rssExpert answers

Date Added: October 15 2012

I have a crown on my front tooth, but was wondering it if was possible to have invisalign treatment to straighten it out? I did have a slight infection in that tooth, but it has definitely gone now, i just didn’t know if it was possible to move teeth with a crown on it any help would be amazing

Hi, We very often use Invisalign to reposition crowned teeth. It is important that the crowned tooth is assessed and deemed to be in good condition before Invisalign treatment is started. It would be unfavourable if the crown or crowned tooth was to fail mid invisalign treatment as this could upset the fit of the aligners. Sometimes attachments are needed on specific teeth to help move them into their best position. Attachments cannot be fitted to ceramic crowns.

  • Expert name: Dr Raman Aulakh
  • The Beauty Society, Beaconsfield
  • Address: Chesterton Gardens, Grove Road, Beaconsfield, Bucks, HP9 1UR
  • Web Site: www.thebeautysociety.co.uk
  • Phone: 01494 681367


Date Added: October 15 2012

Hello doctor, I have been looking at getting Invisalign treatment but am nervous as I have had braces before, which solved most of my problems but then my teeth drifted back after a number of years and now I’m basically back to square one. The reason I have chosen Invisalign then is because I have heard that you are given a lifelong retainer after your treatment is complete. Is this true? What does the retainer look like and is it just worn at night? Thank you for your time

Hi It is not uncommon that teeth can drift back after any sort of orthodontic treatment. Invisalign is no different. You will need long term retainers and these may be a fixed (thin wire) retainer to the back of the front teeth, worn full time, or a removable retainer worn only at night (similar to an Invisalign aligner) or a combination of both. Retainers should be worn long term and the only way to be 100% certain the teeth won’t drift back is to wear these for life. After...

  • Expert name: Dr. Andrew McCarthy
  • Holborn Dental Centre,
  • Address: 3 Procter Street, London WC1V 6NX
  • Web Site: www.holborndental.co.uk
  • Phone: 0207 242 7212


Date Added: October 15 2012

Hello, I have been doing some research on different braces and I would really like Invisalign braces because they are so discreet. The problem area I have are that my front lower teeth are crooked and some are higher than the others. Would you recommend that I use Invisalign as I think the problem is quite minor? I have just graduated from University and will be moving to London in a few months. I would like to get the treatment done in the North-west if possible as I imagine the cost is more in London so would like to start treatment ASAP. Any advice would be very helpful, thank you.

Hi there! Congratulations on your recent graduation! It would be best to be assessed by a, Invisalign providing dentist first to see if you would be a suitable candidate. From the description it sounds like you would be able to have Invisalign but bear in mind that you will have to complete the treatment with the same dentist you started it!

  • Expert name: Dr Graham Gardner
  • Graham Gardner Orthodontics, Winchester
  • Address: 58 Romsey Rd, Winchester, Hampshire SO22 5PH
  • Web Site: www.winchesterorthodontics.co.uk
  • Phone: 01962 864222


Date Added: August 21 2012

There is a need to be able to file a complaint . My dentist registered with Invisalign and I feel he did not have enough training nor his assistant. The assistant did not know how to do impressions and damaged my gum while doing it, and the dentist ignored it . I got a second option from an orthodontist and am much happier with his experience and wisdom. He is much more thorough. I feel invisalign should not allow dentists to take on complex cases.Could you please give me some advice about what to do about this matter? I look forward to hearing from you.

Hi there! I am sorry you had a bad experience while you had your impressions taken! Invisalign can treat from very simple to complex cases successfully! Experience is key for complex cases and we have treated many difficult cases over the years. Finding a dentist that you feel happy with is very important!

  • Expert name: Dr Raman Aulakh
  • The Beauty Society, Beaconsfield
  • Address: Chesterton Gardens, Grove Road, Beaconsfield, Bucks, HP9 1UR
  • Web Site: www.thebeautysociety.co.uk
  • Phone: 01494 681367


Date Added: August 21 2012

I had a consultation with a private dentist about 7 months ago about getting Invisalign. I am 17 years old and although I was offered metal braces on the NHS I have managed to save enough money to get Invisalign instead. Everything was fine during the consultation and I am due back in a few weeks to start the process and have impressions made but my wisdom tooth has started to come through in a strange way, well not straight and is quite sore. I could go to the emergency dentist to have it taken out ASAP or do you think I should talk to the dentist doing my Invisalign and delay it a bit? I don’t want the wisdom tooth to affect my Invisalign treatment.

I would speak to your Invisalign dentist. They are likely to have taken / will take an x-ray of your mouth and will be able to determine if your wisdom teeth are likely to be removed or may come through of their own accord. If they need to be removed they will also be able to advise you of the best time for this. Good Luck , Peter

  • Expert name: Dr.Peter Ilori
  • Octagon Orthodontics At The Beauty Society, High Wycombe
  • Address: 31-33 AMERSHAM HILL, HIGH WYCOMBE, HP13 6NU
  • Web Site: www.thebeautysociety.co.uk
  • Phone: 01494-513-797


Date Added: June 19 2012

hi i am 16 and would like to get the invisalign done as my dentist says i need braces but i want the invisible one's how much would it cost and where would i get it done and would i be able to get teeth whitening done as well?

Hello,   It is possible to have Invisalign at your age. The best thing is to search on the invisalign website for your local provider. It might be worth travelling to find someone with experience. Usually whitening is included in the treatment.

  • Expert name: Dr. Graham Tinkler
  • Holborn Dental Centre,
  • Address: 3 Procter Street, London WC1V 6NX
  • Web Site: www.holborndental.co.uk
  • Phone: 0207 242 7212


Date Added: February 22 2012

I have been wearing invisalign for nearly 2 years but I have developed an allergy to them. The inside of my lips are swollen and have white patches and the end of my tongue feels as if it has been burnt and is covered with tiny white spots. Is there anything I can do to stop this ?

Hello Patricia,   I would be very suprised if you have developed an allergy to the aligners/retainers. It is more likey that you are deficient in minerals and/or vitamins or are generally run down. I would arrange a blood test with your doctor to determine if this is the case. It could also be that you are stressed and at night you are chewing the cheeks and the tongue is rubbing on the aligners.   I hope this helps.

  • Expert name: Dr. Graham Tinkler
  • Holborn Dental Centre,
  • Address: 3 Procter Street, London WC1V 6NX
  • Web Site: www.holborndental.co.uk
  • Phone: 0207 242 7212


Date Added: February 16 2012

I wanted to ask if I there is a possibility that a person’s teeth could be too over crowded that Invisalign wouldn’t work? My lateral incisor is behind my central incisor and my right cuspid, would be a tight squeeze to fit through. I also have all my wisdom teeth.

It is impossible to tell without seeing you in person. With the right compliance on behalf of the patient Invisalign can create space to correct even the most crowded of cases without necessarily having to remove teeth.

  • Expert name: Dr. Graham Tinkler
  • Holborn Dental Centre,
  • Address: 3 Procter Street, London WC1V 6NX
  • Web Site: www.holborndental.co.uk
  • Phone: 0207 242 7212