Everything About Invisalign & Clear Aligners in the UK

Clear aligners have transformed orthodontics. Where straightening teeth once meant months of visible metal braces, today's patients can achieve similar results with nearly invisible, removable plastic trays that are custom-made using 3D digital scanning.

Invisalign is the most well-known clear aligner brand, but it's not the only option. This guide covers how clear aligners work, what they cost in the UK, treatment timelines, who is and isn't a good candidate, and how to choose between the different systems available.

How do clear aligners work?

Clear aligners are a series of custom-made, transparent plastic trays that fit snugly over your teeth. Each set of trays (called a "stage") is slightly different from the last, applying gentle, controlled pressure to move your teeth incrementally.

The basic process:

1. Digital scan — your dentist takes a 3D scan of your teeth using an intraoral scanner (no messy impressions)
2. Treatment plan — specialist software maps the movement of each tooth from its current position to the desired final position
3. Aligner fabrication — a complete series of custom trays is manufactured, each representing a 1–2 week stage
4. Wear schedule — you wear each set of aligners for 20–22 hours per day, removing them only to eat, drink (anything other than water) and brush
5. Progress checks — you visit your dentist every 6–8 weeks to monitor progress and receive new trays
6. Refinements — if the teeth haven't moved exactly as planned, additional sets of aligners may be made
7. Retention — after treatment, you wear retainers (usually at night) to maintain the result

The entire process is digitally planned before you start, so you can see a preview of your expected result at the consultation.

Invisalign: the market leader

Invisalign (by Align Technology) has been available since 1999 and has treated over 17 million patients worldwide. It remains the most widely used and most researched clear aligner system.

Invisalign product range

Invisalign's SmartTrack material is proprietary and engineered for a precise, comfortable fit. Their SmartForce attachments (small tooth-coloured bumps bonded to specific teeth) allow the aligners to grip the teeth more effectively for complex movements.

Other clear aligner brands in the UK

While Invisalign is the most established, several alternatives are available:

Dentist-supervised brands

• ClearCorrect — owned by Straumann, a major implant company. Good clinical evidence and available through dentists
• Spark Aligners — uses TruGEN material for clarity and stain resistance. Growing in popularity among UK orthodontists
• SureSmile — by Dentsply Sirona, integrates with their digital workflow

Direct-to-consumer brands

Brands like SmileDirectClub (now closed) popularised the model of receiving aligners by post with remote monitoring rather than in-person dental visits. Some direct-to-consumer options still exist, but be aware of the limitations:

• No in-person examination or X-rays before treatment
• Limited ability to handle complex cases or mid-treatment complications
• The British Orthodontic Society recommends in-person supervision for all orthodontic treatment
• The General Dental Council has raised concerns about remote-only orthodontic care

We recommend choosing a dentist-supervised aligner system for safety and the best results.

How much do clear aligners cost in the UK?

Costs vary based on the complexity of your case, the brand used and your location:

London prices are typically 15–30% higher than regional clinics. Many practices offer 0% finance over 12–24 months, making treatment more accessible — for example, a £3,500 treatment on a 24-month plan works out at approximately £146 per month.

What's included in the price?

When comparing quotes, check whether the price includes:

• All aligners for the full treatment (including any refinement stages)
• Attachments and inter-proximal reduction (IPR) if needed
• All progress check appointments
• Retainers after treatment (fixed and/or removable)
• Any necessary X-rays or scans

Some clinics quote a base price and charge separately for refinements or retainers, which can add £300–£800 to your total.

Who is a good candidate for clear aligners?

Clear aligners can effectively treat:

• Mild to moderate crowding — overlapping or rotated teeth
• Spacing — gaps between teeth
• Mild to moderate overbite — upper teeth protrude over the lower teeth
• Mild to moderate underbite — lower teeth sit in front of upper teeth
• Crossbite — some teeth bite inside the opposing teeth
• Open bite — front teeth don't meet when biting down (mild cases)

Cases that may need traditional braces

Clear aligners have limitations. The following situations may require fixed braces or combined treatment:

• Severe crowding requiring extraction of teeth
• Large skeletal discrepancies (jaw misalignment)
• Severe rotations of premolars or canines
• Significant vertical movements (intrusion or extrusion of teeth)
• Young children whose teeth are still developing (though Invisalign First addresses some paediatric cases)

A good orthodontist will tell you honestly if aligners aren't the best option for your case.

Age considerations

There is no upper age limit for clear aligners. Adults in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond regularly have successful treatment, provided their teeth and gums are healthy. In fact, adult patients now represent the majority of aligner cases in the UK.

For teenagers, compliance is the main consideration — aligners only work if worn 20–22 hours per day. Invisalign Teen includes compliance indicators (blue dots that fade with wear) to help parents monitor usage.

Invisalign vs traditional braces

This is one of the most common questions we hear. Here's an honest comparison:

For a detailed comparison, read our article on Invisalign vs braces.

The bottom line: clear aligners are excellent for mild to moderate cases where aesthetics and convenience matter. Fixed braces may be better for complex cases, younger patients who might not comply with aligner wear, or when budget is a primary concern.

What to expect during treatment

The first week

The first few days with new aligners involve an adjustment period:

• Tightness and pressure — this is normal and means the aligners are working. It usually subsides within 2–3 days
• Slight lisp — your tongue needs to adjust to the plastic. Most patients speak normally within a few days
• Saliva production — you may produce more saliva initially
• Minor soreness — similar to the feeling after braces are tightened

Tip: Start a new set of aligners in the evening. The initial tightness is most noticeable in the first few hours, and sleeping through them makes it easier.

Daily routine

A typical day with aligners:

1. Morning: Remove aligners, brush teeth, replace aligners
2. Meals: Remove aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. Brush or rinse teeth before replacing
3. Evening: Remove for dinner, brush teeth, clean aligners with lukewarm water and a soft brush, replace
4. Night: Wear aligners while sleeping

You should wear your aligners for 20–22 hours per day. The remaining 2–4 hours covers mealtimes and oral hygiene. If you consistently wear them for less than 20 hours, treatment will take longer or may not work as planned.

Attachments

For most cases, your dentist will bond small tooth-coloured composite bumps (attachments) to specific teeth. These give the aligners something to grip for more controlled, precise movements. Attachments are barely noticeable and are removed when treatment ends.

IPR (interproximal reduction)

In crowded cases, your dentist may gently file tiny amounts (0.1–0.5mm) between certain teeth to create space for them to move into alignment. This is painless and doesn't damage the enamel.

Refinements

After your initial set of aligners, your dentist will assess whether the teeth have moved exactly as planned. If minor corrections are needed, a new scan is taken and additional aligners are made. With Invisalign Comprehensive, unlimited refinements are included.

After treatment: retention

Retention is critical. Without retainers, teeth will gradually shift back toward their original positions. This is true for all orthodontic treatment, not just aligners.

Your dentist will recommend one or both of:

• Fixed retainer — a thin wire bonded to the back of the front teeth (invisible from the outside). This stays in place permanently
• Removable retainer — a clear tray (similar to an aligner) worn at night. Most patients wear this nightly for the first year, then a few nights per week long-term

Retainers are your insurance policy for keeping the result. Skipping them is the most common reason teeth shift after treatment.

How to choose an aligner provider

Check qualifications

The best outcomes come from experienced clinicians:

• Orthodontists — specialist dentists with 3+ years of additional training in tooth movement. They handle the most complex cases
• Invisalign-trained dentists — general dentists with Invisalign certification. Fine for mild to moderate cases. Invisalign ranks providers by experience level (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond)
• Look for membership of the British Orthodontic Society or similar professional bodies

Ask the right questions

At your consultation, ask:

1. Am I a suitable candidate for aligners, or would braces be more effective?
2. Which aligner system do you recommend and why?
3. How many similar cases have you treated?
4. What does the total price include? Are refinements and retainers included?
5. What happens if I'm not happy with the result?
6. Can I see before-and-after photos of your previous cases?

Red flags

Be cautious of providers who:

• Offer a single solution without discussing alternatives
• Don't take X-rays before starting treatment
• Quote a very low price that seems too good to be true
• Pressure you to start treatment immediately
• Can't show you a digital preview of your expected result

Frequently asked questions

Does Invisalign hurt?

You'll feel pressure and tightness when starting a new set of aligners, especially in the first 1–2 days. It's not pain — more like a dull ache. Over-the-counter painkillers can help if needed. The discomfort is generally less than with traditional braces adjustments.

Can I eat with aligners in?

No. Always remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. Food can damage the trays and drinks like coffee, tea or red wine can stain them. Eating with aligners in also traps food particles against your teeth, increasing cavity risk.

How often do I need appointments?

Typically every 6–8 weeks, though some dentists check every 4–6 weeks. These appointments are usually quick (15–20 minutes) to assess progress, make adjustments and provide your next sets of trays.

Will clear aligners affect my speech?

You may notice a slight lisp for the first few days, especially with "s" and "th" sounds. Your tongue quickly adapts and most patients speak normally within a week. Reading aloud or talking to yourself can speed up the adjustment.

Can I whiten my teeth during Invisalign treatment?

Many patients do. Some dentists offer whitening gel to use inside your aligners. However, if you have attachments bonded to your teeth, the whitened teeth may have slightly different shades where the attachments were. Most dentists recommend whitening after treatment for the most even result. For more on cosmetic options, see our composite bonding guide.

What if I lose an aligner?

Contact your dentist. In the meantime, wear your previous set to prevent your teeth from shifting. Your dentist can order a replacement tray, which usually arrives within 1–2 weeks. Some practices keep a digital file of your aligners and can reprint them in-house.

How long do results last?

With proper retention (wearing retainers as directed), results can last a lifetime. Without retainers, teeth will gradually shift — this is a biological reality, not a flaw in the treatment. Most orthodontists recommend some form of retention indefinitely.

This guide is for informational purposes. Orthodontic treatment should be supervised by a GDC-registered dentist or orthodontist. Costs are indicative and based on UK market data as of February 2026.