and feeling rushed, or having your questions dismissed, are a sure sign your best interests are not their priority.
A dental clinic and team that focuses on how their clients feel are also more likely to do everything possible to give you the most effective Invisalign teeth straightening treatment. Don’t underestimate the importance of feeling comfortable; it can change your appointments from a chore to something you look forward to.
Ask For Confirmation of What the Invisalign Price Includes
Invisalign costs may not be the best way to find a good Invisalign dentist, but you still don’t want any surprises. Knowing the total cost of your Invisalign treatment from beginning to end is part of the duty of your dentist. Your Invisalign treatment price in the UK should always be set out and provided in written form.
When you are provided with your Invisalign cost, check it includes:
- Initial consultation and Invisalign 3D scans
- All face-to-face appointments
- Your complete set of clear aligners
- Cost of your retainers for when you complete your treatment
- Cost of replacement aligners
Unless you know you can afford to pay upfront, ask about instalment plans. If you plan to pay in instalments, always check if additional interest is charged and if a credit check is required.
Start your Invisalign teeth straightening smile journey with Smile Stories and smile with confidence. Get in touch with our cosmetic dentists today and book your free Invisalign video consultation.
AUTHOR
Dr Gareth Edwards BDS (Hons) MFDS RCPS (Glasg) is a dentist who qualified with honours. Based in the Poole and Bournemouth area, he has a keen interest in orthodontics and aesthetic dentistry and is a certified Invisalign provider.
