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Fixed braces used to be the only way you could straighten teeth. You can try clear aligners if you want practical alternatives in the UK.
Aligners are clear plastic trays that fit over teeth and gradually shift them into alignment. They work similarly to braces but have a few benefits:
Clear aligners work on mild to severe teeth misalignments. Other names for them include invisible aligners, teeth aligners, and teeth straighteners.
Several clear aligner companies currently offer these treatment options. To help you choose, we compared the best teeth aligners in the UK.
Here is a quick comparison of the top aligners in the United Kingdom:
| Clear Aligner Brand | Type of Aligner Treatment | Treatment Costs | Treatable Cases | Average Treatment Time | Starting Treatment | Progress Monitoring |
| NewSmile | At-home | £1,595 to £1,695 | Mild to moderate | 4 to 10 months | At-home | Remote |
| Smile White | Hybrid | £1,695 to £3,695 | Mild to severe | 2 to 7 months | In-person | Remote |
| SmileDirectClub | At-home | £1,739 | Mild to moderate | 4 to 10 months | At-home or in-person | Remote |
| Invisalign | In-office | £1,800 to £5,000 | Mild to severe | 12 to 18 months | In-person | In-person |
| Straight Teeth Direct | At-home | £1,650 | Mild to moderate | 5 to 9 months | At-home or in-person | Remote |
| Dr. Smile | Hybrid | £1,390 to £2,090 | Mild to severe | 6 to 12 months | In-person | Remote |
| Virtuoso | Hybrid | £1,999 | Mild to severe | 6 to 9 months | At-home | In-person and remote |
You may want to consider clear aligner treatment if you have:
Below is a closer look at each clear aligner company—including their pros, cons, some customer reviews, and why you should choose them over competitors.
Why Choose NewSmile?
NewSmile is our top pick for at-home aligner treatment in the UK. Its aligners use the same high-quality material as Invisalign but don’t include the expensive price tag.
While most brands offer straight-cut aligners, NewSmile aligners are scallop-shaped. They’re more comfortable, barely noticeable, and less likely to irritate your gums.
| Cost | £1,595 to £1,695 |
| Average Treatment Time | 4 to 10 months |
| Treatable Cases | Mild to moderate teeth misalignments |
| Available Treatments | Fast Track and Night Aligners |
| Payment and Financing | Humm and insurance |
| Monthly Plans | £133 to £141/12 mos (£0 deposit) £108 to £117/12 mos (£295 deposit) |
| What’s Included | Impression kit (online), aligner trays, a set of retainers, teeth whitening foam, and the NewSmile app (for remote monitoring) |
NewSmile UK lets you book a video call with an Impression Specialist who can help you take accurate dental impressions from home.
Why Choose Smile White?
Smile White can straighten teeth in as little as 2 to 7 months, faster than most invisible aligners in the UK.
It’s also a great option if you’re after specific results. You can straighten only your upper or lower teeth (single arch) or both (dual arch).
Smile White uses the same high-grade plastic as Invisalign for its aligners. However, its affordable treatments make it a better alternative.
| Cost | £1,695 to £3,695 |
| Average Treatment Time | 2 to 7 months |
| Treatable Cases | Mild to severe teeth misalignments |
| Available Treatments | Single Arch or Dual Arch |
| Payment and Financing | Klarna and Laybuy |
| Monthly Plans | £35.30 to £155.00/18 mos |
| What’s Included | Dental visits, teeth whitening, aligner trays, retainers, remote monitoring, and the Perfect Smile Guarantee |
Smile White UK requires you to see a dentist. However, it gives you the convenience of remote monitoring and fewer visits to dental clinics.
You can get a free consultation from over 300+ Smile White dentists in the UK.2 From there, your dentist will track your progress online.
Use code NMSMILE for 5% Off
Why Choose SmileDirectClub? SmileDirectClub (SDC) gives you two ways to start your treatment. This makes it easier to access than most clear aligner brands in the UK.
You can order a teeth impression kit or visit a nearby SmileShop for a free scan. SmileShops have trained specialists who can:
SmileDirectClub’s dental team will review your teeth scans, create your personalised treatment plan, and order your custom-made aligners.
| Cost | £1,739 |
| Average Treatment Time | 4 to 10 months |
| Treatable Cases | Mild to moderate teeth misalignments |
| Available Treatments | Daytime and Nighttime Clear Aligners |
| Payment and Financing | SmilePay and insurance |
| Monthly Plans | £74/25 mos (£73 deposit) |
| What’s Included | Impression kit (online), aligners, retainers, teeth whitening, and the SmileDirectClub app (for remote monitoring) |
SmileDirectClub has treated over 1 million patients since 2013. The US brand expanded to the United Kingdom in 2019 to offer its treatments.
SDC UK has 19 physical locations across England and Scotland, including:
Read our full review of SmileDirectClub UK
Why Choose Invisalign?
Invisalign can treat 90% of orthodontic cases, including severe teeth misalignment and bite problems. It’s our most recommended in-office clear aligners.
You’ll be working with an Invisalign provider throughout the treatment. These are UK-registered dentists or orthodontists who can:
Many UK dentists and orthodontists offer Invisalign treatment, making it easily accessible. Seeing a dental professional for your initial Invisalign assessment and treatment helps ensure you receive personalised care.
| Cost | £1,800 to £5,000 |
| Average Treatment Time | 12 to 18 months |
| Treatable Cases | Mild to severe teeth misalignments |
| Available Treatments | Daytime aligners |
| Payment and Financing | Depends on the provider |
| Monthly Plans | Depends on the provider |
| What’s Included | Aligner trays |
Invisalign is the most trusted in-office clear aligners in the United Kingdom. The company has treated over 15 million people since its launch.1
Read our full review of Invisalign UK
Why Choose Straight Teeth Direct? Straight Teeth Direct gives you the flexibility to choose a payment option that best fits your budget.
You can pay for your treatment upfront. Alternatively, you can use financing and split the cost of your treatment into monthly installments.
The available payment plans have low interest rates and require little to no deposit. This makes the aligner treatment easily accessible.
Even without financing, Straight Teeth Direct offers affordable treatments.
| Cost | £1,650 |
| Average Treatment Time | 5 to 9 months |
| Treatable Cases | Mild to moderate teeth misalignments |
| Available Treatments | Basic Pack and Premium Pack |
| Payment and Financing | Humm |
| Monthly Plans | £84.85/24 mos (£30 deposit) £155.59/12 mos (£30 deposit) £169/8 mos (£499 deposit) £589/3 monthly installments |
| What’s Included | Aligner trays and the Straight Teeth Direct app (for remote dental monitoring) |
Straight Teeth Direct offers at-home treatment. In most cases, the treatment process begins with an impression kit (£69) which you can order online.
But if you live near Central London, you can get an in-person teeth scan (£79).
Read our full review of Straight Teeth Direct
Why Choose Dr. Smile? Dr. Smile can correct most teeth misalignments (including complex cases) for a lower price than braces and in-office brands like Invisalign.
If your results don’t match your custom treatment plan, the company may cover the cost of any additional aligners you’ll need to get straighter teeth.3
| Cost | £1,390 to £2,090 |
| Average Treatment Time | 6 to 12 months |
| Treatable Cases | Mild to severe teeth misalignments |
| Available Treatments | Easy, Medium, or Complex |
| Payment and Financing | Klarna |
| Monthly Plans | £116 to £174/12 mos |
| What’s Included | In-person consultation, aligner trays, the Dr. Smile app (for remote monitoring), and a satisfaction guarantee |
Dr. Smile UK is a hybrid option that involves seeing a local dentist for an initial consultation. The rest of the treatment can be completed at home.
The brand (formerly Plus Dent) is currently partnered with over 200+ dentists registered under the General Dental Council (GDC).4
Why Choose Virtuoso? Virtuoso provides comprehensive yet convenient treatments by combining in-office care with remote treatment.
You need to see a Virtuoso provider at the start of the treatment. They’ll assess your dental health to make sure you’re qualified.
After this initial assessment, your assigned dentist will create your treatment plan and schedule both dental visits and online check-ins.
| Cost | £1,999 |
| Average Treatment Time | 6 to 9 months |
| Treatable Cases | Mild to severe teeth misalignments |
| Available Treatments | Upper and lower teeth aligners |
| Payment and Financing | Depends on provider |
| Monthly Plans | Depends on provider |
| What’s Included | Free online consultation, dental visits, retainers, dental scope, toothpaste, aligner case, aligner accessories, and the Instant Dentist app (for remote monitoring) |
Virtuoso is under the same company that offers Straight Teeth Direct. Its locations are currently limited to Berkshire, London, and Preston.
Here are more companies that offer clear aligners to UK locals:
ClearCorrect is a reliable and effective way to straighten teeth. It treats different types of misaligned teeth, including severe cases.
Much like Invisalign, you’ll be asked to visit the clinic regularly. Your dentist or orthodontist can fit the aligners into your teeth, replace them, and adjust them as needed.
ClearCorrect UK typically costs £1,800 to £3,000. This makes it an affordable Invisalign alternative if you’re looking into in-office treatments.
Diamond Whites (DW) offers both daytime and nighttime treatment. Its at-home aligners treat mild to moderately crooked teeth.
There are two ways to begin treatment with DW aligners. You can order impression kits or visit one of its popup locations across the UK.
Treatments with Diamond Whites cost £1,990. Unfortunately, this won’t include retainers which may cost you £200 per set.
Here are five things to consider when deciding on the best clear aligner for your needs:
1. Level of Teeth Misalignment
You can choose from in-office and at-home clear aligners depending on your condition.
In-office clear aligners like Invisalign work on mild, moderate, and severe cases. At-home clear aligners such as SmileDirectClub and NewSmile work on mild to moderate teeth misalignments.
You should talk to a registered dentist or orthodontist to determine which orthodontic treatment is for you. They can help you explore alternative options, such as clear braces or invisible braces.
2. Treatment Accessibility
Pick a clear aligner brand that makes it easy for you to begin treatment.
In-office treatment will require you to visit a provider in your area for an initial consultation. You also need to see them regularly throughout the treatment.
Most at-home aligner companies offer free teeth impression kits. Although some brands like SmileDirectClub give you the option to visit a specialist for an in-person scan.
3. Treatment Options
Consider which treatment options are available before deciding on a brand.
In-office clear aligner systems tend to offer structured treatment plans based on your age and condition. Your provider will help you decide which aligner therapy is best for you.
Most clear aligner companies offer daytime and nighttime aligners. You get to choose your treatment. But keep in mind that night aligners may be unsafe and ineffective.
4. Treatment Costs
At-home clear aligners are less expensive than in-office aligners. You want to compare the costs of different brands and find one that fits your budget.
You can use qualified dental insurance to reimburse some of the treatment costs. Be aware of any price differences if you pay in full or monthly installments. Other costs to consider are:
If you’re not satisfied with the results of your clear aligner therapy, some brands may offer a lifetime smile guarantee to cover the cost of new aligners. Others may charge for refinements.
5. Treatment Duration
Go for a brand that can give you results within an acceptable time frame.
Each brand has a different average treatment time. This will help you gauge how long you must undergo treatment before you see results.
Remember that the time it takes to get straight teeth will depend on your condition and if you follow the prescribed wear schedule for all your aligners.
To help you choose the best teeth aligner for your needs, we spent 220+ hours researching the top brands in the UK based on the following criteria:
We ordered the best kits that met our criteria and had in-house writers test them out throughout their prescribed treatment.
While testing the clear aligners, our team assessed and scored them based on five traits. Each trait was assigned a “weight” so we could calculate their individual rating and weighted average scores on a scale of five.
Here is how we rated the best clear aligners on our list:
Using artificial intelligence, we gathered and analyzed feedback from hundreds of people who tried our list of clear aligners.
This helped us determine the users’ experiences with a brand, including:
We compared the brands’ average treatment times and effectiveness for correcting mild and moderate teeth misalignment.
Our team also examined them for any products or services they provided that would help customers during and after their treatment, such as:
We explored the total treatment cost of invisible aligners, including their upfront prices, flexibility of payment options, eligibility for insurance, and maintenance costs for additional retainers.
Our team performed an in-depth investigation of each brand’s customer support when answering queries and resolving issues. We assessed their:
We also checked companies to see if they offered guarantees for clear aligner adjustments, refinements, replacements, or refunds if you’re not qualified or if the treatment doesn’t work for you.
With the help of advanced AI algorithms, we were able to sort through hundreds of customer reviews that would indicate the level of trust they had in a clear aligner brand.
To find the best invisible aligners in the UK, we:
If you opt for in-office aligners such as Invisalign, you’ll need to visit a dentist or orthodontist who offers them.
At-home aligner treatment usually begins with you taking an online quiz and buying a teeth impression kit online.
However, some at-home clear aligner companies like SmileDirectClub have physical locations that you can visit for an in-person consultation.
Invisible aligners are used to correct crooked teeth and some bite problems. These include:
Gapped teeth
Crowded teeth
Crossbites
Overbites
Underbites
In-office invisible aligners work on mild to more severe alignment issues. Meanwhile, at-home clear aligners only treat mild to moderate conditions.
In-office clear aligners may cost £1,800 to £5,000. At-home aligners typically cost £1,500 to £1,700. Hybrid aligners cost £1,400 to £3,700.
In-office aligner treatments have an average treatment time of 12 to 18 months. At-home aligner treatments usually work for 4 to 10 months.
Your treatment may last longer or shorter, depending on your condition.
Yes. Most brands of invisible aligners offer financing. This allows you to pay for your treatment with affordable monthly installments.
In most cases, you can use your dental insurance to cover a portion of your treatment costs. Ask your insurer if your plan covers clear aligners.
Daytime aligners must be worn for 20 to 24 hours daily. Night-only clear aligners should be worn for at least 10 continuous hours in the evening.
Make sure to follow the prescribed wear time for your removable aligners. You can remove them when eating, brushing, or flossing your teeth.
Talk to your provider or reach out to customer support. Ask them what they can do to help you achieve the results you want.
A provider or clear aligner company may provide free refinements or charge you for additional aligners, depending on their policies.
Teeth aligners are made of clear medical-grade plastic. They’re BPA-free and phthalate-free so they’re safe to wear.
Invisible aligners shouldn’t be painful the entire treatment.
You may experience discomfort when wearing the aligners, but this should subside after a few weeks.
You’ll need to wear aftercare retainers to maintain your new smile.
Retainers have to be worn indefinitely for several hours each day so your teeth don’t shift back to their original place.
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