Invisalign braces
Teeth straightening with Invisalign braces involves a series of near invisible, custom-made aligners (often referred to as retainers). The discreet Invisalign aligners 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.
They are not just for adults though; clear aligners can also be custom made for younger patients. Invisalign Teen has been specially designed for straightening younger teeth.
As well as being discreet, Invisalign clear aligners are also removable, so you can take them out to eat or brush your teeth.
How much does Invisalign cost?
The cost of Invisalign treatment depends on your individual requirements. Milder cases requiring shorter treatment time can cost from £2,700, and Invisalign Complete treatment begins at £4,995. You can find out more about Invisalign costs on the cost of braces page.
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.
What are the main 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.
Is Invisalign treatment right for me?
Invisalign braces have already helped many patients across the UK and the wider world get the straighter smile they’ve always wanted. However, your orthodontist will decide if clear removable aligners are the right treatment for your specific needs.
Want to know if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign aligners? You’ll need to meet the following basic criteria.
Your case is (relatively) straightforward
Most cases of misaligned and crooked teeth can be treated with Invisalign braces, and it can also be effective for patients with bite issues like overbites and underbites. However, if you have severe misalignments or are considered a complex case, your orthodontist may recommend fixed braces or another orthodontic procedure, as they may be more effective at providing satisfying and long-lasting results.
You’re committed and responsible
Teeth straightening with clear aligners like Invisalign is a commitment, and one which relies on you wearing your aligners for between 20 and 22 hours each day. You need to wear your aligners at all times except for when eating, drinking anything but water or brushing your teeth.
Your oral health is in great shape
Your orthodontist won’t begin Invisalign treatment - or any orthodontic treatment - if your oral health isn’t looking good. This is because your teeth, gums and supporting bone and gum structure needs to be strong to withstand the constant pressure that orthodontic treatment causes. It may be recommended that you visit your dentist or hygienist in the lead-up to your Invisalign treatment.
You have all your adult teeth
To be eligible for Invisalign treatment, you’ll need to have all your adult teeth. Children and teenagers who still have their milk teeth will most likely be refused Invisalign aligners for teeth straightening, as it’s difficult for an orthodontist to reliably predict how new adult teeth will grow once treatment begins.
Does Invisalign treatment hurt?
Invisalign clear aligners are more comfortable than traditional braces1. 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 does Invisalign treatment work?
You’ll need to attend a consultation to discuss teeth straightening with Invisalign aligners. Your orthodontist will assess your mouth and let you know whether you’re suitable for Invisalign braces or Invisalign Teen if you’re a younger patient.
If you’re suitable for orthodontics with Invisalign aligners and would like to go ahead with treatment, your orthodontist will write you a treatment plan which you’ll need to sign. Then your custom-made aligners will be created for you using 3D imaging technology.
Once your sets of Invisalign removable braces have been made, your orthodontist will talk you through how to make your treatment a success. You’ll need to wear your Invisalign aligners for 20-22 hours a day for them to work properly. You can take them out to eat, drink and brush your teeth.
You’ll see your orthodontist every few weeks to change your aligners and check in on your treatment progress. The number of Invisalign aligner sets required for your treatment depends on your individual needs. Once you’ve worn all your aligners, you’ll be given a retainer to help keep your teeth straight following treatment.
Invisalign before and after pictures
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.”
How long does Invisalign take to straighten teeth?
Cosmetic cases could be complete in as little as six months2, 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 are the pros and cons of Invisalign treatment?
Having orthodontic treatment is a big decision, you need to make sure that the Invisalign system is right for you. Some of the pros and cons of treatment are:
Pros
- It’s barely noticeable that you’re having your teeth straightened
- Invisalign aligners are removable, so you can take them out to eat, drink and brush your teeth
- Teeth straightening with Invisalign braces is less painful than traditional metal braces1
- There are different types of Invisalign treatment, including Invisalign Teen (specifically for teenagers) and Invisalign Lite, for mild cosmetic cases.
Cons
- The cost of Invisalign aligners can be higher than other types of orthodontic treatment
- If you have severe orthodontic needs, Invisalign treatment might not be suitable and your orthodontist may recommend you have fixed braces instead
Where to get Invisalign aligners
Whether you’re looking for clear aligners like Invisalign, fixed braces, or help with other orthodontic needs, Total Orthodontics is here for you.
With orthodontist practices spread across the UK, our specialist orthodontic clinics exclusively offer teeth straightening treatment to address a range of needs, from crooked and crowded teeth to bite issues, complex jaw issues and cosmetic straightening treatments. Complete our form today to book a free initial consultation.
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.
If you don’t want to receive marketing about Bupa products and services that we think are relevant to you, please contact us at [email protected].
Find out more
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.
1. Study sponsored by Align Technology and based on adult Class I, nonextraction, mild to moderate crowding cases with SmartTrack material. *David W. White, Katie C. Julien, Helder Jacob, Phillip M. Campbell and Peter H. Buschang, Discomfort associated with Invisalign and traditional brackets: A randomized, prospective trial. The Angle Orthodontist Nov 2017, Vol. 87, No. 6 pp. 801-808
2. Invisalign Go and Lite only. Treatment times vary with Invisalign Go and Invisalign Lite depending on individual patient needs.
3. https://www.invisalign.com/frequently-asked-questions
**1. £2,995 price point applies to Orthodontic Essentials at participating practices to patients aged 18 years or under.
2. The price point only covers the orthodontic treatment required, in the form of traditional fixed braces, to straighten your teeth.
3. The price point does not include any applicable COVID-19 safety tariffs, which will be charged in addition if they apply.
4. Prices and options for further treatment may vary depending on location and suitability.
5. A COVID-19 safety tariff will not apply to the free consultation but may apply to specific appointments in your treatment, which you will be notified of beforehand.
6. Price is subject to review and may be amended at any time.
*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 www.fca.org.uk.
Our orthodontists
*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.
