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What are clear aligners and how do they work?
Clear aligners are a popular orthodontic treatment, often chosen by patients seeking a more discreet method of teeth straightening than traditional metal or ceramic braces. Because they’re made from clear plastic that sits snugly over the teeth, they’re barely noticeable when being worn.
Clear aligner treatment uses a series of custom-made plastic trays to gradually straighten your teeth. While they can be removed for eating, brushing and flossing, they need to be worn for around 22 hours per day in order to be effective.
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At Total Orthodontics, two types of clear aligner treatments are available. These are:
- Invisalign Express, which is ideal for patients with minor crowding or misalignment issues. This treatment typically lasts 4-6 months.
- Invisalign Comprehensive, which is aimed at patients with moderate to severe orthodontic issues. This treatment typically lasts between 12-24 months.
How much do clear aligners cost?
Prices for Invisalign treatment begin at £3,350 and go up to around £5,500. As every smile’s needs are different, the exact cost of your clear aligner treatment will depend on the severity of your orthodontic issues and the treatment plan required.
Your orthodontist will provide you with a full breakdown of costs during your initial consultation, meaning there will be no unwelcome surprises during your treatment journey.
You can find more information about orthodontic treatment prices.
Spread the cost of your teeth straightening treatment†
Get the straighter smile you’ve always wanted with finance options that suit you, including 0% APR up to 36 months or 7.9% APR over 48 or 60 months.
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What clear aligner options do Total Orthodontics offer?
Invisalign treatment
Invisalign treatment uses a series of transparent, custom-made aligners that gradually straighten your teeth. When using Invisalign, patients benefit from:
- Clear, custom-made aligners designed to move teeth gradually
- No metal wires or brackets, offering a more discreet look
- Removable aligners for eating and brushing, making oral hygiene easier
- Generally considered to be a more comfortable method than traditional metal braces
What to expect at your first removable invisible braces appointment
Your first appointment at Total Orthodontics involves a dental exam to check you’re a good candidate for clear aligners. Your orthodontist will take a digital scan of your teeth to assess your bite, and you’ll be able to see a 3D image of your straighter smile. There will also be time to discuss your treatment goals and costs, and have all your questions answered.
If you’re considering Invisalign Teen, your orthodontist will also explain how this treatment is tailored specifically for younger patients, including features designed to support growing smiles.
1. How many hours a day do clear aligners need to be worn?
In order to achieve the results you want, it’s important to wear your clear aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day, every day. They should only be removed for eating, drinking anything but water, brushing and flossing your teeth, and cleaning the aligners.
2. Are there any food restrictions with clear aligners?
One of the many benefits of straightening your smile with clear aligners is that you don’t have to change your eating habits. While traditional braces with brackets and wires make eating chewy, hard or crusty foods difficult, clear aligners are removed when you eat and popped back in afterwards.
3. How should clear aligners be cleaned?
Cleaning your aligners is simple: just remove them from your mouth, gently brush them with a soft toothbrush and warm water (avoid hot water as it can warp the plastic), and unscented soap or cleaning crystals which you can get from your orthodontist. Don’t clean your aligners with toothpaste, as this can scratch the plastic. This routine will be enough to keep your aligners free of plaque and bacteria.
What to expect
At your consultation, we will chat through your options and suitability for different teeth straightening treatments.
*Terms and conditions:
1. Free consultations are to discuss options and suitability for treatment. You may require a more in-depth clinical examination or diagnostic tests before treatment options can be discussed. There may be a charge for such examination or test, payable by you. The clinician will discuss this with you before any such examination or test takes place, which may be done during the same appointment as your free consultation.
2. Consultations subject to availability.
3. Free consultations available at participating practices only.
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†Finance terms and conditions:
Finance applicant must be aged 18 or over, a UK resident, have a UK bank account and be in permanent employment. All loans are subject to eligibility, status, affordability and a credit check. T&Cs apply. Finance is available on private dental treatments only.
The minimum spend for finance is £250 and the maximum is £50,000. 0% APR representative is available on repayment terms of up to 36 months subject to the amount of credit. Finance taken at repayment terms of 48 or 60 months is subject to 7.9% APR representative.
Total Orthodontics and Bupa Dental Care are trading names of Oasis Dental Care Limited, Vantage Office Park, Bristol, BS16 1GW, whose company registered number is 00478127. Oasis Dental Care Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority FCA registration no: 710559. Oasis Dental Care Limited is a credit broker and not a lender.
Finance is provided by Novuna Personal Finance, a trading style of Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Services Register no. 704348. Registered Office: Novuna House, Thorpe Road, Staines-upon-Thames, Surrey, TW18 3HP. Registered in Cardiff under company no. 1630491. The register can be accessed through; http://www.fca.org.uk/.
*Form Terms and conditions:
1. Free consultations are to discuss options and suitability for treatment. You may require a more in-depth clinical examination or diagnostic tests before treatment options can be discussed. There may be a charge for such examination or test, payable by you. The clinician will discuss this with you before any such examination or test takes place, which may be done during the same appointment as your free consultation.
2. Consultations subject to availability.
3. Free consultations available at participating practices only.
Total Orthodontics and Bupa Dental Care are trading names of Oasis Dental Care Limited. Registered in England Wales No: 00478127. Registered office: Bupa Dental Care, Vantage Office Park, Old Gloucester Road, Hambrook, Bristol, United Kingdom BS16 1GW.
