September 12, 2025
When it comes to achieving a straighter smile, many people today are looking for discreet and comfortable solutions. At Freshdental in Bayswater, London, we provide Invisalign as a clear aligner treatment option for patients who wish to improve the alignment of their teeth. But what exactly are Invisalign aligners, how do they work, and what can you expect if you decide to begin treatment?
This guide explains everything you need to know, from how aligners move teeth to what life is like while wearing them.
Invisalign is an orthodontic system that uses a series of custom-made, clear plastic aligners to gradually move teeth into their desired position. Unlike traditional braces, which rely on brackets and wires, Invisalign aligners are smooth, removable trays that fit snugly over your teeth.
Each aligner is designed to make small adjustments, and by changing them every one to two weeks, your teeth slowly move towards the planned alignment. The process is carefully monitored by an orthodontist to ensure the teeth are tracking as expected.
The aligners are made using advanced digital scanning and 3D imaging technology. This allows your orthodontist to plan every stage of tooth movement before treatment begins, offering a personalised and predictable journey.
Below is the step-by-step process for your Invisalign treatment at Freshdental in Bayswater, so you know exactly what to expect.
Before beginning orthodontic treatment, a general dentist will assess your overall oral health. This ensures that your teeth and gums are in good condition and that any issues, such as cavities, gum concerns, or other dental problems, are addressed prior to orthodontic care.
Your initial appointment with Dr Brian Dunne, our specialist orthodontist, is a thorough consultation that combines assessment, discussion of goals, and informed consent. During this visit, your medical and dental history is reviewed, and any concerns you may have are discussed. A clinical examination of your teeth, gums, and bite is carried out to confirm that clear aligners are a suitable option for your needs.
As part of this appointment, detailed records are collected to create a complete picture of your oral health and smile. This includes digital 3D scans of your teeth using an iTero scanner to produce an accurate digital model, intraoral and facial photographs to evaluate tooth proportions, smile aesthetics, and facial symmetry, and X-rays if required to assess roots, jaw relationships, and any underlying issues.
Once the records are reviewed, Dr Dunne explains the proposed tooth movements, discusses realistic aesthetic and functional outcomes, and sets clear expectations for your treatment. All questions are addressed during this stage, and informed consent is obtained to ensure you fully understand the process and are confident in proceeding.
This initial consultation establishes a personalised treatment plan, providing a clear roadmap for your Invisalign journey and helping you feel fully informed and prepared for the steps ahead.
Using specialist treatment-planning software and the iTero 3D data, Dr Dunne maps out the precise movements of each tooth through the course of treatment. This produces a step-by-step visual simulation of the proposed tooth movements so you can see a predicted outcome before treatment starts. The plan also includes an estimated treatment duration and whether additional measures will be needed.
Your digital plan is used to produce a series of custom aligners, each designed to make small, controlled tooth movements. The aligners are manufactured based on the digital model to follow Dr Dunne’s treatment plan as closely as possible at each stage.
At the fitting appointment, your first aligner is placed, and the team will explain how to insert and remove it, as well as how to care for your teeth and the aligner. You’ll also receive guidance on the recommended wear time (usually 20–22 hours per day) and how often to change to the next aligner in the series.
The success of aligner treatment depends on consistent wear. You’ll be asked to:
You may notice mild pressure when starting a new tray. This is normal and means the teeth are moving.
Progress is reviewed through scheduled appointments at our Bayswater clinic. During these check-ups, Dr Dunne can confirm that your teeth are moving as planned. If some teeth do not move as expected, he may recommend refinements, such as a further set of aligners or small adjustments, to achieve the intended result. Compared with traditional fixed braces, check-ups are needed less often, allowing for a more comfortable and flexible treatment experience.
To keep teeth in their new positions, a retainer is provided. Dr Dunne will explain a retention programme tailored to you, which may include a removable retainer or a fixed retainer, along with the follow-up schedule to help maintain your outcome.
Orthodontic retention is an ongoing responsibility. Dr Dunne will advise how often to wear retainers and what to look out for over the months and years after treatment. Routine dental care and check-ups remain important throughout.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a modern orthodontic treatment that uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gently move teeth into better alignment.
Is Invisalign painful?
Most patients do not experience pain with Invisalign, though some may feel slight pressure when changing to a new aligner. This sensation is common and usually eases within a few days.
Can I eat with Invisalign?
You should remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. This helps avoid staining or damaging them.
Do I still need retainers after Invisalign?
Yes. Retainers are important after any orthodontic treatment to keep your teeth in their new position and prevent relapse.
Who can provide Invisalign treatment?
Invisalign treatment should always be carried out by a trained dental professional. At Freshdental, treatment is supervised by Dr Brian Dunne, our specialist orthodontist, to ensure your care is clinically managed throughout.
I have just completed Invisalign treatment here and am thrilled with the results.
I have been seeing Monik at Freshdental for a while now and couldn't be happier with the service. I have just completed Invisalign treatment here and am thrilled with the results. Have recommended Monik to many of my friends & family and will continue to do to.
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