Clear aligner treatment — Finchley
Invisalign clear aligners in Finchley
From £1,700
Concerns that may respond to clear aligner treatment
Invisalign uses a series of custom-made, removable transparent trays to gradually guide teeth into a better position. Each tray is worn for one to two weeks before progressing to the next. A digital simulation of the planned tooth movement is shown at your consultation so you can see the expected result before treatment begins.
Clear aligners can address a wide range of alignment concerns, but they are not suitable for every case. A thorough clinical assessment — including examination, bite assessment, photographs and often digital scans — is always required before treatment is confirmed.
Important
Concerns that often respond well to clear aligners
Mild to moderate crowding of teeth
Gaps or spaces between teeth
Mild overbite, underbite or crossbite (selected cases)
Relapse after previous orthodontic treatment
Conditions we identify and manage
| Factor | Clear aligners | Fixed braces |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Nearly invisible when worn | Visible brackets and wires |
| Removability | Removed for eating and cleaning | Fixed — cannot be removed |
| Cleaning | Brush teeth normally; clean aligners separately | More complex — special brushes needed |
| Compliance required | 20–22 hrs/day wear essential | No compliance dependency |
| Comfort | Smooth plastic; no sharp wires | Initial soreness; can irritate soft tissues |
| Case suitability | Best for mild to moderate concerns | Broader range including complex cases |
| Refinements | May be needed after main treatment | Adjustments at each appointment |
The right orthodontic option depends on the complexity of your case, your lifestyle and your priorities. We will present the options available to you at assessment and help you understand the trade-offs.
How it works
Your Invisalign treatment journey
Consultation and assessment
Records and digital planning
Aligner fitting and attachments
Progress reviews
Regular check-up appointments throughout treatment allow us to monitor tooth movement, provide subsequent aligner sets and address any concerns. The frequency of reviews depends on your treatment plan.
Refinements (if needed)
Retention
Benefits of clear aligners
- Removable — no dietary restrictions during treatment
- Tooth-coloured and transparent — less visible than fixed braces
- Easier oral hygiene — brush and floss normally
- No sharp wires or brackets that can irritate soft tissues
- Digital planning shows the expected outcome before you start
Limitations to be aware of
- Compliance is essential — 20–22 hours of daily wear required
- Not suitable for all types of orthodontic problem
- Attachments reduce the invisible appearance for some patients
- Refinements may extend the planned treatment timeline
- Long-term retainer wear is required after treatment
Fees and planning
Common questions
Invisalign and clear aligner FAQs
Treatment duration depends on the complexity of your case. Minor spacing or crowding corrections may take as little as six months. More significant alignment issues typically take twelve to eighteen months, and complex cases can take longer. A realistic estimate is given at your consultation, based on your clinical assessment and digital treatment simulation.
For optimal results, aligners should be worn for approximately 20 to 22 hours per day. They are removed only for eating, drinking anything other than still water, and cleaning your teeth. Consistent wear is essential — insufficient wear time is the most common reason for slower-than-expected progress or the need for extended treatment.
Some pressure and mild discomfort when switching to a new set of aligners is normal and usually settles within 24 to 48 hours. This is a sign that the aligners are actively moving your teeth. Aligners should not cause sharp pain or irritation that does not resolve — if they do, contact us.
Attachments are small tooth-coloured composite dots bonded to the surface of specific teeth to help the aligner grip and achieve more complex tooth movements. Not every case requires them — your treatment plan will specify whether attachments are recommended for you. They are not noticeable at conversational distance and are removed at the end of treatment.
Retainers are worn after treatment is complete to hold your teeth in their new positions. Without retainers, teeth will naturally tend to shift back over time — this is a biological reality, not a failure of the treatment. Retention is a long-term commitment. Your dentist will discuss the type of retainer most suitable for you and the recommended wearing schedule.
Invisalign has expanded considerably in scope and can now address a wide range of mild to moderate alignment concerns. However, it has limitations — particularly for cases involving significant vertical tooth movement, complex bite correction or skeletal discrepancies. Your dentist will assess your case honestly and recommend the most appropriate orthodontic approach, which may include a referral to a specialist orthodontist for complex cases.
Contact us as soon as possible. Depending on where you are in your treatment, we may ask you to move to the next aligner, revert to the previous one, or arrange for a replacement. Carry your previous set of aligners with you when travelling in case of loss or damage.
Aligners must be removed for eating all foods and for drinking anything other than still water. Eating with aligners in can crack or warp them. Drinking coloured or sugary drinks with aligners in can stain them and trap liquid against your teeth, increasing the risk of decay.