Aligners for teeth

Aligners are the latest in teeth straightening technology providing a more convenient, discreet and cost effective alternative to metal braces.

Table of contents

• What are teeth aligners
• Benefits of aligners
• Different types of aligners
• How aligners work
• How much do aligners cost
• Aligners near me
• 5 Steps to perfect teeth
• Aligner before and after aligners
• Aligner reviews
• FAQ

What are teeth aligners

Teeth aligners resemble mouth guards or retainers and are made from thin flexible plastic. This plastic is clear, making aligners virtually invisible when worn. Like retainers, aligners are removable making them more convenient when compared to standard fixed braces. As a result, aligners provide teeth straightening treatments that fit around your lifestyle.

Benefits of aligners

Aligners provide all of the important benefits associated with braces and are used to treat a wide range of teeth alignment issues. 

Aligners for crowding

Crowded teeth occur when teeth are rotated, are positioned in front or behind other teeth, or are angled out of alignment. Aligners treat crowded teeth by reorienting individual teeth until they are perfectly aligned.

Aligners for overbite and overjet

A little overbite is natural as teeth should not perfectly meet when you bite. Overbite, also known as overjet, occurs when the top set of teeth protrude over and outward. Aligners are a great solution for overbite allowing teeth to quickly come into alignment over the course of your treatment.

Aligners for underbite

Underbite occurs when the bottom set of teeth protrude over and outwards over the top of your top set. Aligners help reposition both top and bottom sets of teeth to give you a natural bite.

Aligners for gaps

Unsightly gaps between teeth can be caused by alignment issues. Aligners reposition your teeth, naturally filling gaps to give you straight teeth.

Aligners for open bite

Open bite occurs when the front top and bottom set of teeth do not meet when clenched together. Aligners treat open bite issues by repositioning teeth to achieve a naturally straight smile. 

Aligners for crossbite (front and back)

Crossbite occurs when teeth are positioned at different angles causing back teeth to underbite while front teeth overbite or vice versa. Aligners treat crossbite issues by repositioning teeth to achieve a naturally straight smile. 

Aligners for malocclusion

Malocclusion is a common condition where your upper and lower teeth do not align. Aligners treat malocclusion issues by repositioning teeth to achieve a naturally straight smile. 

Aligners vs braces

While aligners and braces are both used to treat the same conditions, aligners provide many additional benefits.

* When removed.

Different types of aligners

Most aligners are based on similar technology using a series of clear plastic retainers that are moulded to your teeth to provide straightening.

Clear aligners

Clear aligners is a generic term applied to a new generation of teeth straightening braces. These aligners are not fixed to your teeth like metal braces. Instead, aligners are removable clear plastic retainers that are created from moulds or 3D scans of your teeth. Instead of visiting the dentist to tighten the wires on your braces, you swap aligners at home every 2 weeks to progress your treatment program. Over time your aligners will become more uniform reflecting the straightness of your teeth. This means you will see improvements faster with clear aligners.

Dentist lead aligners

Dentist lead aligners require a visit to your dentist or orthodontist. Your dentist will take a 3D scan of your mouth, address any gum disease or cavities that could affect your treatment and show you how to fit your aligners.

Clear retainers

Clear retainers are used after braces or aligner treatments to maintain your straight teeth. Like aligners, clear retainers are created from a mould or 3D scan of your teeth to ensure they fit snugly against your teeth.

How aligners work

Aligners are the easiest way to straighten your teeth. They’re removable, require no wires and can be managed at home without subsequent visits to your dentist.

• Each aligner is designed to move your teeth a small amount. 
• At home, swap your aligner for the next in the series every 2 weeks to progress your treatment. 
• Each aligner should be worn for 20-22 hours a day and can be used while sleeping. 
• Remove your aligners when eating, playing sports and having conversations. 
• Make sure you brush and floss your teeth after eating and before you reinsert your aligner. 
• You may initially feel some slight discomfort when wearing aligners. Treat with over-the-counter pain medications until the pain stops.
• Clean your aligners in warm soapy water, ideally in an ultrasonic cleaner. Rinse well before using them.

How much do clear aligners cost

Aligners cost from as little as £53 per month for a single arch and £69 per month if you need both upper and lower teeth correcting. Treatment lengths vary based on the severity of your condition.

• Mild alignment issues can be fixed in as little as 4-6 months
• Moderate alignment issues can be fixed in 6-12 months
• Severe alignment issues can take over 12 months to fix.

You should discuss your case with your aligner provider before you start treatment to gauge if aligners are affordable for you.

Aligners on finance

Many customers spread the cost of aligners with providers offering a range of payment plans. These include:

Aligner Dental Plans - If you have a dental plan with your dentist the cost of your aligners may already be covered in whole or in part. 

Aligner Loans - Many aligner providers provide finance packages to help you spread the cost of your treatment. 

Aligners near me

Aligners are available from many dentists near you who offer finance packages to help you to spread the cost.

Online aligner providers often partner with local dentists who provide 3D scans at the start of a treatment to make sure aligners are fit for purpose. Again finance packages are available to help you spread the cost

With all solutions you progress your treatment at home, swapping aligners every 2 weeks.

5 steps to your perfect smile

The process of creating your aligners and managing your treatment is streamlined and designed to be as easy as possible.

1. Book your e-consultation where your requirements and treatment will be discussed and agreed.
2. Visit your local Smile White approved dentist and have a 3D scan of your mouth
3. Your impressions are reviewed. Once approved your aligners are manufactured and the first set sent to your home. 
4. Insert your aligners and swap every 2 weeks to progress your treatment
5. Discuss any issues with your consultant.

Aligners before and after

See the results for yourself with our aligner before and after images.

BEFORE

AFTER

Aligner reviews

Aligners are loved by our clients who can clearly see the results. Read reviews on our products and service below.

"I am pretty much at the end of my smile white journey now, teeth are looking white and nearly straight, just what I always wanted."
Kelsey

"I am now 15 weeks into my Smile White journey with just 5 weeks left and the change has been absolutely incredible. "
Alisha

"This whole experience has been very comforting and organised, from my first scan to now being 2 weeks off completing my treatment the whole team have been very helpful"
Leo

"The whole experience has been seamless. Rory has been wonderful with the aftercare has followed up after each appointment and given me some great advice on what I should/shouldn’t be doing."
Ayesha

Read more reviews on Trustpilot

FAQ

Do teeth aligners really work

Yes, aligners really work and they typically deliver results faster and cheaper than braces.

What is the down side of aligners

There are few down-sides to using aligners. Some issues could include:

• Broken or lost aligners - Clear aligners are removable. If not kept in their case, they can become lost or broken.
• Discoloured aligners - If you smoke or eat foods that can stain plastic your aligners can become discoloured. Luckily this will only last until your next set of aligners.
• Teeth, cheek and gum pain - You may encounter mild discomfort when starting aligner treatment. This can be due to food stuff being caught between the aligner and your gum or cheek. Treat pain with over the counter medications and make sure you brush well before inserting your aligner.
• Dry mouth - Wearing aligners can cause a reduction in saliva production. This is common but nothing to worry about.

Are aligners better than braces

Aligners offer a discreet, convenient and affordable alternative to braces. If that's important to you then yes aligners can be considered better than braces.

Is it worth getting aligners

It is worth getting aligners if you want to straighten your teeth without wearing visible metal braces, if you want to be able to continue to eat a full range of foods, if you want to save money and if you want to be able to remove your aligners to play sports, hold conversations and remain confident throughout your treatment.