The convenient and discreet way to straighten your teeth

The treatment uses a series of clear aligners to help you get your new smile. The trays that you’ll use are custom-made for you. Throughout the process, you’ll change your trays according to your dentist's instructions.

So how does it work? The clear aligners will gently pull each tooth into a new position. While you may not see the results on a day-to-day basis, it will only take a few short months to see results.

Both clear aligners and traditional fixed braces have the same goal - to straighten your teeth. If you are still deciding which treatment is the most suitable choice, there are key differences to be aware of.

The aligners themselves are very comfortable and lightweight. However, you may experience some slight discomfort as your teeth move, especially when you switch to a new aligner set. You can manage this discomfort with your usual over-the-counter pain medication. If the pain is persistent, contact your dentist.

Keeping your aligners clean is an essential part of your teeth straightening journey. If you let bacteria and debris into your aligners, the risk of tooth decay and gum disease is significantly increased. The following steps help to not only protect the health of your teeth, but also ensure your aligners remain transparent.

• Invest in an ultrasonic cleaner and clean your aligners daily using a denture cleaning tablet
• If you do not have the above, use clean water and a soft baby toothbrush to clean your aligners
• Have a glass of water with meals and rinse your mouth frequently to help remove stains
• Brush your teeth after eating before re-inserting the trays
• Avoid acidic foods - these can damage your aligners

Your clear aligners are made from Zendura® FLX. This layered, semi-flexible polymer applies pressure to the teeth without being completely rigid. It is transparent, allowing you to align your teeth without drawing attention to your mouth, and free from BPA, phtalate, latex and gluten. This makes it ideal for dental treatments.

We ask that, if you are wanting clear aligner treatment, you fit the following criteria.

• You have mild-severe malocclusions including overbite, underbite, crossbite, crooked teeth, gap teeth, crowded teeth or open bite
• You are over the age of 18
• You have no missing teeth
• You have no cavities or gum disease
• You can commit to wearing aligners for 22 hours per day, with a treatment plan lasting 4 - 12 months on average

Aligners are one of many options available to you. Each is designed to treat a different type or severity of malocclusion.

Orthodontic braces

Braces are the traditional way to straighten teeth. Available free of charge for children under 18 on the NHS, braces consist of brackets which are bonded to your teeth. A wire is secured between each bracket, allowing your dentist to apply tension and pull each tooth into a new position. You will need to attend ongoing appointments with your dentist to have the tension adjusted.

Pallet expander

A pallet expander is available for NHS patients, but only in the most severe non-cosmetic reasons. Cosmetic treatments require a private dentist. The expander is positioned across the roof of your mouth and designed to push teeth outwards. This helps treat crowding caused by teeth that are positioned more in the centre of your mouth or angled inwards.

Lingual braces

Lingual braces are not available from the NHS. If you would like this treatment please speak to your local private dentist. Lingual braces are positioned on the inner side of each tooth and are used to push teeth into position from the back. This makes them a more discreet alternative compared to traditional orthodontic braces.

Headgear

Headgear is available free of charge for children under 18 on the NHS. Adults can request headgear from your local private dentist. Headgear is used when teeth need to be both pushed and pulled into position. This requires support from both inside and outside the mouth.