Invisalign clear aligners in Finchley
Straighten your teeth discreetly with removable clear aligners, personalised to your bite, smile and treatment goals. A clinical assessment is required to confirm suitability and provide a realistic treatment plan.
Clear aligners work gradually, in stages. Each tray moves your teeth a small amount closer to the planned final position. You see the planned result before treatment begins — and can ask questions before committing to anything.
From £1,700
Invisalign and alternative clear aligner systems available. Final price depends on case complexity. Full written estimate provided at consultation.
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.
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
- Cosmetic alignment improvement before bonding or veneers
Important: Cases involving significant bite correction, vertical movements, large rotations or skeletal discrepancies may be outside the scope of clear aligner treatment alone. We will advise honestly at your assessment and refer to a specialist orthodontist where that is the more appropriate route.
Clear aligners vs fixed braces
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.
Your Invisalign treatment journey
Consultation and assessment
A thorough oral health check, bite assessment and clinical photographs. We confirm whether clear aligners are appropriate for your case and explain realistic outcomes and limitations honestly before any commitment.
Records and digital planning
Impressions or digital intraoral scans are taken. These are used to create your custom aligner series and a digital simulation of the planned tooth movements, which you review before treatment begins.
Aligner fitting and attachments
Your first set of aligners is fitted and any required attachments are placed. We demonstrate how to insert and remove aligners correctly and discuss how to care for them.
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)
Some patients require additional aligner stages — called refinements — to achieve the planned final result. These are discussed at your progress reviews and are a normal part of many treatment plans rather than an unexpected complication.
Retention
On completion of active treatment, retainers are fitted. Retainers must be worn consistently — the schedule reduces over time but long-term use is essential. Teeth will shift without them. This is explained fully before treatment begins.
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
Clear aligner treatment from £1,700. Final price depends on case complexity, number of aligners required and whether refinements are needed.
A full written estimate is provided at consultation before you commit. We discuss what is and is not included, the payment schedule and what happens if refinements are needed.
View fee guideInvisalign and clear aligner FAQs
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
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.
How many hours per day must aligners be worn?
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.
Will Invisalign be uncomfortable?
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.
What are attachments and will I need them?
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.
What are retainers and how long will I need to wear them?
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.
Is Invisalign suitable for complex cases?
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.
What happens if I lose or damage an aligner?
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.
Can I eat and drink with aligners in?
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.
Book a clear aligner consultation in Finchley
Your consultation confirms whether clear aligners are suitable for your case, shows you a digital simulation of the planned result, and provides a clear written estimate — with no obligation to proceed.