Invisalign explained by a Sheffield dentist: results, process, safety and whether it’s right for you
If you’ve been thinking about straightening your teeth but don’t fancy fixed braces, Invisalign is likely on your radar. Patients ask every week: what are Invisalign aligners, how does Invisalign work, does Invisalign work as well as traditional braces, and can Invisalign fix overbite without months of metal brackets.
In this guide we’ll answer those questions clearly, set out the full treatment journey, and share practical tips that come from treating real patients day-in, day-out.
If you want to speak to us, you can book a consultation with our friendly team at Lateral Dental in Sheffield. We welcome new patients and you can learn more about our practice ethos here. If you already know you want Invisalign, head straight to our dedicated page: Invisalign in Sheffield. You’ll find before-and-after examples, what Invisalign is used for and answers to common questions.
Quick summary (for busy readers)
Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners to move teeth gently and predictably.
You’ll wear each set for one to two weeks, around 22 hours a day.
Average treatment time is 6–12 months, but simple cases can be shorter and complex cases longer.
Attachments (tiny tooth-coloured bumps) and elastics can manage more complex movements—overbites, crowding, spacing and crossbites can often be addressed.
Success depends on good case selection, precise planning, and excellent wear time.
Retainers are essential after treatment to keep your smile straight.
For the full detail, and plenty of tips, keep reading!
What are Invisalign aligners?
Patients often start with the same question: what are Invisalign aligners and how are they different to normal braces?
Invisalign aligners are custom-made, wafer-thin plastic trays that sit snugly over your teeth. Each aligner is 3D-printed to apply a carefully planned, gentle force to specific teeth. You progress through a sequence, with each aligner moving the teeth a fraction closer to the desired position.
They’re:
Clear: difficult to spot in normal conversation.
Removable: take them out to eat, drink anything except water, brush and floss.
Smooth and comfortable: no brackets or wires to rub cheeks.
Tailored: we design the movement for your bite using digital scans.
Because they’re removable, you keep your normal hygiene routine, no fancy floss threaders, and you can enjoy your favourite foods without restriction. If you want to read more about how we provide this at the practice, have a look at Invisalign at Lateral Dental, Sheffield.
How does Invisalign work?
Let’s answer the next common question head-on: how does Invisalign work?
Digital assessment and planning
We start with a 3D digital scan (no messy impressions), photos and X-rays where indicated. We analyse your bite, gum health and the shape of your teeth. Using Invisalign’s planning software, we map the tooth movements stage by stage and agree goals with you—cosmetic and functional.Aligner manufacturing
Once you’re happy with the plan, a series of aligners is 3D-printed to those exact movements. Each aligner is worn for 7–14 days, typically 22 hours per day.Attachments and IPR
Many cases need tooth-coloured attachments bonded onto certain teeth. These are tiny, smooth shapes that give the aligner better grip to rotate or move teeth more effectively. IPR (interproximal reduction) may be planned—this is a fraction of a millimetre of enamel polishing between selected teeth to create space and improve proportions. It’s conservative, planned, and done where clinically appropriate.Change aligners, review progress
You’ll switch aligners at home and attend check-ins every 6–8 weeks so we can monitor progress and tweak if needed. This blend of in-person care and at-home convenience is a big part of why patients love Invisalign.Finishing and retention
At the end, we refine any small details with refinement aligners if needed. Then we provide retainers—either removable, fixed (a small wire behind the front teeth), or both. Retention is not optional; it’s the insurance policy that keeps your teeth in their new position.
So, how does Invisalign work in a nutshell? Through precise digital planning, gentle staged forces, and your commitment to wearing the aligners consistently.
Does Invisalign work?
It’s a fair question: does Invisalign work as well as braces? The honest answer is that Invisalign works extremely well for the right cases, especially in the hands of a dentist who plans carefully and sees you regularly.
Here’s what influences success:
Case selection: Crowding, spacing, mild-to-moderate rotations and many bite issues respond very well. Some complex skeletal bites may still be better with fixed braces or a joint approach.
Wear time: The aligner only works while it’s on the teeth. 22 hours a day is the goal.
Attachments/elastics: These unlock more complex corrections, including overbites and crossbites.
Gum and bone health: Straightening is safest and most stable when your mouth is healthy first.
Planning and follow-up: Meticulous planning and responsive refinements produce the best outcomes.
If you’d like an assessment of whether Invisalign will work for your specific bite, you’re welcome to book an appointment with us or read more about our approach to Invisalign in Sheffield.
Can Invisalign fix overbite?
Another frequent concern is can Invisalign fix overbite issues. In many cases, yes. We can use a combination of attachments, elastics, and careful staging to guide the upper and lower teeth into a healthier relationship. For growing teens, aligners can also incorporate features that encourage jaw guidance. For adults with a more pronounced skeletal pattern, Invisalign can improve the overbite significantly, and sometimes we coordinate with other treatments for the best result.
The Invisalign journey at Lateral Dental (step-by-step)
- Consultation and suitability
We listen to what you want to change and check the health of teeth and gums. Suitability includes bite analysis, enamel thickness, root lengths from appropriate radiographs, and soft-tissue support. - Smile simulation
We use a digital scan to show a preview of how the teeth could look after treatment. It’s a guide, not a guarantee, but it’s very helpful to visualise the plan. - Your custom treatment plan
You’ll receive a clear plan that covers goals, expected timeline, fees, and retention. We’ll never push; we’ll simply give you the information you need to make a decision. You can read more about how we work on our About page and for fees and options see Invisalign Sheffield. - Fitting day
We place attachments where needed, provide your first sets of aligners, and show you how to insert, remove and clean them. We’ll also talk you through wear time, hygiene and comfort tips. - Reviews
Short appointments every few weeks ensure everything is tracking well. If a tooth needs a little more persuasion, we adjust the plan and order refinement aligners. - Finishing touches
We polish tiny edges if needed, check your bite, and discuss options like whitening or bonding if that’s part of your goal. - Retention (the key to staying straight)
You’ll receive retainers and a plan for how often to wear them. Expect to wear removable retainers nightly at first, then slowly reduce—though some level of long-term retention is recommended for everyone.
Ready to start? Our team is here to help: get in touch today!
Comfort, lifestyle and oral health benefits
Discreet: Most people won’t notice you’re wearing aligners.
Eat normally: Pop them out for meals—no banned foods.
Brushing and flossing stay simple: Because aligners come out, everyday hygiene is familiar and effective.
Fewer emergencies: No broken brackets or pokey wires.
Gum health can improve: Straighter teeth are easier to keep clean.
Sport and music: Removable aligners are convenient for musicians and for sports (always wear a dedicated sports mouthguard where appropriate).
Real patient story
Fresh from completing her Invisalign treatment with Dr Stephens at Lateral Dental, this patient shares a glowing experience. She found the journey quick, comfortable and easy to fit around everyday life, with supportive check-ins that kept everything on track. The results speak for themselves: a straighter smile that’s lifted her confidence and self-esteem in a big way. She “can’t recommend it enough” and says the difference it’s made—both in photos and day to day—has been nothing short of transformative. When you’re ready, learn more about our service at Invisalign Sheffield.
Safety and suitability
Your safety comes first. Before we start, we make sure:
Gums are healthy and any decay is treated.
X-rays (where indicated) show healthy bone levels.
Your bite goals are realistic and stable.
You understand wear time and retainer commitment.
We’ll also chat about enamel edges, small black triangles (sometimes appear as teeth move), and the plan to minimise these where possible. If Invisalign isn’t your best option, we’ll say so—and discuss alternatives. You can trust we’ll only recommend treatment that is clinically appropriate. Learn more about our team and standards on our About page.
Aftercare and keeping your results
Alignment is step one; retention is for life. Think of retainers like seatbelts for your new smile.
Removable retainers: clear trays worn nightly at first, then tapered.
Fixed retainers: a slim wire on the back of front teeth—ideal if you don’t want to think about wear times.
Check-ups and hygiene: keep your routine dental visits going to protect your investment.
We’ll provide a personalised retention plan and show you how to keep retainers clean and fresh.
Costs and finance
Fees vary with complexity and length of treatment, especially if refinements or elastics are planned. We’ll give you a clear, written plan before you decide. For guidance and current options, visit our fees page or contact us. Our front-of-house team can outline payment options and appointment availability.
Why choose Lateral Dental for Invisalign?
Experienced clinicians who provide Invisalign regularly and understand when to use attachments, elastics and refinements.
Modern digital workflow for accuracy and comfort.
Transparent communication—you’ll know the why, what and how at each step.
Friendly, local team in Sheffield with convenient appointment times.
Comprehensive care under one roof—from hygiene to whitening to composite bonding when appropriate.
Get to know us here: About Lateral Dental. When you’re ready, you can book your consultation via our contact page.
Final thoughts
Choosing to straighten your teeth is a big decision. The technology is impressive, but what matters most is planning, professional oversight and your dedication to wear time. If you’re still weighing it up—or you’re ready to get started—our team at Lateral Dental would love to help. Explore our approach to Invisalign in Sheffield.
For tailored advice, nothing beats a friendly chat with a dentist who can assess your bite in person. We look forward to meeting you and planning a smile that looks good, functions well and lasts.
Frequently questions our patients ask
As the name suggests, what are Invisalign aligners made of? They’re thin, medical-grade plastic trays custom-printed to your treatment plan. The number you need depends on complexity—some patients complete treatment in as few as 10–14 aligners; others may need 30+ including refinements.
How does Invisalign work for different issues? Each aligner is staged to move specific teeth by small amounts. For crowding we may use IPR (tiny enamel polishing) to create space; for gaps we close space gradually. Attachments guide rotations and root positions for a stable, healthy result.
Yes. Does Invisalign work for relapse after teenage braces? Very often. If your teeth have drifted because retainers weren’t worn, Invisalign is a popular way to realign them discreetly—usually quicker than first-time treatment.
In many cases, yes—especially mild to moderate overbites. We plan movements with attachments and, where needed, elastics. Severe skeletal patterns may need a different approach; we’ll advise honestly after a full assessment.
Rinse with lukewarm water (never hot), brush them gently with a soft brush (no abrasive toothpaste), and store in the case when you’re eating. Keep to 22 hours a day wear time. Bring your aligners to every review so we can check comfort and fit.
