At the initial consultation, you make an appointment to have a face-to-face discussion with your orthodontist.

During this visit, your dentist will discuss the Vsmile process, how Vsmile works and the likely Vsmile cost for you. This way you have all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Scans and impressions of your mouth will be taken during your initial consultation after you’ve decided to go ahead with treatment. A number of scans and photographs of your mouth, teeth and face from a variety of angles would be taken so that we have a detailed map of your mouth mechanics to base our dental work on.

In certain cases, a lateral cephalometric x-ray may also be needed. This is a type of x-ray that is popular with and frequently used by dentists because provides elaborate images of the relationship between jaw and cheekbone. This is helpful in planning how we’ll go about aligning your teeth for our intended goal.

From these images we’ll be able to have a good idea of what we’re working from. The final piece in the jigsaw here is to take impressions of the teeth on which your Vsmile aligners (or tray) will be based on.

Some patients may need small composite patches applied to each tooth to help Vsmile’s clear aligners to grip onto each tooth and move them.

Each patient is different and not all require these patches. The patches are simply made from the same composite material that fillings are made out of and will be removed very easily and without any discomfort at the end of the Vsmile process.

Another piece of preparatory work which varies from patient to patient is the amount of interproximal reduction if necessary.

You’ll receive the first feel of your Vsmile aligners within a week of your preparatory work is done. The clear aligners are modelled from your impressions and should feel tight when first put on.

During this stage, your dentist will review the fit and may try a few different molds before they are entirely happy. They will likely ask you how the trays feel, whether you can sense any movement or whether they are uncomfortable.
At this point it is entirely normal for your new Vsmile aligners to feel strange in the mouth. They should be tight – but not painfully so – as they must be strong enough to begin the realignment process.

If you feel any pain or distress during the first fitting of your Vsmile aligners then speak to your dentist. Remember that they may not be particularly comfortable at first but that you will very quickly become used to their feel.

When you begin to wear your clear aligners you will feel some strange and peculiar changes going on in your mouth. This is all perfectly normal and part of the process of getting used to Vsmile. Traditional aligners have very similar side effects.

The first change will be a certain level of discomfort including aching as your teeth are forced into their new position. This should stop after a few days after every tray change.

Additionally, Vsmile wearers sometimes feel enhanced sensitivity in their teeth. This should subside after a short period too but toothpastes designed specifically for sensitive teeth will help mitigate this small nuisance. Ask your dentist for recommendations.

You may also see your speech differ slightly in the first few weeks of wearing your trays. This is simply due to the fact that the clear aligners take up some room within the mouth and your tongue does not have quite the same space to move in. This should disappear within the first couple of weeks.

One sound Vsmile tip is to stick to the 20 – 22 hour wear time for your braces – this will help your tongue get used to its temporary environment more quickly!

Your clear Vsmile aligners will be changed every one or two weeks, depending on the decision of the dentist. Occasionally, should teeth not have moved to the required position, this time may be extended.

Each new aligner will have been constructed as a next “phase” in the movement of your teeth, inducing your teeth towards the intended alignment goal. This is how Vsmile works.

You will not need to come to your dentist each time you change your Vsmile aligners but will have regular check-ups throughout your process.

Of course, should you feel any pain or serious discomfort between visits then please contact your dentist immediately.

Cleaning your Vsmile aligners is so easy!

Your trays should be cleaned thoroughly at morning and night and can be done before or after you brush your teeth. This is to remove bacteria that will have built up overnight or during the day. Without sufficient cleaning, the trays may begin to smell.

The trays should also be rinsed every time you take them out during the day.

This will help freshen them up to stop smells by removing buildups or bacteria. Additionally, they should be cleaned after every meal to avoid discolouring.