There are many benefits to choosing invisible aligners over traditional orthodontic braces, or metal braces. Clear, plastic aligner trays are custom-fitted to your mouth for comfort and they can correct misalignment in as little as 12 weeks, depending on the brand and your particular case. They’re removable, so you can take them out to eat, drink, brush, and floss. Plus, they’re clear, which makes them practically invisible so you don’t have to feel embarrassed to wear them.
There are several different brands of invisible aligners available to UK residents, with a wide range of features and costs to consider. How can you choose the best invisible aligners in the UK? Here are a few things to consider.
How do Invisible Aligners Work?
Just like metal braces, invisible aligners correct misalignment and malocclusion by applying gradual pressure to teeth. The use of invisible aligners is overseen by dental and/or orthodontic professionals (depending on the brand) that create a personalized plan for swapping out aligner trays to continue shifting teeth until you enjoy perfect alignment.
Patients will receive several sets of custom-fitted aligner trays made from molded plastic, and with check-ins and supervision, they’ll progress through each set of trays until the process is complete and desired outcomes are achieved.
Top 8 Invisible Aligners in the UK
Choosing the best clear aligners for your needs can be difficult with so many brands to choose from. Here are several options to consider and what sets them apart.
SmileCo is a direct-to-consumer oral care brand that offers affordable teeth straightening solutions, including clear aligners and retainers and it’s considered one of the 6 best online clear aligner services. Their mission is to make orthodontic treatment accessible and convenient for everyone, regardless of their location or financial situation. SmileCo’s clear aligners are custom-made based on a patient’s impressions and treatment plan, and are shipped directly to their door, eliminating the need for in-person appointments. The aligners are made of BPA-free plastic and are designed to gradually shift teeth into the desired position. Patients are able to track their progress using SmileCo’s app and can communicate with their assigned dentist or orthodontist throughout their treatment. SmileCo also offers financing options to help make treatment more affordable for patients. Overall, SmileCo aims to provide a convenient, affordable, and effective option for patients seeking teeth straightening solutions.
A team consisting of dentists, dental technicians, and orthodontists oversees every aspect of treatment, including creating the treatment plan and delivering customized aligners. Aligners are made from transparent, medically approved Raintree Essex Plastic sheet.
Straight Teeth Direct offers the fastest delivery service to have as soon as possible your invisible aligners treatment. They work with licensed dental professionals and their invisible aligners are made with a 3D printing process and then trimmed and hand finished individually to ensure maximum clarity and comfort.
In conjunction with a prescribing dentist or orthodontist (a Provider), Smilelign technicians plan a series of invisible braces to move your teeth into alignment. The prescribing dentist or orthodontist will monitor progress.
BPA-free clear plastic trays are scalloped and contoured to gums for optimal comfort. Treatment is planned, modified, and approved by a duly licensed dentist or orthodontist.
BPA-free clear plastic trays are scalloped and contoured to gums for optimal comfort. Treatment is planned, modified, and approved by a duly licensed dentist or orthodontist.
Sixmonthsmile is an American company that also works in the UK. It is not an at-home company, it works similar to Invisalign, you have to find a provider near you, and you can start the treatment at the clinic you choose with little appointments, the necessary to follow the treatment and keep in contact with your dentist or orthodontist. They claim that their average treatment time is 6 months, but it can take between 4 and 9 months, and despite there are no coupons available they offer different payment plans and accept insurances that can make the treatment more affordable.
PlusDent is a British teeth alignment brand available in 8 European countries. It is a semi-at-home company as it requires a first visit for getting a 3D scan of your smile; however, after that visit, you will get your treatment plan and receive the PlusDent box with all the aligners you’ll have to wear during your treatment. The consultation and plan preview is free and the treatment includes a lot of benefits like free adjustments, medical-grade BPA-free aligners made in Germany, and constant monitoring by dentists. You can choose among 3 treatment plans from £1,390.
How Much do Invisible Braces Cost in the UK?
When seeking the best invisible aligners in the UK, pricing is sure to be a major factor in your overall decision. The first thing you need to know is whether braces are covered by insurance. The National Health System (NHS) only covers metal braces, and will pay 100% for patients under the age of 18. Coverage isn’t typically available for adults, unless braces are needed for health reasons, and then coverage must be approved on a case-by-case basis.
Invisible aligners are not covered by NHS, and they may or may not be covered by private insurance (you’ll have to check with your provider). This means that most people will have to pay out-of-pocket for invisible aligners, which makes pricing an important factor. Here’s a quick comparative breakdown of costs:
- SmileCo £1,399
Single payment or monthly payments starting from £138
- Straight My Teeth £999
Single payment or monthly payments starting from £67
- Straight Teeth Direct £1,365
Single payment or monthly payments starting from £150/170€
- Smileling £1,000
Depending on the complexity of the case
- Clear Braces Direct £1,599
Up front or monthly payments starting at £29/33€ *additional initial scan booking fee of £99 (about 113€)
- Invisalign £2,500-5,500
Depending on the complexity of the case, duration of wear, and the Invisalign Provider you choose for treatment.
- Sixmonthsmile £3,500-4,500
Depending on the complexity of the case.
- PlusDent From £1,390
Depending on the plan you choose
Invisible Teeth Aligners vs. Braces
Invisible Aligners vs. Braces: Which is Faster?
Invisible aligners are nearly always faster than metal braces. Whereas metal braces are typically worn for up to two years, invisible aligners could complete your transformation in as little as about 12 weeks, and often in under a year.
How Much do Regular Braces Cost vs. Invisible Teeth Aligners?
Children under the age of 18 can receive total coverage for the cost of metal braces through NHS, but adults can expect to spend £2,000-2,500/2,279-2,849€. If adult braces are deemed necessary for health reasons, NHS may cover some costs, leaving the patient with an out-of-pocket expense around £219/250€. In many cases, invisible aligners are more affordable than metal braces.
FAQ
After physical impressions or 3D scans of your mouth are taken, invisible aligners are custom made for you from molded plastics. Process and materials differ by brand.
If you want custom invisible aligners, your best option is to visit brand websites to learn about the customization and purchasing process. Whether you visit a local clinic for a 3D scan of your mouth or you take impressions with an at-home kit, your invisible aligners will be delivered to your home.
Some discomfort is to be expected when you moving teeth, but it is often well-managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Invisible aligners are designed to correct several forms of misalignment and malocclusion, including overbite.
Invisible aligners are designed to correct several forms of misalignment and malocclusion, including snaggle tooth.
Invisible aligners are designed to correct several forms of misalignment and malocclusion, including underbite.
Invisible aligner products are custom designed for your mouth, and they should fit snugly over teeth.
There are several products like Retainer Brite that you can use to soak your invisible aligners for daily cleaning. Learn more about best practices for cleaning your aligner trays here.
As the name implies, clear aligner trays are practically invisible during wear.
Unlike traditional orthodontic braces, invisible aligners aren’t attached to teeth. This means they fit over existing crowns.
It is recommended that you remove invisible aligners while eating and drinking to avoid damage and prevent particles from becoming trapped between teeth and aligners.