Invisalign is a brand of clear aligner treatment: a series of removable plastic trays that move your teeth in small steps towards a planned position. It is not the only clear aligner system on the market, and the skill of the clinician planning the case matters more than the brand on the box.
How clear aligners move teeth
Each aligner is made to fit your teeth at a specific stage of movement. Wearing it for the recommended number of hours per day applies gentle, controlled pressure, and the next aligner in the series continues from there. The planning happens in software before treatment starts, which is why a detailed scan and an honest conversation about the end result come first.
Invisalign or another clear aligner system?
Invisalign is the most widely known system and is backed by a large clinical and manufacturing infrastructure. Other systems can produce excellent results in experienced hands. What actually determines the outcome is case selection, the accuracy of the plan, how closely you wear the aligners, and whether the finished result is retained.
If you are comparing providers, ask about the clinician’s experience with cases like yours, how refinements are handled, and what is included in the fee.
Who is suitable?
Clear aligners work well for many cases of crowding, spacing and mild to moderate bite problems. They are less predictable for complex movements that need significant rotation or vertical correction, and for some cases fixed braces remain the more reliable option. Only an assessment with scans and X-rays can tell you which group you fall into.
What the treatment involves
- Consultation and records — examination, photographs, scans and, where needed, X-rays
- Planning — a digital plan showing the expected movement and the number of aligners
- Fitting — small tooth-coloured attachments are sometimes bonded to teeth to help the aligners grip
- Wearing — typically 20 to 22 hours a day, removed only for eating, drinking anything other than water, and cleaning
- Reviews — short appointments to check progress and hand over the next set
- Refinement — if teeth do not track exactly as planned, additional aligners may be needed
- Retention — a retainer to hold the result, which is a permanent part of orthodontic treatment
How long does Invisalign take?
Treatment length depends on how much movement is needed. Minor alignment can be completed in a few months; more involved cases commonly run for a year or more, and refinements add time. Anyone who quotes an exact number of months before seeing your teeth is guessing.
What it costs in London
Fees vary with complexity and the number of aligners. At ēm dental, Invisalign i7 for one arch starts from £1500, and full treatment for both arches from £3000. Retainers are priced separately. See the current treatment price list for the full breakdown.
The part most people underestimate: retention
Teeth move throughout life. Without a retainer, the result you paid for will gradually drift, especially in the first year after treatment. We usually recommend a fixed wire behind the front teeth, a removable retainer, or both. Dental retainers are not an optional extra — they are what protects the investment.
Looking after aligners
- Rinse and brush the aligner with cool water and a soft brush — hot water can distort it
- Do not eat or drink anything other than water while wearing it
- Keep the previous aligner until the new one fits properly
- Carry a case; aligners lost in a napkin are a common and avoidable cost
- Keep your regular hygiene appointments — plaque builds up under aligners
Is Invisalign right for you?
If your main concern is the appearance of your front teeth and your bite is broadly healthy, clear aligners are worth discussing. If you have significant bite problems, heavily restored teeth or gum disease, those need addressing first. You can book an assessment at our W2 clinic and see the plan before committing.
Frequently asked questions
Does Invisalign hurt?
Most people feel pressure and mild tenderness for the first day or two of each new aligner. It is usually described as discomfort rather than pain, and it settles as the teeth adapt.
Can I eat normally?
Yes, because the aligners come out. The trade-off is that they must go back in afterwards — treatment only works while they are being worn.
Will people notice I am wearing them?
Clear aligners are much less visible than metal braces, but they are not invisible. Attachments bonded to the teeth can be visible at close range.
What if I lose an aligner?
Contact the clinic. Wearing the previous aligner until a replacement arrives is usually better than moving to the next one early.
Is Invisalign suitable for teenagers?
Yes, for many cases, provided the teeth and gums are healthy and the patient is committed to wear time. A full assessment is needed first.
This article is general information about dental treatment and is not a substitute for clinical advice. For advice about your own teeth, book a consultation at our W2 clinic.