Clear Aligners For Teeth Straightening In Chelmsford, Essex

the alternative to traditional fixed braces for adults & children

Straighten Teeth Without Braces

If you have been considering correcting your teeth but feel hesitant to get braces, you're not alone. Many adults share the same concern. But have no fear! You can still achieve a beautiful smile without traditional fixed braces. Invisalign, Angel Aligners and Spark are leading clear aligners for teeth straightening. Instead of periodic tightening of wires, these clear teeth aligners will slowly guide teeth into the desired position by being swapped out every few weeks.

Book a free consultation to discuss our invisible teeth Aligner options.

Removable Clear Aligners For Teeth Straightening

Clear aligners for teeth are the invisible way to straighten teeth without braces. In orthodontic treatment, we use a series of removable clear aligners to straighten teeth gradually without needing metal or wires. Clear teeth aligner treatment combines 21st-century technology and revolutionary manufacturing to customise a treatment for each patient.

Our specialist orthodontist, Dr Monica Reinach, is a leading provider of Invisalign, Angel and Spark clear aligners in the United Kingdom.

Understanding Retention

After completing your orthodontic treatment, you enter the retention stage. As teeth are part of the body system, a biological system, there can be a natural tendency for teeth to move once you finish with your orthodontic appliance. This is called an ‘Orthodontic Relapse’.

Using a vacuum retainer to prevent orthodontic relapse after teeth straightening treatment. Available at Pure Orthodontics Chelmsford Essex.

Vacuum Retainer

Using an upper bonded retainer to prevent orthodontic relapse after teeth straightening treatment. Available at Pure Orthodontics Chelmsford Essex.

Upper Bonded Retainer

Using a lower bonded retainer to prevent orthodontic relapse after teeth straightening treatment.

Lower Bonded Retainer

Understanding the need for a retention phase to guard against orthodontic relapse is essential for orthodontic treatment immediately following the braces' removal. This period of retention is critical to ensure that your teeth will look as good in years to come as they do on the day your braces are removed. A retention program is individually tailored for each patient and involves a fixed bonded lingual wire and removable retainers. These retention appliances are designed simply to hold the teeth in place once braces are removed and are generally very simple to wear and maintain.

You will also need to keep up your regular appointments with your general dentist. You may experience some calculus build-up, so you must have your general dentist scale and clean your teeth when required (usually every six months).

  • The bonded lingual wire consists of a very fine piece of wire attached to the inside surface of the upper and/or lower front six teeth. This wire is not visible and ensures that no movement or relapse of tooth position can occur. The wire is usually placed immediately following the removal of braces and can feel slightly noticeable to the tongue for the first day or so.

    Some care needs to be taken when biting into hard foods with the front teeth, as this has the potential to dislodge the wire from its position. If the wire becomes dislodged, an immediate call to our practice will ensure that a repair can be undertaken as soon as possible to ensure tooth movement does not occur. Cleaning this area is also important to ensure no build-up around the wire.

    As long as the wire remains in place, it will hold the teeth straight. (Patients are required to wear a retainer in addition). If the wire becomes loose or you notice a moving tooth, you must phone our practice immediately to arrange an appointment.

  • Removable retainers generally consist of a totally clear, thin plastic material that is not highly visible. Initially, the removable retainers need to be worn 24 hours a day (removed only for eating, brushing and flossing) for the first three days after the braces are removed. Following this, it needs to be worn nightly on an ongoing basis.

    Cleaning of this retainer involves brushing with your toothbrush and the occasional soak in a cleaning solution such as “Retainer Brite”. Removable retainers can be easily lost, so if they are not in the mouth, keep them safe in the box we will give you. Also, remember that dogs find retainers very tasty, so keep them out of reach! If you lose or break your retainer, please contact our office immediately so that arrangements can be made for a replacement. If the retainer is broken or you notice a moving tooth, you must call us immediately.

  • We offer all of our patients a year of supervised retention FREE at Pure Orthodontics. This includes the fitting of a bonded retainer and vacuum retainers.

    On completion of your 12-month retention, your treatment is complete. Future appointments will incur a fee.

Invisible clear aligners for teeth straightening available at Pure Orthodontics Chelmsford Essex

Benefitting patient oral health

Clear aligners are easily removable, so patients can enjoy better oral health during treatment, compared to patients treated with fixed braces.

Clear Aligners Frequently Asked Questions

  • Clear aligners, like Spark and Invisalign, are the invisible way to straighten teeth without braces. In orthodontic teeth straightening, we use a series of removable clear aligners to straighten teeth gradually without needing metal or wires. Clear aligner treatment combines 21st-century technology and revolutionary manufacturing to customise a treatment for each patient.

  • Most patients are suitable for clear aligners like Invisalign and Spark. Patients with severe orthodontic problems and certain types of bite problems might not be suitable for clear aligner treatment.

  • Yes, a doctor has to complete specific training to do treatments with clear aligners. All orthodontists and dentists interested in treating patients with Invisalign or Spark must do training before cases can be accepted at their practice.

  • Invisalign and Spark clear aligners are smooth and undetectable in the mouth, but you may experience minor aches and pains within the first few days of changing to your next set of aligners. This is due to your teeth adjusting to their new aligners and is a good sign the teeth straightening treatment is working.

  • No, but you will need to remove your aligners when eating and drinking anything other than water. We also recommend taking your aligners out if you smoke as it will stain them, but remember they must be in your mouth at least 22 hours a day, so taking them in and out a lot all adds up.

  • If you lose or break an aligner that has not been worn for the whole two weeks, put in your previous aligner until you can come in for an appointment. A new aligner can be ordered at a fee. We recommend keeping your aligners in the Invisalign or Spark containers when not in your mouth to reduce the risk of losing or damaging them.

  • Generally, this is not an issue to have clear aligners if you have a crown or bridge. Depending on where the bridge or crowns are will affect the treatment to straighten the teeth. Invisalign and Spark clear aligners offer the flexibility to move some teeth and not others.

  • Like all orthodontic teeth straightening treatments, Spark and Invisalign clear aligners may temporarily affect the speech of some patients, and you may experience a slight lisp for a couple of days. However, the lisp or other discomfort may subside as your tongue gets used to having the aligners in your mouth.

  • Retention is an essential part of orthodontic treatment. A thin undetectable retention wire is bonded to the back of the front upper and lower six teeth to ensure no tooth movement. Similar to the Invisalign and Spark clear aligner, a retainer must be worn at night as a ‘back up’ to the retention wire.

    You will have to wear the retainer and wire for as long as you want your teeth to remain straight.

  • Clear aligners are designed to maintain constant pressure on your teeth in order to shift them into the desired position.

    When you put them on, a series of built-in pressure points apply gentle force which moves your teeth in small increments over time.

    Aligners must be replaced every few weeks as they become less effective when stretched out.

    With consistent wear, usually 7-14 days, the aligners will gradually transform your teeth into a beautifully aligned smile.

  • The time it takes for clear aligners to close a gap can vary depending on the size of the gap and the complexity of the treatment.

    Generally speaking, most cases will be completed in 6-18 months, but some more complex cases can take up to 24 months.

  • Clear aligners are a great, non-invasive option for adults and teenagers over the age of 13 who have mild to moderate cases of malocclusion.

    Clear aligners can be used to treat crowding, gaps between teeth, or even minor bite problems.

    However, they won't work if you have severe misalignment, a missing tooth, periodontal diseases or underbite or overbite issues. Item description

  • The duration of your clear aligner treatment will depend on the severity of your teeth alignment issues, how strictly you adhere to wearing the aligners, and any other factors that may affect the success of your treatment.

    Typically, treatment lengths range from 3-24 months; however, it can be shorter or longer depending on all these factors.

  • Absolutely! That’s one of the great benefits of clear aligners. You can take them out for eating, drinking and important social or professional events.

    Just make sure to put them back in as soon as you're done, otherwise your teeth won't move in the desired direction.

  • Once your treatment is completed, you may be asked to wear a retainer in order to keep your teeth in the new position.

    This is especially important for those with a history of teeth shifting before the treatment. When not worn, the retainers should be stored in the case provided.

    Please make sure that you follow our aftercare instructions carefully in order to maintain the results of your clear aligners treatment.

  • No need to worry about that! It’s easy to keep your aligners clean and just like brushing your teeth.

    Cleaning them only takes minutes but makes a world of difference: you can use denture cleaner solutions, an orthodontic solution, antibacterial soap, or simply brush it off with a toothbrush and warm water.

    Regularly cleaning your aligners will help keep them looking clear and keep your teeth healthy.

  • The amount of aligners you will get depends on the complexity of your case.

    Generally, you will start with a set of aligners and receive additional sets throughout your treatment.

    With Clear Aligners, you can expect to receive between 5-50 sets at various stages of your treatment.

    Each set moves your teeth in small steps that can be tracked by our Clear Aligner software, so you know exactly what to expect during the entire process.

  • Yes! You need to exchange your aligners every 7-14 days. This helps ensure that the teeth are gradually adjusted in small increments over time.

    If you wear the same set of aligners for too long, it can lead to the teeth not being moved efficiently or inconsistently, disrupting the overall desired effect.

  • Yes, you are able to eat and drink while wearing clear aligners. However, it is important to remember that the aligners should be removed before meals and snacks, being careful not to bite down on them or grind your teeth with them in your mouth.

    Be sure to brush and floss after each meal before putting your aligners back in position for optimal oral hygiene.

  • Yes, there are some food restrictions while wearing aligners. Sticky and hard foods should be avoided as they could damage or even break the aligners.

    Chewing gum is also a big no-no when wearing aligners - it can stick to them and distort their shape, leading to treatment failure.

    Finally, avoid sugary drinks as much as possible, as this can cause staining and discoloration of the aligners.

  • Unfortunately, it is not recommended to get clear aligners when you are pregnant or nursing.

    This is due to the fact that your gums and teeth are more sensitive during pregnancy and nursing, and therefore can become more prone to irritation or damage with the use of an orthodontic appliance.

    We suggest you speak with your doctor before considering any type of orthodontic treatment during your pregnancy or nursing period.

  • Our clear aligners are made of a custom-fit, smooth thermoplastic material that is designed to be comfortable and durable.

    The unique design and smooth surface also help reduce irritation to your gums and cheeks while you wear them.

    With minimal intervention from your dentist, you can enjoy a completely customised smile without having to worry about metal wires and brackets.

  • Clear aligners are a very comfortable alternative to fixed braces. They are smooth and don't cause irritation to the gums and cheeks.

    They are custom-made for each individual's teeth, so they fit snugly and securely to provide maximum comfort.

    As the aligners are removable, you can also enjoy more of your favourite foods without worrying about food getting stuck in the brackets or wires of standard braces.

  • The process of teeth straightening with clear aligners is designed to safely and effectively correct minor dental issues like teeth crowding and spacing.

    All you have to do is wear the clear aligners for 20-22 hours a day, changing to a new pair every 7-14 days as your teeth continue to move in the desired direction.

    The process is virtually painless, requires no significant changes in diet or lifestyle, and is much faster than traditional braces.

  • While there is minor discomfort when you switch to a new aligner, it's typically mild and only lasts for a short amount of time. Also, the aligners are easy to take off if eating or brushing your teeth, meaning you won't be in pain during these activities.

    Clear aligners are a gentle way for adults and teenage to get the smile they’ve always wanted without having to deal with traditional braces that can often cause irritations and even be painful at times.

  • Clear aligners are suitable for people of all ages, but the best results are usually seen in teenagers and young adults.

    We invite you to a free consultation to get your teeth evaluated by a qualified orthodontist before deciding if clear aligners are right for you.

    They can help determine the best course of treatment according to your age and current dental condition.

  • You can drink hot beverages with clear aligners, as long as the temperature of the beverage is not too high.

    It is better to drink these beverages through a straw or use a lid and cup to minimise contact between the beverage and your aligners.

    Drinking hot beverages with your aligners on could potentially cause them to become distorted and reduce their effectiveness in straightening your teeth.

  • Yes, wearing clear aligners are so easy to take out and put back in that you will be able to play sports without any negative impacts on your journey towards a perfect smile.

    You can also eat, brush and floss with ease while wearing your aligners, making them an ideal dental solution for active individuals.