Designed for adults who can’t get braces for free on the NHS, Smile White clear aligners are an affordable and almost invisible alternative to expensive fixed wire orthodontic braces. Being removable, clear aligners offer convenience and are more suited to a modern lifestyle. Aligners allow you to straighten your teeth for 22 hours a day without drawing attention to your teeth. Simply take them out to eat, when exercising and when you brush your teeth. From closing gaps between teeth to straightening crooked teeth, aligners are just as effective as traditional fixed braces and can treat mild to complex cases.
Aligners are like sporting gum shields but made of Zendura® FLX; a clear BPA-free plastic designed for orthodontic use. They fit tightly over your natural teeth and are almost invisible when worn, adding little to no bulk to your face.
Your Smile White teeth straightening kit contains numbered bags of aligners. Each bag corresponding to a stage in your treatment plan.
Most cases will use attachments similar to those used on a fixed metal brace.
Treatment starts with an oral health check. You’ll have photos taken, 3D scans and X-rays of your teeth. This is sent to Smile White laboratories where your aligner journey is mapped and your aligners created. These are delivered straight to your dentist.
Visit your dentist for guidance on how to use your Smile White aligners. To keep your aligners secure and provide predictive micro-movements, you’ll have composite attachments added to your teeth. These tooth-coloured “dots” allow your aligners to snap into place and hold them secure around your teeth. To help them “click” into place, position the supplied chewies between your upper and lower aligners and bite down gently.
In some cases, you’ll be offered IPR (interproximal reduction), a straightforward treatment that shaves off a maximum of 0.5mm of enamel to help make space for your teeth to glide into place. This permanently modifies your teeth which can be re-built (if needed) after treatment using composite bonding.
Each set of aligners is designed to push individual teeth along a pre-determined path with the next set continuing the treatment until your teeth are straight.
Swap aligners every 7-10 days as per your treatment plan to continue your treatment.
Wear for 22 hours per day to keep your treatment on schedule. Failure to do so will extend your treatment time.
To be eligible you should have:
If you have plaque or tartar, gum disease or gingivitis etc we will offer a scale and polish or other treatments to ensure your teeth are suitable for aligners. Discuss this with your dentist during your appointment.
Aligners are an ideal solution to a wide range of orthodontic malocclusions including:
Any issues with your pallet and gums will potentially need to be addressed using alternative treatments. Discuss this with your dentist during your appointment.
Treatment for minor malocclusions can take as little as 3-4 months. Typical treatment times are between 4 and 6 months. For complex cases treatment can take upwards of 12 months. Your treatment plan is created after your consultation and outlines the length of treatment needed to straighten your teeth.
After your aligner treatment has ended, you should wear Smile White retainers for 20-22 hours a day for the first 6 months, and most nights going forward to keep your teeth in alignment.
Aligners are just one of the methods available to improve your smile. Discuss your options with your dentists including:
Find clear aligners near you at Watling Street Dental, your local Smile White approved dentist.
Watling Street Dental, 56 Watling Street Gillingham, Kent ME7 2YN.
Call 01634 576688 to book your appointment
