Invisalign & Braces: Costs, Types & What to Expect

Everything you need to know about Braces in the UK. Compare treatments, understand costs and find a trusted practice near you.

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What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a clear aligner system that straightens teeth using a series of custom-made, removable plastic trays. Each set of aligners is worn for 1 to 2 weeks before moving to the next set, gradually shifting teeth into the desired position.

Invisalign is popular with adults and teenagers who want to straighten their teeth without the appearance of traditional metal braces. The aligners are nearly invisible when worn and can be removed for eating, drinking and brushing.

How Invisalign Works

Your dentist or orthodontist takes digital scans of your teeth and uses Invisalign's software to plan the entire treatment from start to finish. You can see a 3D preview of your expected results before treatment begins.

You wear each set of aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day, removing them only to eat, drink (anything other than water) and brush your teeth. Treatment typically involves 12 to 48 sets of aligners depending on complexity.

Invisalign vs Braces

Invisalign offers aesthetics, comfort and convenience. Traditional braces offer more control for complex cases. Fixed lingual braces (attached behind the teeth) offer invisibility with the power of fixed braces. Your orthodontist will advise which option is best for your specific case.

Costs in the UK

Invisalign costs between £2,500 and £5,500 in the UK. Traditional metal braces start from £1,500 to £3,000. NHS orthodontics is available for under-18s with clinical need but adult treatment is almost always private. Many practices offer interest-free finance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Invisalign & Braces

Invisalign typically costs between £2,500 and £5,500 in the UK depending on the complexity of your case. Invisalign Lite for minor corrections starts from around £2,500, while comprehensive treatment for more complex cases can reach £5,500.

Most Invisalign treatments take between 6 and 18 months. Simple cases may be complete in as little as 3 to 6 months, while more complex alignment issues can take up to 24 months. Your dentist will give you an estimated timeline at your consultation.

You may feel pressure or mild discomfort when you start wearing a new set of aligners, usually lasting 1 to 3 days. This is a sign the aligners are working. Overall, most patients find Invisalign more comfortable than traditional braces.

You should remove your aligners when eating and drinking anything other than water. This prevents staining and damage to the aligners. You need to wear them for 20 to 22 hours per day for optimal results.

Invisalign is not available on the NHS. NHS orthodontic treatment for under-18s uses traditional braces where clinically necessary. Adult orthodontics, including Invisalign, is almost always a private treatment.

Yes. After any orthodontic treatment, you will need to wear retainers to prevent teeth from moving back to their original positions. Most patients wear removable retainers at night long-term. Some opt for a fixed wire retainer bonded behind the teeth.

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