Clear Aligners in North London: Your Guide to Invisalign

Clear aligners like Invisalign work well for mild to moderate bite issues and offer a less visible option than metal braces. They suit crooked teeth, small gaps, or bite problems such as overbite or crossbite. They also suit you if you want convenience, since the aligners come out for meals, drinks, and cleaning. A 32-year-old professional from Highgate chose Invisalign with us to straighten crowded lower teeth without drawing attention during meetings. The treatment lasted 14 months and finished with a strong result.

Your treatment starts with a 60 minute consultation. We use a 3D digital scanner to make an exact model of your teeth, no impressions. From this scan we show a simulation of your final result. After you approve, we make your custom aligners. You wear each set for one to two weeks and keep them in for about 22 hours a day, removing only to eat and clean. You’ll have a quick check every 6 to 8 weeks to review progress and pick up the next sets. A full case usually lasts 12 to 18 months; simpler cases with Invisalign Lite may take about 6 to 8 months.

When you start a new set of aligners you may feel pressure or mild discomfort for a day or two as teeth begin to move. This is usually manageable with over the counter pain relief. After finishing the last aligner, the key phase begins: retention. To keep teeth in their new position for life, you wear a retainer. We provide Vivera retainers, the same durable material as Invisalign aligners. You typically wear them full time for a few months, then switch to nights only, and continue long term. Without consistent retainer use, teeth can drift back toward their original position.

While Invisalign works well, it is not the only option. Traditional fixed metal braces are often better for very complex bite issues and can sometimes work faster. They are more visible. Ceramic braces offer a middle ground with tooth coloured brackets that are less noticeable than metal but still fixed in place. For very minor issues like a single crooked tooth or a small gap, cosmetic bonding might be an alternative. This involves applying a tooth coloured resin to reshape the tooth, giving an instant result without orthodontic treatment. During your consultation, we will discuss which option is best for your needs and goals.

We believe in transparent pricing with no hidden fees. At our Finchley practice, the cost for clear aligner treatment is: * Invisalign Lite: £3,300 (for simpler cases) * Invisalign Full: £4,400 (for more comprehensive cases) This price includes all your 3D scans, all aligners, attachments, and follow-up appointments. The cost of your final Vivera retainers is separate, at £500 for a set of three. While we are a fully private practice and do not offer NHS orthodontics, we do accept patients with private dental insurance from providers like Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. We can help you understand your policy's coverage for orthodontic treatment.

To make an informed choice, it's a good idea to ask some key questions, whether you consult with us or another practice in North London. Consider asking: * Is the quoted price all inclusive, or are there extra costs for scans, retainers, or refinements? * How many cases like mine have you treated with clear aligners? * What happens if my teeth don't move as predicted in the simulation? * Will I need attachments, and how visible will they be? * What are the financing options available for the treatment? * How long will my treatment realistically take from start to finish?