Curious about your treatment? Chances are, we’ve answered your question before! Browse our most frequently asked questions from our Chelmsford patients below. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please get in touch – our team is always happy to help.
Find the answers to the most common questions our patients ask us here.
The main difference lies in their specialisation. While both focus on oral health, they handle very different aspects of your care:
* Dentists are “general practitioners” for your mouth. They focus on overall hygiene, preventing decay, fixing problems like cavities, gum disease and tooth infections.
* Orthodontists are specialists who focus on alignment. They undergo 2–3 years of additional training beyond dental school to learn how to correct “bad bites” (malocclusions), straighten crooked teeth and fix jaw issues.
To Summarise: See a dentist for routine maintenance and pain; see an orthodontist to improve your smile’s structure and function.
An orthodontist is a specialised dentist who diagnoses and treats dental and facial irregularities, such as crooked teeth, crowding and misaligned bites. Using tools like braces, invisalign clear aligners and retainers, they professionally manipulate tooth movement and jaw alignment to improve both the function and appearance of your smile.
You can eat and drink whatever you like, provided you remove your aligners before consuming anything other than plain water. Because food and sugar trapped against your teeth can cause decay or stain the plastic, you must brush your teeth before putting them back in. To ensure your treatment stays on track, make sure you keep your trays in for at least 22 hours a day.
Most patients complete their invisalign treatment within 12 to 18 months. However, results are highly individualised. Minor adjustments can take as little as 6 months, while complex bite alignment may take 24 months or more.
Yes, you can play sports with Invisalign and they are generally safer than traditional metal braces because there are no sharp brackets to cut your mouth upon impact. For high-contact sports, we recommend to remove your aligners and wear a professional athletic mouthguard to ensure your teeth are fully protected.
Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable plastic trays to gradually shift teeth and is virtually invisible, making it ideal for those prioritising aesthetics and convenience. In contrast, fixed braces consist of metal or ceramic brackets bonded to the teeth and is connected by wires, providing a non-removable solution that is often more effective for complex structural realignments.
Most people experience a slight lisp or a minor “whistling” sound during the first few days as their tongue adjusts to the thickness of the aligners. However, this effect is usually temporary and typically disappears within a week as your mouth adapts to the trays.
After completing your Invisalign treatment at The Dental Abode, you will typically see your orthodontist for a follow-up visit at six months and again at one year to ensure your teeth aren’t shifting. During these appointments, we will check the fit of your retainers and verify that your bite remains stable and healthy.
Yes, children and teenagers can receive Invisalign, provided they have a mix of baby and permanent teeth or all their adult teeth. However, a consultation with an orthodontist is necessary to determine if your child’s specific dental alignment and level of discipline make them a good candidate for clear aligners.
