What does Invisalign cost in the UK? This can be a difficult question to answer since the short version is “it depends”. But that's not much help to you if you're researching Invisalign prices to find out if you can afford the treatment. So, in this article we're going to dig a bit deeper into Invisalign UK costs in 2022 so you can understand your options better.
We'll look in more detail at:
- How these aligner braces work
- Different levels of treatment
- The average cost of Invisalign in the UK
- Financing and monthly payment options
- Pros and cons of Invisalign vs traditional braces
Even after explaining the different treatment options and how to get Invisalign on finance, we can't tell you exactly what Invisalign will cost for you. To find that out, you'll need to visit an Invisalign provider near you for a consultation.
But for now, let's look at how Invisalign aligners can transform your smile and the average cost in the UK.
Table of contents
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is the world's best known and most advanced brand of custom-made teeth aligners, with over 11 million patients treated, and counting. A popular alternative to traditional braces, clear aligners are removable and almost invisible.
Straightening teeth with Invisalign is therefore a great option for people who want to avoid the discomfort or appearance of fixed metal braces. It's also much easier to keep your teeth clean with removable aligners.
The company behind Invisalign, Align Technology, has been manufacturing clear aligners for over 20 years and places a strong emphasis on developing the most advanced technology in the market.
If you want to know a little more about what these aligners are, check out our article: What is Invisalign? You can also read our guide to braces for adults and teens for more information about Invisalign vs braces and other orthodontic treatments.
How does Invisalign work?
Both fixed traditional braces and the Invisalign system work by putting pressure on your teeth in a carefully planned way. Over time, they move your teeth into better alignment.
With Invisalign treatment, you have a series of custom made plastic trays moulded to fit snugly over your teeth. You switch to a new tray every couple of weeks, and each one moves your teeth a little further towards your new smile.
You must wear your aligners for 20-22 hours a day for them to work effectively. The 2-4 free hours are for eating, drinking (except water), and cleaning your teeth and your aligners.
To begin your treatment, you'll need to visit a provider near you for a consultation. Here you can ask any questions you may have and you'll also get a 3D oral scan. This generates a computerised image of your mouth and teeth, from which your treatment plan is developed. You'll get to see a visualisation of how your teeth will move and your before and after smile images before you go ahead with treatment.
You may need to have attachments fixed to some teeth to help them move more efficiently. The video below gives a really interesting look at what to expect when you get your first set of aligners fitted.
You'll have regular checkups during your treatment to make sure your teeth are moving as planned, and to pick up your next few sets of aligners. Once you have completed your last aligner tray, your dentist will assess your teeth and see if you need any Invisalign refinements. Then, when you have achieved your perfect smile, you'll need to wear retainers after braces to keep your teeth nice and straight.
Invisalign treatment options in the UK
There are four types of treatment plans:
- Invisalign Comprehensive: The most common Invisalign treatment, used for moderate and complex cases. It takes 12-18 months on average, but will continue until you're happy with the results.
- Invisalign Lite: For mild to moderate cases with fairly simple cosmetic movement. Treatment time is 6-8 months.
- Invisalign Express: Best for very mild cases requiring minimal correction, or purely aesthetic tooth movement. Takes 3-6 months.
- Invisalign First: Used for children aged 6-10 who require early intervention orthodontia.
Your dentist will let you know which of these is best for you. The amount of tooth movement and the treatment duration will have a direct impact on the price of Invisalign; the more aligners you need and the more visits to your dentist, the more it will cost.
Switching from traditional braces to the Invisalign system is possible in some cases, but you'll need to cover the cost of your braces treatment and your Invisalign treatment. But, if your teeth have already moved considerably with your braces, you may only need Invisalign Lite or Express to finish your treatment.
If you have had any dental restorations in the past, don't worry, you can still get Invisalign with crowns, bridges or veneers depending on your case. However, your treatment may take longer and cost more due to the fact that crowns and bridges move slower than natural teeth and this can increase treatment time.
How much does Invisalign cost in the UK?
Invisalign costs in the UK range from £1,500 to £5,500. The average cost for Invisalign Comprehensive, which most people use, is around £4,000. Lite and Express are cheaper options. The most suitable treatment for you will depend on how much movement is required for your teeth and jaw.
Here's a rough guide to Invisalign prices according to treatment type:
Treatment type | Suitable for | Average duration | Approximate cost |
Comprehensive | Mild, moderate and some complex cases | 12-18 months | £3,500 - £5,500 |
Lite | Mild and moderate cases | 6-8 months | £2,500 - £4,000 |
Express | Mild and aesthetic cases | 3-6 months | £1,500 - £3,000 |
Invisalign dentists and orthodontists run their own special offers from time to time, so it's a good idea to check for discounts with a few providers near you.
What is the cheapest Invisalign in the UK?
Invisalign Express is the cheapest Invisalign treatment, designed for mild tooth movement. It costs about £1,500 to £3,000. The next level up is Invisalign Lite, and then Comprehensive. You don't get to choose which one you want; this is determined based on the treatment you need.
Generally speaking, the longer your treatment, the higher the cost. Your location can also influence Invisalign prices; in London, for example, business overheads are likely to be higher and that is reflected in treatment costs.
Can you get Invisalign on the NHS?
No, you can't get any kind of invisible braces on the NHS. Children can get NHS braces where there is a medical need, and adults may also be eligible in some circumstances. So, no you can't get Invisalign on the NHS, the only braces offered on the NHS are traditional metal ones.
How much is Invisalign with financing?
Most dentists offer Invisalign finance options which let you pay monthly for your treatment. Invisalign payment plans vary from one dentist to another, so you should compare plans. When you have a consultation, you can check:
- What will be your monthly payment for Invisalign?
- Is there an up-front payment?
- Is the finance interest-free?
- What is the total cost of Invisalign braces with finance?
There are also other dental financing options you can consider, like a dental loan.
How do I find Invisalign near me?
Invisalign has a very large network in the UK, so you shouldn't have to travel too far. It's quick and easy to find an Invisalign provider near you with their postcode search tool. You'll see all the dentists and orthodontists near you offering Invisalign, and you can choose one or more to contact for an appointment.
You'll be visiting them every four to six weeks, so we recommend choosing a location that's convenient to reach from your home or work. Some offer an initial free consultation whereas others might charge for it, so that could also influence your choice.
Straightening your teeth not only improves your appearance but also improves your oral health. Invisalign is a good option for those who want to straighten their smiles without having bulky metal braces in their mouths. Considering Invisalign’s retainers are removable, they come with a number of benefits, including:
- You can eat what you want. With clunky metal braces, it’s tough to eat certain foods that can get caught easily in the brackets. These removable retainers are taken out each time you eat, which means you can eat your favourite foods.
- The ability to engage in regular activities. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign users don’t have to worry about damaging the orthodontics in their mouths because they can be removed at a moment’s notice.
- Your teeth stay clean. Since you can remove Invisalign retainers so easily, you can still brush and floss like normal without obstruction or inconvenience.
Dr Brandon Murri
Conclusion
So, how much is Invisalign in the UK? Well, the exact price depends on your individual case but the overall cost should fall somewhere between £1,500 and £5,000.
If you haven't already checked whether you're eligible for Invisalign aligners, take a quick and free Smile Assessment on their website. You'll get your results back straight away.
Then, you can see where your local Invisalign providers are and decide which one you'd like to visit for a free consultation and treatment plan. An in-person visit is the only way to find out your personalised price for Invisalign treatment.
If you are looking for something a little cheaper at a fixed price then there is always the option of at-home aligners. SmileDirectClub is a teledentistry company, and while they do have SmileShops, you don't have to ever see a dentist if you don't want to. You can order an impression kit straight to your door to see if you are eligible for treatment. Take their online assessment now to see if you might be a candidate for treatment.
Straight My Teeth is another option, although they only have one physical location if you did want to see someone in-person for your initial consultation. Both of these at-home brands are only suitable for mild orthodontic cases, so if yours is more complex you may need Invisalign aligners or traditional braces.
We hope this guide has helped you learn more about the right treatment for your oral health care needs. Check out some Invisalign reviews to find out more about what it's like wearing aligners, and take a look at some Invisalign before and after results to see what great results these aligners can achieve.
FAQs
What does Invisalign cost for top teeth only?
You may only care about having your top teeth straightened, hoping that it makes the price more affordable. You can get Invisalign for only top or bottom teeth, but don't expect it to halve the cost. A 20-25% discount is more realistic.
In any case, most orthodontists prefer to treat both arches. This is because tooth movement on one arch can affect the other arch if it is not being controlled.
Is Invisalign cheaper than traditional braces in the UK?
It will depend to some extent on how much correction is required to get your teeth into the ideal position. Some types of braces will work out cheaper than Invisalign while others are more expensive.
We can say that for many people, invisible aligners are a good balance between cost, aesthetics and convenience. We recommend you read our clear braces guide for a more detailed look at the different options.
What does Invisalign cost in the UK for students?
Invisalign don't offer any kind of student discount but you may find a dentist that offers a special deal. You'll need to check with your local providers to see what prices they have.
How long does Invisalign take to work?
Full Invisalign treatment takes 12-18 months, perhaps longer. But Express is around 3-6 months and Lite is 6-8 months. It all depends on what your teeth are like to begin with. But one of the nice things about clear aligners is you can see your progress all the way through. Your teeth should start looking straighter after just a month or two.
What can Invisalign not fix?
Invisalign can treat all types of malocclusion including overbite, underbite and crossbite. In fact, only 10% of orthodontic cases are not treatable with Invisalign. These generally involve significant bite correction and specific kinds of tooth movement. Check whether you're one of the 90% or the10% using Invisalign's Smile Assessment.
Wiley Online Library: Clear aligners in orthodontic treatment. Consulted 24th April 2019.
British Orthodontic Society: Clear Aligners. Consulted 24th April 2019.
Webmedcentral: Clear Aligners: Strengths and Weaknesses. Consulted 22nd August 2020.
The Angle Orthodontist: Comparative time efficiency of aligner therapy and conventional edgewise braces. Consulted 10th December 2021.
Prices stated are indicative only and are based on publicised treatment prices at dental clinics across the UK.