Category: Invisalign

5 Tips for enjoying Christmas with Invisalign®

Christmas is a time for celebration, indulgence, and making memories with loved ones.

If you’re undergoing Invisalign® treatment, you might be wondering how to navigate the festive season without compromising your progress.

The good news?

With a little planning, you can enjoy all the joys of Christmas while staying on track with your Invisalign® journey.

Here are five practical tips to help you enjoy Christmas with Invisalign®.

1. Stick to your wear time

One of the key factors in achieving successful results with Invisalign® is sticking to the recommended 20-22 hours of daily wear.

During the festive season, it’s tempting to leave your aligners out longer while enjoying meals or sipping on a mulled wine. However, prolonged periods without wearing your aligners can slow your progress and extend your treatment timeline.

To make it easier, plan your meals and drinks ahead of time. Try to enjoy your Christmas dinner, desserts, and beverages in one sitting rather than grazing throughout the day. This approach minimises the time your aligners are out, ensuring you stay on track while still indulging in festive treats.

2. Be mindful of food and drink choices

Christmas is known for tempting rich foods and sugary drinks, but some options can pose challenges for Invisalign® wearers.

Sticky or chewy foods like toffee or caramel can cling to your teeth, increasing the risk of plaque build-up. Similarly, staining drinks like red wine, coffee, or hot chocolate can discolour your aligners.

Stick to Invisalign-friendly choices, including softer foods and non-staining beverages like cheeses, mince pies, and light drinks.

Of course, we want you to enjoy yourself! So, if you do indulge in something sugary or staining, be sure to brush your teeth thoroughly before reinserting your aligners. This helps maintain both your oral hygiene and the clarity of your aligners.

3. Stay prepared with a travel kit

Whether you’re visiting family or attending festive parties, having a portable Invisalign® care kit is essential.

Pack a small pouch with your toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, aligner cleaning crystals, and a retainer case. This kit ensures you can keep your oral hygiene in check, no matter where Christmas takes you.

Having your travel kit on hand also makes it easier to stick to your routine. After enjoying a festive meal, you can quickly clean your teeth and aligners, giving you peace of mind as you continue the celebrations.

4. Hydrate wisely

During the festive season, it’s easy to reach for fizzy drinks, cocktails, or hot beverages.

However, these can leave behind sugars and acids that increase the risk of tooth decay if left unchecked. Since you’ll need to remove your aligners to drink anything other than water, staying hydrated with plain water is a smart choice.

Water not only helps rinse away food particles and sugars but also keeps your mouth feeling fresh.

Plus, drinking water frequently can help you resist the urge to sip on sugary drinks throughout the day.

5. Enjoy treats in moderation

Christmas is a time to indulge, but moderation is key when you’re undergoing Invisalign® treatment.

Overindulging in sweets, chocolates, or other sugary treats can increase the risk of cavities, especially if your aligners trap lingering sugars against your teeth.

Treat yourself to festive favourites, but try to enjoy them during mealtimes rather than snacking all day. This approach reduces the time harmful sugars are in contact with your teeth and aligns with good oral hygiene practices.

Bonus tip: don’t forget your progress

The festive season is a great time to reflect on how far you’ve come with your Invisalign® journey. If you’ve been consistent with your treatment, you might already notice a difference in your smile.

Use this as motivation to stay committed during Christmas and beyond. Remember, the effort you put in now will pay off with the confident smile you’ve always wanted.

Contact us for Invisalign®

Christmas with Invisalign® doesn’t have to be complicated.

By planning ahead, making smart food and drink choices, and sticking to your routine, you can enjoy the festive season while staying on track with your treatment.

At Kiln Lane Dental, we’re here to support you every step of the way on your Invisalign® journey. If you have any questions or need advice, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a sparkling smile for the New Year!

What can you drink with Invisalign®?

When you’re on the journey to a perfect smile with Invisalign®, you might be wondering how your favourite beverages fit into your new routine.

Drinking with Invisalign® requires a bit of thought to ensure your aligners remain in top shape and your teeth stay healthy.

We’ll explore the best practices for drinking with Invisalign® and offer some tips to help you out.

 

Understanding Invisalign® and drinking

Invisalign® aligners are designed to be worn for 20-22 hours a day to achieve the best results. This means you’ll need to be mindful about what you drink while wearing them. The aligners are made from clear BPA-free plastic, which can stain or become damaged if exposed to certain beverages.

 

Best practices for drinking with Invisalign®

1. Stick to water

The safest and most recommended drink with Invisalign® aligners is plain water. It keeps you hydrated without risking stains or damage to the aligners. Water is also excellent for maintaining oral hygiene, as it helps to rinse away food particles and bacteria.

2. Remove aligners for other beverages

For any drink other than water, it’s best to remove your aligners. Drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, and fizzy drinks can stain the aligners and your teeth. Sugary or acidic beverages can also get trapped between the aligners and your teeth, leading to decay or erosion.

3. Brush before re-inserting

After enjoying your beverage, make sure to brush your teeth before putting your aligners back in. This should remove any sugar or acid that could harm your teeth.

 

Invisalign® drinking with a straw

You might be wondering if drinking with a straw can bypass some of these issues. While drinking with a straw might reduce the contact of the beverage with your aligners and teeth, it’s not a foolproof solution. Here’s why:

 

Limited protection

Even with a straw, liquids can still seep around the aligners, potentially causing stains and damage.

 

Risk of tooth decay

Sugary or acidic drinks can still impact your teeth, as they might not be completely bypassed by the straw.

If you choose to drink with a straw, it’s crucial to use it correctly by placing it towards the back of your mouth to minimise contact with your aligners and teeth. However, this should not replace the practice of removing your aligners for any non-water beverages.

 

Drinks to avoid

Certain drinks are particularly problematic for Invisalign® wearers. Here are a few to avoid while wearing your aligners:

Coffee and tea

These popular beverages can stain your aligners and teeth. If you can’t give them up, make sure to remove your aligners before drinking and brush your teeth afterwards.

Soda and sports drinks

These drinks are high in sugar and acidity, which can lead to tooth decay and aligner damage.

Alcohol

Wine, beer, and spirits can stain and damage your aligners because many alcoholic drinks are also acidic and sugary, posing risks to your dental health.

 

Enjoying your favourite beverages safely

To enjoy your favourite drinks without compromising your Invisalign® treatment, consider the following tips:

1. Plan your drinking times

Align your drinking times with your meal times. Since you’ll already be removing your aligners to eat, it makes sense to have your beverage at the same time.

2. Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of water throughout the day. It keeps you hydrated and helps to rinse away any residual sugars or acids from your teeth.

3. Maintain good oral hygiene

Brush and floss regularly to keep your teeth and aligners clean. Proper oral hygiene is essential for successful Invisalign® treatment.

 

Ready to start your Invisalign® journey?

Drinking with Invisalign® requires some adjustments, but with the right practices, you can enjoy your beverages without compromising your treatment. Remember, water is always your best friend when wearing aligners.

If you have any more questions about Invisalign® treatment or need further advice, don’t hesitate to contact Kiln Lane Dental via email at info@kilnlanedental.co.uk, or speak directly to one of our professional team members by calling 01744 25776.

How to clean Invisalign®

One of the main benefits of Invisalign® is that it’s discrete.

The aligners are virtually transparent, and they won’t affect your appearance or lifestyle in any way – providing that you clean them regularly.

Each aligner or tray must be worn for a minimum of 20-22 hours per day. And as a result, bacteria can very easily build-up, leading to discolouration and odours – and potentially having a negative impact on your overall oral health. So, it’s crucial to look after them properly.

Here we offer our advice on how to clean Invisalign® successfully and ensure your invisible trays stay just that… invisible.

 

5 tips to keep your clear aligners clean and fresh

1. Brush the aligners twice daily

First things first, we recommend brushing your Invisalign® twice daily – just like your teeth. Once in the morning after you’ve slept in the aligners. Once in the evening, before you go to bed.

Simply use a clear liquid soap and a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush the surface. This will help to remove any bacteria, plaque, dried saliva, and food particles. Then, rinse the trays thoroughly using lukewarm water.

You should never use toothpaste or scented soaps to clean Invisalign® – as these can leave residue, cause staining and may even create an unpleasant taste. We also advise against using particularly hot or cold water when rinsing the trays, as this can warp and damage the plastic.

 

2. Rinse after each removal

In addition to your morning and evening cleaning routine, it’s also a good idea to rinse your Invisalign® trays every time you take them out of your mouth.

It may seem like an inconvenience, especially if you’re not at home – but it’s definitely worth it.

It only takes a couple of minutes to give them a quick rinse under the tap. Yet, it’s an easy way to remove any food particles, discourage a build-up of bacteria and prevent the accumulation of dried saliva. Again, just remember to check the temperature of the water before you start.

 

How to clean Invisalign

 

3. Soak the trays every day

This is the best way to give your Invisalign® a thorough clean.

Once you’ve cleaned and brushed the trays, allow them to soak in a cleaning solution for a few minutes. You only have to do it once a day – either in the morning or evening, depending on what suits your daily routine more. But it can make a huge difference and will ensure the aligners aren’t harbouring any invisible bacteria.

Invisalign® sell various cleaning products for this purpose, including Steraligner and Invisalign® Cleaning Crystals. But a cheaper and more accessible option is to use denture cleaning tablets. These can be easily bought at your local supermarket. Just follow the instructions on the pack to create the cleaning solution, soak, and ensure your trays are germ-free and minty fresh.

 

4. Never eat or drink with Invisalign®

Whilst wearing the aligners, the only thing that should pass your lips is water.

Invisalign® trays are not designed to support the pressure of chewing. Food can also very easily get stuck in the crevices of the plastic and some drinks are known to cause staining and discolouration. Therefore, to avoid damage, it’s worth taking them out every time you eat or drink – and be sure to brush and floss your teeth before you pop them back in.

Again, this may feel like a bit of a hassle – particularly if it means having to carry a toothbrush when you go out. But it’s an easy way to avoid a build-up of bacteria and the associated dental issues.

 

5. Store your Invisalign® correctly

When you’re not wearing them, always ensure your aligners are stored in the case provided.

For a start, this will prevent them from getting lost or damaged – meaning you won’t have to pay for any replacements. Leaving them exposed to the open air has also been shown to encourage the growth of harmful bacteria, so it’ll also help to maintain their clean condition.

If you do forget and leave them out for a few hours, don’t panic. You can still use them. Just make sure you clean, soak, and rinse each aligner thoroughly before putting it back in your mouth.

 

Invisalign at Kiln Lane Dental

 

Want to find out more about Invisalign®?

Invisalign® is now one of our most popular treatments, here at Kiln Lane Dental. It’s fair to say, we know everything there is to know about these revolutionary plastic trays – and, over the last few years, we’ve helped countless patients make their dream perfectly aligned smile a reality.

Lots of information on Invisalign® can be found throughout the site, including in our previous blogs ‘Invisalign® – the best way to straighten teeth’, ‘Adult braces’ and ‘3 benefits of Invisalign® braces’. So, to find out more, it’s worth taking a look at these.

Or, if you have any questions – either about the treatment itself or how to keep Invisalign® retainers clean – you’re welcome to get in touch with the friendly team here at our St Helens Dental Clinic  Either give us a call on 01744 25776 or send an email to info@kilnlanedental.co.uk and a member of the team will respond as soon as possible.

 

 

Adult braces

Wish you’d had your teeth straightened when you were younger?

People often assume they’ve missed the boat. After all, braces tend to be associated with children and teenagers – and there comes a point when you’re just too old. Right?

Wrong. It simply isn’t true.

There is no upper age limit on having straighter teeth. Yes, early orthodontic intervention can work wonders for overbites, underbites, crooked teeth etc. But that doesn’t mean such interventions are restricted to your childhood. In fact, just like the rest of our body, our jaw can change over time – and even if you had perfectly straight teeth as a child, alignment issues can arise later in life.

According to the British Orthodontic Society (BOS), adult braces have grown in popularity over the last few years, as attitudes have changed and the treatment has advanced. Yet lots of grown-ups still have reservations. Here we take a look at those reservations and explore how Invisalign® – the latest type of braces to be developed – could tip the balance and encourage you to go ahead.

 

3 common reservations about adult braces

  1. They’ll look unsightly

Lots of people shy away from adult braces because of how they believe they will look. Perhaps you’d feel self-conscious? Or wouldn’t want people to know you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment?

It’s fair to say, traditional ‘train track’ braces aren’t very attractive – and we can understand why, as an adult, you’d be reluctant to wear them for any length of time. But thankfully, there are now several other options available that are significantly more discreet, including Invisalign®.

No need for metal wires and brackets. Instead, you’ll be given a series of clear aligners, which simply slot over your teeth. These aligners are barely noticeable. People won’t even realise you’re wearing them; yet by applying gentle pressure, they will gradually move your teeth into the desired position.

 

  1. They’ll take too long to work

Teeth straightening for adults can take slightly longer than it would for a child. Your jawbone is thicker and your teeth have been in their current position for longer, so it’s only natural. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean you will be wearing adult braces for an unreasonable length of time.

Invisalign® braces, for example, have been specifically designed to be fast-acting. Each aligner is typically worn for a fortnight, before being swapped for the next. The results are often visible within just a few weeks and the full treatment can take as little as six months to complete.

 

  1. They’re inconvenient

Classic metal braces are notoriously difficult to keep clean. They require vigorous scrubbing to remove unwanted food and bacteria. What’s more, extra care needs to be taken to keep your teeth clean and avoid a build-up of plaque. And that alone is enough to put some adults off.

Again, Invisalign® braces avoid this issue. The clear aligners are fully removable. Which means, you can simply take them out whilst you are eating and pop them back in once you are done, and continue to brush your teeth as usual. They’ll have zero impact on your day-to-day life.

 

Invisalign braces

 

Want to know more about clear braces for adults?

We can help. Invisalign® is available at Kiln Lane Dental and we know everything there is to know about it.

Detailed information can be found throughout our site, including in our previous blogs ‘3 benefits of Invisalign® braces’ and ‘Invisalign® – the best way to straighten teeth’. So if you’re considering invisible adult braces in St Helens, be sure to check these out. Or if you prefer, you’re always welcome to get in touch. We’re happy to answer any questions. Just give us a call on 01744 25776 or send an email to info@kilnlanedental.co.uk.

There are many reasons why people choose to have braces later in life, and we’ve previously treated patients in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond. You’re never too old for a straight, beautiful smile. And with the development of clear braces for adults, absolutely nothing should hold you back. Invisalign® is a non-invasive yet life-changing treatment and it could be the perfect solution for you.

 

Invisalign® – the best way to straighten teeth

Heard of Invisalign®?

It’s the latest treatment on the ‘teeth straightening’ block and has quickly become a favourite amongst our patients, here at Kiln Lane Dental. These clear and comfortable aligners have transformed approximately 8 million smiles so far. And they could do the same for you.

Here we take a look at exactly how they work and how they differ from other treatments.

 

How does Invisalign® work?

The Invisalign® process (i.e. the path to your impressive, straighter smile) involves three simple steps:

 

1. Meet the dentist

First things first, you’ll need to pop in for an initial consultation. This gives us a chance to examine your smile and discuss what you’d like to achieve.  If we feel Invisalign® is the best way to straighten your teeth, we will then take a precise 3D digital scan using the iTero Element Scanner.

This scanner allows you to go from imagining your dream smile to actually seeing it. Using the scan and advanced software, we can then create a customised treatment plan (based on years of research) and design a series of aligners – that will move your teeth into the desired position.

 

Invisalign aligners in case

 

2. Wear the aligners

Once the aligners have been produced, you can start to wear them straight away.

Each aligner is worn for two weeks, before being swapped out for the next, and you’ll need to wear them both day and night. But the good news? They’re virtually transparent, they won’t interrupt your life in any way, and they can be easily taken out for eating and brushing your teeth.

Check-ups will be needed every 6-8 weeks to track your progress. But in many cases, the treatment can take as little as six months to complete and results are visible in just a matter of weeks.

 

3. Retain your new smile

After completing the Invisalign® process, you’ll also be given the option to purchase Vivera retainers. These are custom-made to fit your mouth and twice as durable as other retainers currently available. Worn at night, they will prevent your teeth from gradually shifting back to their original position – and will ensure your beautiful, straighter smile is there to stay.

 

Is Invisalign® right for me?

For most people, the answer to this question is yes. Whether you have a particularly tricky bite or just wish to improve your smile, Invisalign® can be used to treat a wide range of issues, including:

Overbite – the upper front teeth close in front of the lower teeth

Underbite – the lower teeth protrude past the upper front teeth

Crossbite – the upper and lower jaws don’t line up

Gap teeth – when there are extra spaces between teeth

Open bite – the top and bottom teeth don’t meet

Crowded teeth – when there’s not enough room for teeth to fit normally

Issues that can be treated with Invisalign

 

If you’re still unsure, Invisalign® provide a quick online ‘Smile Assessment’ that’s worth a look. Just put in a few details, click submit and they’ll let you know if you’re a suitable candidate.

But keep in mind, this is for general guidance purposes only. To discuss your circumstances in detail, and discover whether Invisalign® is right for you, the best option is to contact the team at Kiln Lane Dental. We’ll arrange a consultation and take things from there.

https://www.facebook.com/kilnlandental/videos/3233774773337384/

 

Invisalign® at Kiln Lane Dental

We’ll admit, we’re a massive fan of these life-changing invisible braces, here at Kiln Lane. In our opinion, Invisalign® is one of the best ways to straighten teeth, without the need for unsightly braces. And thanks to this revolutionary treatment, we’ve now helped countless patients to realise their dream straight smile.

If you suffer from any of the issues outlined above, why not get in touch? Either give us a call on 01744 25776 or send an email to info@kilnlanedental.co.uk and find out how we could help you.

 

Top 3 benefits of Invisalign® braces

Invisalign® braces are the ideal treatment for anyone looking to achieve their perfect smile without the hassle and pain of metal braces.

The Invisalign® system is a personal treatment plan which involves creating a mould from your teeth to construct a clear set of removable trays for a straighter and healthier smile.

Using the non-invasive process of digital imaging, 3D digital scans are used to construct tailor-made Invisalign® trays that are fitted in a quick and pain-free manner.

At Kiln Lane Dental, we are certified Invisalign® providers. As such, our expert dentists are able to offer clients this beneficial service, which will completely transform your smile and dissipate any imperfections.

 

Top 3 benefits of Invisalign® braces

 1. Improved confidence

The most popular reason many people invest in Invisalign® braces is that they can correct various dentistry issues such as overbite, underbite, gapped, overcrowding, and protruding teeth.

The Invisalign® system is designed to perfectly align your teeth in order to create your ideal smile without the unsightly appearance of metal braces. Invisalign® trays are the perfect solution for anyone dealing with self-esteem issues, as this discreet treatment will ensure that you are more content with your appearance and help to improve your overall confidence.

2. Comfortable wear

The Invisalign® system is purposely designed to offer comfort to the wearer.

Metal braces can cause a significant amount of discomfort due to the wire irritating gums and teeth. Having an Invisalign® eliminates the need for wires, as our professional dentists will ensure that your trays perfectly match your teeth through the moulding process. This involves the use of polyutherane resin, which is a virtually invisible dentistry mould that holds the trays together.

3. Convenience

One of the main advantages of investing in Invisalign® braces is that they are removable. You simply remove them while you are eating and pop them back in once you are done.

They also allow you to clean your teeth as usual by simply taking out your trays before brushing and flossing – much more convenient than metal braces, which require vigorous scrubbing in order to remove unwanted food.

How Kiln Lane Dental can help you

At Kiln Lane Dental, we can provide you with the full Invisalign® treatment in our St Helens dental practice, where our expert dental team can help you achieve your dream smile within less than two years’ time.

If you wish to find out more about our Invisalign® service, you can contact us via email or speak directly to one of our professional team members on 01744 25776.