Dr Samuel Hainsworth, Principal Dentist, and Mr Richard Needham, Specialist and Consultant Orthodontist at Smile Stylist, Hale Barns, answer your questions about clear aligner treatment.
More adults than ever are choosing Invisalign to straighten their teeth - discreetly, comfortably and without the look of traditional braces. But is it the right option for everyone? This month, we answer the questions we hear most often about clear aligner treatment.
Before we delve into the world of Invisalign, we hear you two have known each other for a while?
Dr Hainsworth: Yes! Richard was actually the first fellow dental student I met back in 2002. We lived in the same Hall of Residence and played on the same football team for several years. Our careers took slightly different paths after graduating but it's been an absolute privilege to reconnect and welcome Richard to the Smile Stylist team this year - we're incredibly fortunate to have his expertise on hand.
Mr Needham: It feels like just a few months ago we were studying together. I'm passionate about providing the highest level of care for my patients and Smile Stylist perfectly aligns with my ethos.
What is Invisalign and how does it work?
Dr Hainsworth: Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners that gently guide your teeth into position over time. Each set of aligners is custom-made and you move to a new set every one to two weeks as your teeth shift.
Because they're virtually invisible and can be taken out for eating and brushing, many people find them far easier to fit into daily life than traditional braces.
Can Invisalign achieve the same results as fixed braces?
Mr Needham: For most patients, absolutely. Invisalign is ideal for mild to moderate crowding, spacing issues and many bite corrections. For very complex cases involving significant rotation or jaw alignment, fixed braces - including lingual braces, which sit behind the teeth - may be more efficient.
But the technology has come a long way, and many cases that once required fixed braces can now be treated with Invisalign. Every patient receives a thorough assessment so we can recommend the best approach for their particular situation.
What makes Invisalign more convenient?
Dr Hainsworth: The aligners are smooth and comfortable, with no brackets or wires to irritate your mouth. You remove them to eat, so there are no food restrictions, and cleaning your teeth is straightforward.
Treatment times and costs are often comparable to fixed braces, so for many people it simply comes down to lifestyle - Invisalign fits around your life rather than the other way around.
Is my teenager a good candidate for Invisalign?
Mr Needham: Often, yes. Invisalign Teen is designed specifically for younger patients, with built-in wear indicators and space for teeth that are still coming through. Many teens love how discreet it is. That said, fixed braces can suit some teenagers better - particularly if they'd prefer not to worry about remembering to wear their aligners.
We also offer clear ceramic brackets for those who want a less noticeable fixed option. The key is to get advice early: spotting bite or alignment issues from as young as seven or eight can make treatment simpler and prevent problems later on.
How do I find out if Invisalign is right for me?
Dr Hainsworth: Book a consultation - no referral is needed. We offer free consultations with our treatment coordinator seven days a week, or you can book directly with myself or Mr Needham.
Using digital scans and 3D planning, we can show you exactly what's possible and help you decide whether Invisalign is the right path to a healthier, more confident smile.
Got a question for our experts? Email your dental queries to halebarns@smilestylist.co.uk and we may answer them in a future column.
Smile Stylist, 2 The Square, Hale Barns, Altrincham WA15 8ZN | 0161 390 0900 | smilestylist.co.uk. Open seven days a week
