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Invisalign braces
What are Invisalign aligners?
Teeth straightening with Invisalign braces involves a series of near invisible aligners (often referred to as retainers), custom-made for each patient made from flexible, transparent plastic.
The discreet Invisalign aligners are made using a 3D scan of your teeth, ensuring a precise and comfortable fit. They gradually straighten your teeth without using traditional metal wires or brackets, making them popular with adults who don’t like the idea of wearing traditional fixed braces.
Invisalign treatment involves wearing a series of transparent aligners, each of which straightens your teeth over a set period of time. You’ll have regular check-ups at your practice to ensure everything is progressing correctly, and once the treatment is complete you may be given a custom-made retainer to wear to make sure your new smile stays straightened.
Invisalign aligners are not just for adults. Clear aligners can also be made for younger patients, and Invisalign Teen has been specially designed for straightening younger teeth.
As well as being discreet, Invisalign clear aligners are also removable. They should be worn for a minimum of 22 hours per day, but you should take them out to eat, drink (anything but water) or brush your teeth.
How much does Invisalign cost?
The cost of Invisalign treatment depends on your individual requirements. Invisalign Moderate treatment costs from £3,901, and Invisalign Comprehensive treatment begins at £4,495. You can find out more about Invisalign costs on the cost of braces page.
For younger patients, Invisalign Teen is available as a private orthodontic treatment option and begins at £4,900.
Everyone’s teeth straightening needs are different, and your orthodontic journey will be tailored to your precise requirements. The first step is to book a free* consultation at your nearest Total Orthodontics practice and we’ll talk you through all the costs involved.
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.
Ask us about hassle-free finance with Novuna Personal Finance today. T&Cs apply.
Types of Invisalign treatment
Everyone’s smile has different needs, and there are several Invisalign treatments available. Your orthodontist will assess the severity of your misalignment and select the best treatment for your smile. The main types of Invisalign treatment include:
Invisalign Aligners |
Malocclusion severity | Number of aligners* |
|---|---|---|
| Invisalign Express | Very mild and relapse | 7 |
| Invisalign Comp Lite | Mild | 14 |
| Invisalign Moderate | Mild to moderate | 20 |
| Invisalign Comprehensive | Mild to severe | Unlimited |
| Invisalign Teen | Mild to severe | Unlimited |
*Every Invisalign treatment is tailored to your precise needs. Speak to your orthodontist to see which clear aligner treatment is best for your smile.
Invisalign Teen allows teenagers to achieve a confident new smile without the need for metal brackets and wires. Here’s what to expect:
- A series of discreet removable aligners that gradually straighten the teeth
- Custom-made from comfortable and flexible thermoplastic
- The clear aligners have been specially designed for mouths that are still growing
- Aligners need to be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day, removed only for eating or brushing your teeth
- No need for traditional fixed braces
Why choose Total Orthodontics for Invisalign aligners?
At Total Orthodontics, you won’t just get Invisalign treatment for a confident straighter smile. You’ll be cared for by registered orthodontic specialists, each with years of experience in straightening teeth for better results, and with access to the latest technology to ensure a smoother, customised treatment journey.
What’s more, patients at Total Orthodontics receive:
- A free initial consultation
- Multiple ways to pay for treatment, including finance options
- Exceptional aftercare once your treatment is completed
Pros
- Because Invisalign aligners are made from clear plastic, it’s barely noticeable that you’re having your teeth straightened
- Invisalign aligners are removable, so you can take them out to eat and brush your teeth
- Teeth straightening with Invisalign aligners can be less painful than wearing traditional metal braces
- The aligners come with wear indicators which fade from blue to clear and help to ensure you’re wearing your aligners regularly
- It's easy to keep your aligners clean throughout treatment as, unlike fixed braces, Invisalign aligners can be removed for brushing and flossing, and playing sports and musical instruments
- No restrictions on what you can eat as you’ll remove your aligners at mealtimes
Cons
- The cost of Invisalign aligners can be higher than other methods of orthodontic treatment
- If you have severe orthodontic needs, Invisalign aligners may not be suitable. Your orthodontist will let you know if fixed braces or another method may be more suitable
- Invisalign treatment requires a commitment to wear your aligners for 20-22 hours a day
Your case is (relatively) straightforward
- Most cases of misaligned and crooked teeth can be treated with Invisalign braces
- Invisalign aligners can be effective for bite issues like overbites and underbites
- Severe or complex misalignments may require a different orthodontic procedure
You’re committed and responsible
- Teeth straightening with clear aligners like Invisalign is a commitment
- To be effective, you need to wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day
- You can remove your aligners for eating, drinking anything but water or brushing your teeth
Your oral health is in great shape
- Your orthodontist won’t begin Invisalign treatment if your oral health isn’t looking good
- Your teeth, gums and supporting bone and gum structure needs to be healthy and strong
- You may be advised to visit your dentist in the lead-up to your Invisalign treatment
You have all your adult teeth
- You’ll need to have all your adult teeth to be eligible for Invisalign treatment
- Children and teenagers who still have their milk teeth will most likely be refused Invisalign aligners for teeth straightening
How does Invisalign work?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment option that uses a series of custom-made, clear plastic aligners that apply consistent gentle pressure to gradually straighten your teeth.
Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign uses discreet transparent trays that sit over the teeth and can be removed for eating, cleaning and brushing. You’ll wear each set of aligners for up to two weeks before moving onto the next set, and most patients will wear between 20 and 40 sets of aligners until their treatment is completed.
Most patients claim they’re more comfortable than other types of braces, and they have the added bonus of being barely-visible while being worn.
Step 1: Consultation and examination
During your initial consultation, your orthodontist will examine your teeth, take X-rays or a digital scan of your mouth and discuss your treatment goals and costs.
Step 2: Digital scan and treatment planning
A 3D digital scanner is used to create a detailed map of your mouth. This allows your dentist to tailor a precise treatment plan, and you’ll be able to see a 3D preview of your brand new smile.
Step 3: Custom aligner production
Based on the digitally-created plan, your aligners will be custom-made from a special clear plastic material.
Step 4: Your initial aligner fitting
You’ll visit your orthodontist to have your first aligners fitted. They’ll make sure the trays fit perfectly, and you’ll likely be given the next few sets of aligners to take home, too.
Step 5: Wearing your aligners daily
You wear your aligners for 20-22 hours per day, every day. Each set will be with you for 1-2 weeks, and you must only remove your aligners to clean them or eat, drink, brush and floss your teeth.
Step 6: Regular process check-ups
You’ll visit your orthodontist every 6-8 weeks. They’ll be able to monitor your progress, provide new sets of aligners and answer any questions you might have.
Step 7: Refinement stage (if necessary)
Some patients may need additional aligners (called refinement trays) to make further changes to their bite. This may require further scans.
Step 8: Retention to maintain your new smile
Once your treatment is complete, you’ll be given custom-made retainers to stop your teeth from shifting back to their former position.
Invisalign before and after
What results can you expect to see from investing in teeth straightening with Invisalign aligners? Before you decide to invest in Invisalign treatment, take a look at the brilliants results achieved from treatment with the Invisalign system in these Invisalign before and after pictures. You'll see honest Invisalign reviews from real people who have invested in their smile using the Invisalign system.
Before
After
The patient was pleased with the results of the treatment, as were their parents, who said: “We want to express our sincere gratitude for your professionalism, dedication and perfectionism. Your commitment to perfectionism is evident in the outstanding result of our son's dental treatment. “You have made a positive impact on our son’s life and we are grateful for the exceptional care you have provided. We would highly recommend you to anyone in need of orthodontic treatment. Thank you for everything.”
Invisalign results & patient stories
Gary's patient testimonial
When I was 14 years old I had a fixed brace.
I had to wear bands to correct my underbite.
I was too embarrassed to wear them.
So further down the line my wife and I was on holiday and she put a photograph on social media and I realised I needed to change something because we never argue and we we fell out.
And when I come down there the scans were taken and I was really shocked with all the technology and and how sort of forward thinking it was.
Then my journey began.
I've had Invisalign, I've had composite bonding.
It has been life changing because I would I would forever before be smiling but not a full smile and be always conscious of my bottom teeth and now I just do full beaming smiles for no reason.
I I wouldn't say that teeth straightening is is just for children because everyone at work never realised I was wearing Invisalign for 18 months at all.
No one knew the team that total orthodontics have been amazing.
Virtually feel like you're a friend.
If you're considering braces I would say just go get it done.
It'll be life changing like it has for me.
It's been amazing.
You're definitely never too old.
I'm I'm 56 and it's been life changing for me at my age.
How long does Invisalign take to straighten teeth?
Cosmetic cases could be complete in as little as six months1, but the average treatment time is between 12 and 18 months.
Your treatment time will depend on your specific needs. Once you’ve had an assessment with an orthodontist, they’ll be able to give you a more detailed estimate for the length of your treatment.
What to expect at your first Invisalign appointment?
Before any treatment begins, you’ll have an in-person assessment with your orthodontist to make sure Invisalign aligners are right for you and your smile.
Your initial Invisalign appointment will likely involve an oral exam and a 3D scan of your mouth, which will allow you to see a digital image of your new smile. You’ll also be able to discuss your expectations, how long treatment is likely to last and the full cost of your Invisalign journey. It’s also a great opportunity to have your questions answered, and for our friendly team of experts to help with any anxiety you might be feeling.
We’ll keep you in the know at each step of the way. Find out what to expect from your first Total Orthodontics appointment.
Can Invisalign fix an overbite?
Invisalign aligners can be used to fix mild to moderate overbites and other bite issues. Because Invisalign clear aligners apply consistent pressure when being worn, they gradually shift the upper and lower teeth into the desired position to improve bite alignment as well as the appearance of your smile.
More complex cases or severe overbites may require another type of orthodontic treatment – your orthodontist will let you know at your initial consultation if Invisalign aligners are right for your individual needs. Find out more about treatment for an overbite.
Does Invisalign hurt?
Invisalign clear aligners are more comfortable than traditional braces2. Your teeth may ache or feel tender for the first few days of treatment and when you have your aligners changed, due to the pressure on your teeth. This is completely normal and any discomfort should wear off quickly.
How should you clean your Invisalign aligners?
You should clean your Invisalign aligners once per day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and warm water. Most patients will do this as part of their night-time routine, as it’s important to wear your aligners while sleeping.
Gently brush the clear plastic trays all over (paying close attention to areas where there might be residue from food or drink). Once finished, rinse them thoroughly in lukewarm water before wearing them again. Do not use toothpaste on your aligners as this might be too abrasive and could cause them to become cloudy, and do not use hot water as this might warp the plastic.
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.
We recognise that when you give us personal information (which includes health information) you’re trusting us to take good care of it. Please see www.bupa.co.uk/privacy for more information about how we collect, use and protect your data.
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Types of braces
Find out more about the types of braces available at Total Orthodontics, from fixed braces to more discreet options.
Before and afters
Read and watch stories from patients who have had their teeth straightened at Total Orthodontics.
Cost of braces
Find out more about how much braces might cost and speak to your local practice about payment options.
Our orthodontists
†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.
