Mouth Cancer Action Month 2024: The Importance of Early Detection and Awareness

 

November marks Mouth Cancer Action Month, a time to raise awareness of this growing health concern. In the UK alone, over 10,800 people were diagnosed with mouth cancer last year, and tragically, 3,637 lives were lost to the disease. With an increase of 49% in incidence over the past decade, mouth cancer is more common than ever, and early detection is crucial for improving survival rates.

Mouth cancer can affect anyone, but it is more common in men, with nearly two-thirds of cases occurring in people over the age of 60. While it is twice as common in men as in women, the number of women being diagnosed is on the rise. Up to 25% of cases have no significant risk factors, making it essential to be vigilant, even for those who don’t fall into high-risk categories.

Awareness of mouth cancer symptoms is worryingly low. Only 20% of adults can recognise the major signs, such as persistent mouth ulcers, red or white patches in the mouth, and unexplained pain or swelling. Many people aren’t aware that the disease is more likely to develop on the tongue and tonsils, with over half of cases diagnosed in the late stages.

At Smile Essential, we believe in the importance of regular dental checks to catch signs of mouth cancer early. Our experienced team can spot potential issues and refer you for further tests if necessary, increasing the chances of successful treatment. Early detection can significantly improve the 5-year survival rate, which has remained relatively unchanged in recent decades due to late diagnoses.

This Mouth Cancer Action Month, take the time to familiarise yourself with the signs and symptoms of mouth cancer, and ensure you’re maintaining regular dental appointments. It could save your life.

Take a look at keeping your mouth healthy here

Help Your Kids’ Teeth Survive This Halloween with These 5 Tips…


Help Your Kids’ Teeth Survive This Halloween with These 5 Tips

Halloween is just around the corner, and many families will be heading out this weekend for spooky fun, parties, and of course, sweets! Halloween is probably the one time of year we let our children indulge in more sweets than we usually would. But have no fear—Smile Essential is here with 5 handy tips to keep your little monsters happy and their mouths healthy this Halloween.

1 Have Dinner Before Trick-or-Treating or Parties

Make sure the kids have a good dinner before they head out for Halloween activities. When they’re full, they’ll be less likely to overindulge in sweets.

2 Keep Up Good Brushing Habits Before Halloween

In the days leading up to Halloween, encourage your kids to brush thoroughly. Let them know that good brushing means they can enjoy more treats. On the day they eat sweets, ensure they clean their teeth two to three times—especially before bed—for a full two minutes each time.

3 Get Rid of the Sweets Quickly

Try to limit how long your kids have access to their Halloween sweets. The longer they snack on sugary treats, the higher the risk of tooth decay. Ideally, aim to get rid of the ‘loot’ quickly. If you can, avoid particularly bad sweets—chewy or sticky sweets that cling to teeth are the worst culprits for causing damage.

4 Stick to Water

Just because your kids are having sweets doesn’t mean they need sugary or fizzy drinks too. A good rule is that if they’re eating sweets, they should only drink water. Water helps minimise any damage by rinsing the mouth and washing away sugar. Encourage them to sip regularly and have a big drink of water once they’ve finished eating.

5 Offer Teeth-Friendly Treats

If your children are old enough, offer them sugar-free gum. Chewing gum helps reduce the risk of tooth decay by stimulating saliva, which neutralises acids in the mouth. Giving them sugar-free gum at the end of their Halloween treat session can help minimise any damage.

Have Fun, Stay Safe, and Brush Well!

With these tips, your kids can enjoy Halloween while keeping their teeth healthy and strong. For more advice or to book a check-up, contact Smile Essential, your family dentist in Leicester.

The Ultimate Guide to Dental Veneers in Leicester: Achieve Your Dream Smile…

The Ultimate Guide to Dental Veneers in Leicester: Achieve Your Dream Smile

The Ultimate Guide to Dental Veneers in Leicester: Achieve Your Dream Smile

Dental veneers are often seen as the secret behind the flawless smiles of celebrities. However, in recent years, more people in Leicester are opting for veneers to achieve their ideal smile. If you’re looking to enhance the appearance of your teeth, dental veneers could be the solution you’ve been searching for.

At Smile Essential Dentist in Leicester, we’ve crafted this comprehensive guide to help you understand everything about dental veneers—what they are, the process, and whether they might be right for you.

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are ultra-thin, custom-made shells that are bonded to the front of your teeth to improve their appearance. These veneers are crafted from tooth-coloured materials like porcelain or composite resin, designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. They can dramatically improve the colour, shape, and overall look of your smile.

Common Reasons People Choose Dental Veneers

There are several reasons why patients seek dental veneers, including:

  • Severely discoloured teeth that don’t respond to whitening treatments.
  • Worn-down teeth due to grinding or other factors.
  • Chipped or broken teeth that need cosmetic restoration.
  • Irregularly shaped teeth that can be reshaped for a more balanced look.
  • Gaps between teeth that can be closed for a uniform appearance.

Whether you’re seeking a subtle improvement or a complete transformation, veneers offer a highly versatile solution.

The Dental Veneer Process at Smile Essential

Getting veneers is a highly personalised experience and requires multiple visits to our Leicester dental practice. Here’s what you can expect:

Step 1: Initial Consultation and Treatment Planning

Your journey begins with a thorough consultation at Smile Essentials. We’ll discuss your goals and what you hope to achieve with veneers. Bringing photos of smiles you admire can help communicate your ideal result. Your dentist will examine your teeth to determine if veneers are the best option for you, and we’ll discuss the treatment process, timelines, and costs.

If veneers are suitable, we may take X-rays or make impressions of your teeth to plan the design of your custom veneers.

Step 2: Trial Smile with Wax-Up Models

To give you confidence in your decision, we offer a ‘trial smile’ using diagnostic wax-up models. These models allow you to preview your new look and make adjustments before any work begins. This collaborative process ensures you’re completely satisfied before moving forward.

Step 3: Preparing the Teeth for Veneers

The next step involves preparing your teeth by removing a thin layer of enamel, about 0.5 millimetres, which allows room for the veneers to fit naturally. While we prepare your teeth, you can relax and watch a movie from our extensive DVD menu.

We then take impressions of your prepared teeth, which are sent to our trusted dental lab to create your custom veneers. Temporary veneers will be placed during this time, ensuring you leave the clinic with a complete smile.

Step 4: Fitting the Veneers

Once your veneers are ready, we’ll invite you back for the fitting. Before permanently bonding them, we’ll ensure you’re happy with the shape, colour, and fit. After final approval, we’ll clean, polish, and slightly roughen your teeth to create a strong bond with the veneer.

The veneers are then secured using a dental cement, which hardens quickly under a special curing light. This step is crucial, as it guarantees a long-lasting and secure fit. Any excess cement is removed, and we’ll make final adjustments to ensure your bite feels natural.

Finally, the exciting moment arrives—revealing your stunning new smile!

Step 5: Review and Aftercare

Two weeks after your veneers are fitted, we’ll schedule a follow-up appointment to check how your gums have adjusted and ensure everything is functioning as expected.

Long-Term Care for Your Dental Veneers

While veneers are a durable cosmetic solution, they aren’t permanent and will need to be replaced over time—typically lasting around 10-15 years with proper care. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are essential to maintaining the longevity of your veneers. At Smile Essential in Leicester, we’ll provide you with personalised care tips to help protect your investment.

Why Choose Smile Essentials for Your Dental Veneers in Leicester?

At Smile Essentials, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional cosmetic dental treatments, including veneers. Our team in Leicester has years of experience in transforming smiles, ensuring you receive the best possible care from start to finish.

If you’re considering dental veneers and want to explore whether they’re the right option for you, contact us today to book a consultation. Let us help you achieve the smile of your dreams!

Ready for Your Smile Makeover?

To learn more about dental veneers at our Leicester practice, or to schedule your initial consultation, get in touch with Smile Essential Dental Practice today.

Ouch! I Have a Mouth Ulcer! – Causes, Treatments, and Prevention Tips from Leicester’s Smile Essential Dental Practice

Ouch! I Have a Mouth Ulcer! – Causes, Treatments, and Prevention Tips from Leicester’s Smile Essentials

Did you know that 1 in 5 people will experience mouth ulcers at some point in their lives? These small but painful sores can make everyday activities like eating, drinking, or brushing teeth uncomfortable. At Smile Essential, our Leicester dental practice often sees patients dealing with mouth ulcers. The good news? Occasional ulcers are usually harmless and tend to heal on their own.

What Causes Mouth Ulcers?

Interestingly, the exact cause of mouth ulcers remains a mystery!

However, there are certain factors that are known to trigger simple mouth ulcers, including:

  • Stress: High levels of stress are commonly linked to the development of ulcers.
  • Citrus fruits: Foods like lemons, oranges, pineapples, apples, figs, tomatoes, and strawberries can either trigger an ulcer or make it worse.
  • Sharp tooth edges or dental appliances: Braces, ill-fitting dentures, or sharp edges of teeth can irritate the mouth and lead to ulcers.

In some cases, complex mouth ulcers may be caused by underlying health issues, such as:

  • An impaired immune system
  • Nutritional deficiencies, such as low vitamin B-12, zinc, folic acid, or iron
  • Gastrointestinal diseases, including Coeliac disease and Crohn’s disease

If your ulcers last longer than three weeks or keep returning, it’s important to seek medical advice.

Medications and Mouth Ulcers

Sometimes, mouth ulcers can be a side effect of certain medications. If you notice a connection between a prescribed drug and the appearance of ulcers, it’s crucial to continue taking the medication but seek advice from your GP as soon as possible.

How Are Mouth Ulcers Treated?

While the pain from a mouth ulcer typically eases within a few days, the sores usually heal without any treatment in one to two weeks.

However, if the ulcers are particularly large, painful, or persistent, your dentist may prescribe:

  • An antimicrobial mouth rinse to reduce irritation and prevent infection
  • A corticosteroid ointment to promote healing and minimise discomfort
  • Pain-relief solutions (prescription or non-prescription) to alleviate soreness

Over-the-counter products like Bonjela can provide temporary relief from the discomfort caused by ulcers.

When to Seek Medical Advice

While most mouth ulcers are harmless, you should contact your dentist or GP if you experience any of the following:

  • Unusually large sores
  • Ulcers that are spreading
  • Sores lasting longer than three weeks
  • Severe pain despite avoiding triggers and using pain relief
  • Difficulty drinking enough fluids
  • High fever accompanied by ulcers

Can Mouth Ulcers Be Prevented?

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for mouth ulcers. However, you can reduce the frequency and severity of ulcers by following these tips:

  • Maintain good oral hygiene: Brushing and flossing regularly helps keep your mouth clean and less susceptible to ulcers.
  • Avoid trigger foods: Stay away from acidic, spicy, or irritating foods that could inflame your mouth.
  • Be gentle: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid irritating sensitive areas in your mouth.
  • Avoid gum chewing: Excessive chewing can cause irritation that leads to ulcers.

Contact Smile Essential Dental Practice in Leicester for Help with Mouth Ulcers

If you’re concerned about mouth ulcers or find they’re becoming a regular issue, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Smile Essentials. Our team in Leicester is here to provide expert advice and treatment options to help keep your mouth healthy and pain-free.

Affordable Dental Care in Leicester: Join Smile Essential Care Plan Today!

Join Smile Plan: Your Path to Affordable and Comprehensive Dental Care 

At Smile Essential, we’re committed to ensuring our patients receive the best dental care possible. That’s why we offer the Smile Essential Care Plan, a membership program designed to provide comprehensive dental services at an affordable monthly rate. 

Joining our Smile Plan ensures you receive regular maintenance, prevention, and treatment, all conveniently bundled into one simple monthly payment. Our dedicated team is passionate about delivering top-quality dental care, and we want to ensure you have the time and attention you deserve during every visit. 

Benefits of our Smile Essential Dental Care Plan include: 

• Six monthly Dental Health Checks: Our thorough examinations include a mouth cancer screening, necessary x-rays, and photographs to ensure your oral health is always on track. 

•Six monthly hygiene appointments: These appointments with our dentist or hygienist include a comprehensive assessment of your gum health, fresh breath treatment, and techniques to prevent gum disease. Plus, enjoy a thorough plaque removal and a polish to keep your smile looking and feeling its best. 

• 10% discount on most dental treatments: Whether you require restorative work or cosmetic treatments, Smile Plan members enjoy exclusive savings on most dental procedures. 

•12-month guarantee on all restorative work: Rest assured knowing that any restorative work completed by our team is backed by a 12-month guarantee, provided you’ve taken proper care. 

• Priority appointments: Members receive priority scheduling for added convenience, ensuring you receive prompt and efficient dental care. 

• Same-day assessment for emergencies: Experience peace of mind knowing that you’ll receive same-day assessment for dental emergencies and pain, along with dispensing of most antibiotics. 

• Dental insurance and worldwide emergency callout: Our plan includes dental insurance for treatment needed anywhere in the world due to dental emergencies or accidental damage to your teeth, along with worldwide emergency callout and redundancy protection cover. 

Join Smile Essential Care Plan today and invest in your dental wellness. Contact our practice for further information or to sign up to our Smile Plan. Your smile deserves the best care, and with Smile Essential, it’s within reach and within budget! 

Keeping Children’s Teeth Healthy: Tips from Smile Essential Leicester

Keeping Children’s Teeth Healthy: Tips from Smile Essential Leicester 

At Smile Essential Dental Practice in Leicester, we understand the importance of children’s dental health. Our team of experienced dentists is adept at treating young patients, ensuring they maintain healthy smiles well into adulthood. 

When it comes to children’s dental care, prevention is key. That’s why we prioritise regular check-ups and preventative treatments to safeguard your child’s teeth from decay and other issues. 

Our dental team takes special care to create a welcoming and reassuring environment for children, helping them feel safe and comfortable during their visits. With many of our team members being parents themselves, we have the expertise and compassion to address children’s dental needs effectively. 

From the moment your child’s first tooth emerges, we recommend bringing them to the dentist for regular check-ups. Early dental examinations allow us to detect any potential issues early on and provide timely intervention to prevent further problems. 

One of the preventative treatments we offer is fluoride applications. This safe and effective treatment helps mineralise your child’s teeth, keeping them strong and resistant to decay. Additionally, fissure sealants are applied to the biting surfaces of teeth to provide an extra layer of protection against decay, especially in areas where brushing may be challenging for children. 

Research has shown that introducing children to dental care at a young age increases the likelihood of positive experiences and reduces fear and anxiety associated with dental visits later in life. By making dental visits a regular part of your child’s healthcare routine, you’re setting them up for a lifetime of good oral health habits. 

Early dental visits also allow us to monitor your child’s dental development and address any orthodontic issues that may arise. Identifying and treating issues such as underbites, crossbites, or overbites early can prevent more serious problems later on. At Smile Essential, we believe that prevention is always better than cure.  

If your family needs a dental practice then get in touch with us today for more information. 

Transform Your Smile with Composite Bonding in Leicester at Smile Essential

Man smiling good teeth

Transform Your Smile with Composite Bonding in Leicester at Smile Essential

Are you looking for a conservative yet transformative solution to improve your smile? Then composite bonding offered at Smile Essential Dental Practice in Leicester could be the perfect match. 

Composite bonding stands out as one of the most conservative cosmetic treatments available, providing immediate results that can dramatically improve your smile – often in just a single appointment. This artistic bonding technique is ideal for repairing cracked, chipped, or discoloured teeth, closing gaps, and reshaping crooked teeth, resulting in a straighter and more uniform smile. It can also replace metal amalgam fillings and conceal stubborn stains, ensuring a seamless and natural-looking result. 

With composite bonding, you can achieve the smile of your dreams in just one pain-free appointment. This minimally invasive treatment preserves healthy tooth structure, as we usually don’t need to remove any enamel. Plus, it’s reversible if no enamel is removed, providing peace of mind for patients. 

At Smile Essential, we offer composite bonding from just £275, making it an affordable option for smile enhancement. Our skilled Leicester dentists meticulously match the composite material to the shade of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless blend.  

The treatment process involves cleaning the area, applying a gel to roughen the surface for optimal adhesion, and layering and sculpting the composite material by hand to achieve the desired shape. 

Throughout the process, you’ll have the opportunity to review and make adjustments until you’re happy with your smile. Finally, the composite material is smoothed and polished to mimic the natural appearance and feel of your teeth. 

Composite bonding also complements other treatments such as orthodontics and teeth whitening, offering versatile smile solutions tailored to meet your individual wants and needs. 

Ready to discover the transformative power of composite bonding? Book a free consultation with one of our Leicester dentists today.  

Unlock Your Dream Smile: The Detailed Guide to Invisalign Treatment in Leicester

Transform Your Smile with Invisalign in Leicester: Your Detailed Guide in Getting You a Straight Bright Smile.

Are you dreaming of a beautifully aligned smile without the hassle of traditional braces? Then you are in the right place. Smile Essential Dental Practice, conveniently located on Narborough Road just minutes away from Fosse Park in Leicester, offers a full range of dental services including the popular Invisalign treatment. Here we take a look into everything you need to know about Invisalign and why it’s the perfect choice for your orthodontic journey.

Invisalign Leicester: Redefining Teeth Straightening 

At Smile Essential Dental Practice, we understand the importance of feeling confident in your smile. That’s why we’re proud to offer Invisalign, a cutting-edge clear aligner system that discreetly transforms your smile. Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign uses a series of custom-made clear aligners that are virtually invisible, allowing you to straighten your teeth with confidence. 

How Does Invisalign Work? 

Invisalign works by gently repositioning your teeth using a series of custom-made clear aligners to fit your unique dental structure. Our experienced dentists will create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs, ensuring optimal results. 

Each aligner is worn for about 1-2 weeks before being replaced with the next one in the series. As you progress through the aligners, your teeth gradually move into their desired position, giving you a beautifully aligned smile. 

Benefits of Choosing Invisalign 

  • Invisalign offers numerous benefits compared to traditional braces:
  • Discreet: The clear aligners are virtually invisible, allowing you to straighten your teeth without drawing attention to your orthodontic treatment. 
  • Removable: Invisalign aligners can be easily removed for eating, drinking, and oral hygiene, making it easier to maintain good oral health throughout your treatment. 
  • Comfortable: Say goodbye to the discomfort of metal wires and brackets. Invisalign aligners are smooth and comfortable to wear, with no sharp or protruding edges. 
  • Shorter Treatment Time: Depending on your individual needs, Invisalign treatment can often be completed in as little as 3-6 months for minor to moderate cases. 

Invisalign Cost in Leicester 

We understand that cost is an important factor when considering orthodontic treatment. At Smile Essential Dental Practice, we offer several different cosmetic brace options which start from just £2100. The cost for Invisalign is around £3000 and this includes your retainers and complimentary teeth whitening. The cost of Invisalign is most commonly broken down into chunks of payments. So you don’t need to pay the full amount in go. Your dentist will provide you with a tailored and detailed treatment plan laying out what payment is required at each stage of your journey. 

Additionally, we provide flexible financing options invisalign, including 0% interest-free options for terms of 12 months or less, to help make your dream smile a reality.  

Your Invisalign Journey 

Your journey to a straighter smile begins with a consultation at our Narborough Road dental clinic. During this initial appointment, our experienced dentists will evaluate your dental needs and discuss whether Invisalign is the right choice for you. 

Once you’ve started your treatment, you’ll typically visit us every 4-6 weeks to monitor your progress and receive your next set of aligners. Throughout your Invisalign journey, our team will be with you every step of the way, ensuring a comfortable and rewarding experience. 

Transform Your Smile Today 

If you’re ready to achieve the smile of your dreams, schedule an Invisalign consultation at Smile Essential Dental Practice in Leicester today. Our experienced team of dental professionals is committed to helping you achieve a beautifully aligned smile that you can proudly show off. Don’t let crooked teeth hold you back any longer – discover the life-changing benefits of Invisalign today! 

Transform your smile with Invisalign Leicester – the clear choice for straighter teeth and renewed confidence. Contact our dental team at Smile Essential Dental Practice to book your consultation and take the first step towards your dream smile.

Transform Your Smile: Everything You Need to Know About Porcelain Veneers 

Woman smiling with dental veneersTransform Your Smile: Everything You Need to Know About Porcelain Veneers 

Are you dreaming of a flawless smile but don’t know where to start because maybe you have chipped, damaged or discoloured teeth? If you need to radically change the tooth’s appearance, then porcelain veneers could be the secret to achieving the perfect smile you’ve always wanted. At Smile Essential Dental Practice in Leicester, we understand the power of a confident smile, and we’re here to guide you through everything you need to know about porcelain veneers. 

Understanding Porcelain Veneers 

Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin shells of porcelain that are custom-made to fit over your natural teeth. They are a versatile cosmetic dental treatment that can address a wide range of imperfections, including chipped, stained, or crooked teeth. Veneers at Smile Essential dental practice in Leicester are a fantastic solution for these issues, offering a quick and effective way to transform your smile. 

Benefits of Porcelain Veneers 

One of the most significant advantages of porcelain veneers is their natural appearance. Crafted from high-quality porcelain, veneers mimic the translucency and texture of natural teeth, resulting in a seamless blend with your smile. Additionally, porcelain is stain-resistant, ensuring your new smile stays bright and beautiful for years to come.

The Veneers Procedure 

The journey to your dream smile begins with a consultation at Smile Essential Dental Practice. Our experienced dentists will evaluate your oral health and discuss your smile goals to determine if porcelain veneers are the right option for you.  

If you decide to proceed with veneers, the next step in treatment is preparing your teeth by shaping them and taking impressions to ensure we get a bespoke fit that’s ideal for you and your smile. We work closely with the laboratory to ensure your new veneers are exactly as we want. this process typically takes two weeks. 

Once your custom veneers are ready, they’ll be bonded to your teeth, providing you with a stunning, picture-perfect smile. At Smile Essential Dental Practice, we also offer minimally invasive veneer options, such as composite bonding, for those looking for a conservative approach to smile enhancement. 

Before and after veneers on teeth

Why Choose Veneers Over Other Treatment Options? 

While there are alternative treatments available for improving your smile, porcelain veneers offer several unique advantages. Unlike traditional braces or aligners, veneers provide a quick and effective solution for addressing a variety of cosmetic issues, including chipped, stained, or crooked teeth. With veneers, you can achieve dramatic results in just a few appointments, without the need for extensive orthodontic work. 

Additionally, veneers offer a natural appearance that closely resembles your own teeth, ensuring a seamless blend with your smile. Their durability and stain-resistant properties mean your new smile will stay beautiful for years to come, providing long-lasting confidence and satisfaction. 

Long-Term Maintenance 

It’s important to factor in the longer-term maintenance when considering treatments like veneers, as they don’t last forever. During a detailed consultation with your dentist at Smile Essential Dental Practice, you’ll discuss the longevity of veneers and how to care for them to ensure they remain beautiful and functional for as long as possible. 

Your Smile Transformation Starts Here 

Are you ready to transform your smile with porcelain veneers? Schedule a cosmetic consultation with Smile Essential Dental Practice today, and take the first step towards achieving the smile of your dreams. Our team of skilled dentists is committed to providing personalised care and exceptional results, so you can smile with confidence every day. 

Conclusion 

Porcelain veneers offer a life-changing solution for anyone seeking to enhance their smile. With their natural appearance, durability, and versatility, veneers are the perfect choice for achieving a flawless smile that you’ll love for years to come.  

At Smile Essential Dental Practice, we’re dedicated to helping you achieve your smile goals and boosting your confidence. Contact us today to learn more about porcelain veneers and start your journey to a brighter, more beautiful smile. 

7 Steps in the Invisalign Treatment Process…

Woman smiling with aligners

7 Steps in the Invisalign Treatment Process 

Are you considering Invisalign to achieve a beautifully aligned smile? Understanding the Invisalign treatment process can help you make an informed decision about your orthodontic journey. Let’s explore the seven stages of Invisalign treatment to give you a clear picture of what to expect when straightening your teeth at our Leicester Dental Clinic 

1. Initial Free Invisalign Consultation with Your Dentist

The first step in your Invisalign journey is to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced dentists. During this appointment, your dentist will assess your oral health using the iTero scanner and determine if Invisalign is the right treatment option for you. They will discuss all of the options with you and give you an idea of treatment costs. 

2. Creation of a Customised Invisalign Treatment Plan

Once you’ve decided to proceed with Invisalign, your dentist will do a more detailed consultation. We will take X-rays and photographs of your teeth. These records are then sent to the Invisalign company, where they are used to create a personalised treatment plan. Using advanced computer technology, Invisalign technicians generate a 3-D rendering of your teeth and map out how they will move into their desired positions. 

3. Waiting for Your Clear Aligners

After your treatment plan is finalised, you’ll need to wait for your custom aligners to be manufactured. This process typically takes about a month. Once your aligners are ready, you’ll schedule an appointment with your dentist to receive them. 

4. Wearing Your Invisalign Aligners

Our Smile Essential dentists will provide you with a series of aligners, each designed to be worn for one to two weeks. It’s crucial to wear your aligners for at least 22 hours a day, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. Consistent wear ensures that your teeth move according to the treatment plan and that your aligners fit correctly as you progress through the series. 

5. Refinement of Your New Straight Smile

After completing your initial set of aligners, your dentist will evaluate your progress. In some cases, additional refinement may be needed to achieve the desired results. Your dentist may order additional “refinement” trays from Invisalign to address any remaining concerns. These trays are provided at no extra cost and typically take a few weeks to arrive. 

6. Complimentary Teeth Whitening – Our Exciting Invisalign Offer

As a bonus, we offer complimentary teeth whitening to enhance your newly aligned smile. This step adds an extra touch of brightness and confidence to your overall appearance. Sometimes your teeth may require some contouring to achieve your ideal result. 

7. Maintenance of Your New Straight Smile

Once your treatment is complete, it’s essential to maintain your new beautiful smile. We recommend wearing retainers to prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original positions. Invisalign offers Vivera retainers, which are durable and designed to last. Additionally, wearing a retainer periodically for the rest of your life can help preserve the results of your Invisalign treatment. 

In summary, the Invisalign treatment process involves several stages, from the initial consultation to the maintenance of your smile post-treatment. By partnering with a skilled dentist or orthodontist and following your treatment plan diligently, you can achieve the straight, confident smile you’ve always wanted.

If you’re ready to begin your Invisalign journey, schedule a consultation with us today to take the first step towards a brighter smile.