If you are looking for figure out which brand have the best teeth aligners in the UK, you’ve come to the right place. Not everyone who has crooked or misaligned teeth wants to wear dental braces, and clear aligners are a popular and much less noticeable option for teeth straightening.
In this article, we’ll be discussing the following points about each of the aligners that we have reviewed to help you decide which is the best clear aligner for you:
- Teeth aligner costs
- In-office or remote clear aligner options
- Clear aligner treatment time
- Who is eligible for clear aligners?
Let’s get started and explore some of the best at-home teeth straightening treatments in the UK to find the perfect fit for you.
- Virtually Invisible: Enjoy the discretion of clear aligners without brackets or wires.
- Home Convenience: Start from home with an easy assessment and custom aligner kit.
- Wear Time Flexibility: Optimal results with 22+ hours daily wear, changing aligners every 2-3 weeks.
- Cost-Effective: Save up to 75% compared to traditional braces.
- Safe Materials: BPA and latex-free for your health and comfort.
- Quick Results: See changes in just 4-6 months.
- Transform your smile today with NewSmile: Discover More
In This Article
What are the best teeth aligners in the UK?
Let’s discuss some of the best teeth aligners available in the UK in more detail. There is a range of different features to consider, so there should be something for everybody!
NewSmile
Our top recommendation for 100% remote treatment, NewSmile, is a Canadian brand providing home aligner treatment since 2018. They have recently launched in the UK and offer the best value treatment package. For just £1,295, you get:
- Home impression kit
- Treatment preview
- Full aligner treatment
- First set of retainers
- Free whitening treatment
If you chose their nighttime treatment, it costs a little extra at £1,395. All treatments have flexible payment options with 0% interest.
You’ll get a full refund if NewSmile’s network of dentists and orthodontists decide you are not a good fit for the treatment. You also have the option to purchase an impression kit for £39 to get started, without committing to the full treatment.
NewSmile aligners are made from Raintree Essix plastic, which is the clearest plastic for aligners available on the market today. These aligners work on multiple teeth at the same time, which is why they can keep treatment time to just 4-6 months on average.
- Up to 80% cheaper than Invisalign
- Buy now, pay later in interest-free instalments.
- Rated 4.5/5 on Trustpilot
- Starting at just 625 for single-arch treatment!
Caspersmile offers a convenient at-home solution for teeth straightening with their clear aligners. You can achieve a perfect smile in 3-5 months, wearing the aligners for 22 hours a day.
Caspersmile’s treatment is overseen by UK-licensed dentists, ensuring professional guidance throughout the process. The treatment starts with an at-home impression kit or a visit to a scan center, followed by a 3D preview of your future smile.
Every treatment comes with free teeth whitening, so you can brighten your smile while you straighten it!
- Hybrid in-office and remote treatment
- In-person visits with your orthodontist for safe, effective treatment
- Treats even complex cases of misalignment
- Various pricing options
Discover the flexibility and effectiveness of Impress Invisible Braces, the hybrid orthodontic solution that blends in-person care with the convenience of remote appointments. Suitable for both kids and adults, Impress offers a range of treatment options designed to cater to various needs, from mild to severe cases of misalignment. With the initial consultation happening in person, you’re assured of a tailored treatment plan that can address even the most complex orthodontic issues.
Impress Treatment Plans:
- Impress Super Light ($6,999): Perfect for mild cases, this plan promises results in up to 3 months, making it the quickest route to a better smile.
- Impress ($4,599): Designed for moderate cases, this option aims to perfect your smile within 4-10 months.
- Impress Plus ($5,599): Tailored for moderate cases requiring a bit more time, this plan spans 11-14 months.
- Impress Advanced ($6,999): The go-to choice for complex cases, offering comprehensive treatment over 11-24 months.
- Teens ($4,599): Specifically designed for teenagers, this plan addresses mild cases within 4-10 months, ensuring a confident smile during those crucial years.
- Impress Kids ($4,599): Offering orthodontic treatment for children, this plan covers a period between 8-18 months, setting the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
With flexible payment plans available, starting your journey to a perfect smile has never been easier or more accessible. Whether you’re looking for a quick fix or need extensive treatment, Impress Invisible Braces provide a tailored solution that meets your needs and budget. Click below to get started!
- Free retainers and whitening
- Nighttime aligners available
- 0% interest finance options
£1,395£1,295 or £83.33/month
NewSmile is a Canadian company that brought its clear aligners to the UK market in 2022. NewSmile aligners are made from the clearest material and the company offers excellent service at the best price.
They don’t have any physical locations, so you’ll need to purchase an aligner kit to get started. One of their Impression Specialists will guide you through the process on a video call when you’re ready.
NewSmile aligners are very affordable, costing just £1,395 (currently discounted to £1,295). But even better, this price includes whitening foam to use in your aligners, plus your first set of retainers!
Choose their daytime package for treatment in 4-6 months, or nighttime aligners for a more discreet treatment that takes 8-10 months. Both options come with 0% interest payment plans available.
Invisalign
Invisalign aligners from Align Technology are some of the best-known aligners around the world with over 11 million patients treated so far.
Invisalign braces are probably the most similar to fixed braces when it comes to effectiveness because they can treat the majority of orthodontic cases. The average treatment cost is around £4,000 using Invisalign Comprehensive, making it comparable to fixed braces in terms of cost, too.
Treatment with Invisalign Comprehensive takes 12-24 months on average, largely depending on the complexity of your case.
Even if you have milder orthodontic issues, Invisalign treatment is still a great choice because of the direct orthodontic supervision and overall care and service. However, if you are on a tight budget, there are more affordable options that can be just as effective.
I got Invisalign – the first 24 hours
The following video is a review from YouTube vlogger, Emma Louise. This is a great example of someone who didn’t have major orthodontic issues but still opted for Invisalign treatment.
She takes us through her consultation with her Invisalign provider, the process of getting her aligners, and learning how to take them in and out of her mouth.
Emma’s review is only of the first couple of weeks of having Invisalign aligners. She says that she will continue to do updates on her YouTube as her treatment progresses, but so far she is happy with it!
Clear Correct
ClearCorrect is another well-known in-office aligner company. They were founded in 2006 in the US, and later launched in the UK.
They are similar to Invisalign aligners except they are made from a slightly thinner material (Polyurethane resin). According to some reviews, this thinner material is uncomfortable and may cause sores on your tongue. But, other patients find it more comfortable.
ClearCorrect work with a network of dentists to provide treatment, but unfortunately, it isn’t always easy to find a provider. This is because they don’t have an easy-to-access list of providers in the UK. Your best bet at finding a ClearCorrect provider near you is to ask your local dentists.
Treatment can take between 3 months to 18 months depending on the complexity of your case, with more complex cases taking longer to treat. The cost of these aligners can range between £1,800 for mild cases that last just 3 months, to £4,500 or more.
If you want to learn more about Clear Correct you can read our full review here.
ClearCorrect before and after – was it worth it?
In the following video, YouTube vlogger Cassie Nero reviews her ClearCorrect experience and shares her before and after pictures. She says she feels a lot more confident with her teeth after treatment, however, she does think that something is not quite right with her jaw.
Cassie does say this is probably from grinding her teeth or using a dummy as a child, but she has only noticed it after treatment so she will get it fixed in the future.
Straight Teeth Direct
Straight Teeth Direct is another at-home aligner option. The treatment process begins with an online assessment, then you must purchase an impression kit for £69 or visit their dentist in London at a cost of £79. After being approved, the treatment itself costs £1,550, including one set of retainers.
Like most at-home aligners, Straight Teeth Direct can only treat mild to moderate orthodontic issues. No nighttime option is available, and the standard treatment takes 5-9 months.
All of your treatment monitoring is done remotely via an app, with an orthodontist checking your progress, and you change your aligners every couple of weeks following your plan.
Dr Smile
These aligners are relatively new to the clear aligner market in the UK. Treatment is carried out from home, but you do visit a GDC-registered dentist for a consultation before your treatment is approved.
You also have the option of an in-person visit if needed at any time. The rest of your treatment is monitored remotely via an app.
Once your treatment has begun, you are required to check in on the app and switch aligners every two weeks. According to reviews, some people don’t always manage to check in on the app when they should. This can lead to problems down the line if something goes wrong with your treatment.
There are no fixed prices for Dr Smile aligners; it depends on how your treatment is classified after the initial assessment. However, most cases cost between £1,390 and £2,090 to treat. Payment plans are available so you can choose to pay monthly.
Summary of best teeth aligner options in the UK
We have covered quite a few different brands here, and we hope you have found one that suits your treatment needs and your budget. Below is a summary of our top clear aligner brands in the UK:
Smile White | NewSmile | Invisalign | Clear Correct | |
Suitable for mild problems? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Suitable for mid-level problems? | Yes | Some | Yes | Yes |
Suitable for complicated problems? | Yes | No | Possibly | Probably not |
Price | £1,695 - £3,695 | £1,295 | £3,500 - £5,500 | £1,800 - £4,500 |
Payment plans available | Yes, from £70.62 per month with Klarna | Yes, 12 months interest-free | Yes, plans vary from dentist to dentist | Yes, plans vary from dentist to dentist |
Treatment timeframe | 3-24 months | 4-6 months | 3-24 months | 3-18 months |
Nighttime-only option? | No | Yes | No | No |
Dental monitoring | In person and remotely via app | Remotely via app | In person and remotely via app | In person and remotely via app |
Aligner material | Zendura® FLX | BPA-free Essix Plastic | SmartTrack thermoplastic | Polyurethane resin |
How to get started | Visit a dentist | Visit a dentist |
Buying guide for invisible aligners
What are invisible aligners?
Invisible aligners are custom-made, clear plastic trays that apply pressure to straighten your teeth. Aligner treatment is a removable alternative to fixed braces and they are less visible when worn. These clear aligners can generally only treat mild to moderate orthodontic cases.
Some invisible aligner options, like Invisalign, can treat more complex cases using attachments and elastic bands.
How do teeth aligners work?
Teeth aligners work by closely fitting to your teeth and applying pressure. Over time your teeth will gradually move into the desired positions and your smile will be aligned.
Although this is how most clear aligners work, there are a few key differences between brands. The most important difference is that some aligners are at-home treatments, and some are in-office.
In-office aligners
In-office dentist aligners are generally more thoroughly supervised by a dentist or orthodontist. They require an initial appointment at a dental practice to assess your eligibility. Then, you will get a 3D scan of your teeth, or impressions made. You will receive a treatment plan that maps your entire orthodontic treatment.
Once you receive your aligners, you will be expected to wear them for about 22 hours per day. This may change between brands but wearing aligners for fewer hours per day might cause your treatment to take longer.
Usually, you are required to attend in-practice check-ups every two – four weeks. Some brands use a mixture of face-to-face appointments and remote monitoring via an app. You should get new aligners roughly every two weeks to continue your treatment, all going well.
These types of aligners cost around the same as traditional braces, and you receive the same level of hands-on care with regular visits to your dentist. In-office aligners like the Invisalign system can treat more complex orthodontic cases than at-home aligners.
At-home teeth aligners
At-home clear aligners, also referred to as mail-order aligners or direct-to-consumer (DTC) aligners, are monitored remotely, and it’s possible that you won’t ever have an in-person meeting with your dentist. While they can effectively realign straightforward cases, they lack the personalised attention of regular dental visits.
Your initial appointment may involve an in-person 3D scan, or you might just be provided with an impression kit to use at home and return by mail. Afterwards, you’ll receive all the aligners by mail along with a treatment plan outlining when to switch to the next set.
Some brands offer a night time-only aligner option, requiring about 10 hours of daily wear. This allows for normal daytime activities, with the aligners worn mainly during sleep. However, due to the reduced daily wear time, treatment time is usually doubled.
Many people ask, do at-home invisible aligners really work?
They can be successful for individuals with mild to moderate orthodontic issues and may be a viable option for those unable to afford traditional in-office treatment or who have dental anxiety.
Nonetheless, we always recommend having a chat with a dentist beforehand is strongly advised to determine suitability. Your dentist should also assess and address any existing dental conditions such as cavities or gum disease before starting aligner treatment.
Conclusion
Depending on your orthodontic needs, there are teeth aligners to suit everyone. Our recommendation for the best clear aligners for teeth is NewSmile, for convenience at an affordable price starting from 1,295.
Other options out there vary in terms of the level of service, cost, treatment time and accessibility. The best teeth aligners for you will depend on a combination of these factors, as well as the amount of correction your teeth need.
FAQs
What are teeth aligners?
Teeth aligners are orthodontic devices designed to straighten and align teeth. They are typically made of clear, BPA-free plastic and are custom-fit to an individual’s teeth.
How do clear aligners work?
Clear aligners work by using a series of custom-made, removable trays that apply gentle, gradual pressure on the teeth, gradually moving them into the desired position.
What are the best teeth aligners available in the UK?
Our top picks for the best teeth aligners available in the UK are Smile White and NewSmile. However, some popular options include Invisalign, ClearCorrect and Straight My Teeth.
How do I choose the best teeth aligner for my smile?
Choosing the best teeth aligner for your smile depends on several factors, including the complexity of your case, your budget, and any specific treatment requirements.
Are teeth aligners effective in straightening teeth?
Yes, teeth aligners can be effective in straightening teeth, particularly for mild to moderate cases of misalignment. However, you must be consistent in wearing them for successful treatment.
NCBI. Efficient Design of a Clear Aligner Attachment to Induce Bodily Tooth Movement in Orthodontic Treatment Using Finite Element Analysis. Consulted 5th January 2023.
Prices stated are indicative only and are based on publicised treatment prices at dental clinics across the UK.