Clear Aligners (Invisalign)

Clear aligners are removable, virtually invisible trays that gradually straighten your teeth without brackets or wires. We are a multi-brand practice because no single aligner works for every patient. We offer Invisalign, Angel Aligners, SureSmile, and Clarity aligners. Each brand has different strengths in terms of complexity, speed, and cost. During your consultation, we recommend the best clear aligner brand for your specific case.

Pricing varies depending on which clear aligner brand you need and the complexity of your case. Angel Aligners and SureSmile are often more affordable than Invisalign for mild to moderate cases, while Invisalign and Clarity are excellent for more complex movements. For full pricing details across all four brands, please visit our Prices and Plans page. We provide a fixed written quote after your consultation.

No referral is needed. You can book a clear aligner consultation directly with us. During this appointment, we will examine your teeth, discuss your goals, and determine which of our four clear aligner systems—Invisalign, Angel Aligners, SureSmile, or Clarity—is right for you. Call us on 0151 707 4950 or email patientliaison@theabbey.dental to book.

Invisalign is the most well-known brand and is excellent for complex cases including severe crowding and bite issues. Angel Aligners offers comparable technology often at a lower price point. SureSmile is known for faster treatment times in mild to moderate cases using high-precision 3D printing. Clarity aligners feature a unique non-polished matte finish that reduces glare and visibility. We do not believe one brand fits everyone, so we match you to the right clear aligner.

Treatment time depends on your case, not just the brand. Mild cases such as minor crowding or small gaps typically take 3 to 6 months. Moderate cases take 6 to 12 months. Complex cases take 12 to 18 months. SureSmile often claims faster results for simple cases, while Invisalign and Clarity are better suited for longer, more complex plans. We give you a clear timeline during your consultation.

When you start a new set of aligners, you will feel pressure on your teeth for the first two to three days. This is normal and means the aligners are working. You may also experience mild soreness when removing or inserting aligners initially. Most patients describe the discomfort as mild and far less painful than fixed braces. This applies whether you choose Invisalign, Angel Aligners, SureSmile, or Clarity.

Yes, because you remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. You should brush your teeth before putting the aligners back in to prevent trapping sugar and acid against your teeth. Avoid drinking hot coffee, tea, red wine, or fizzy drinks while wearing any brand of aligners, as heat can warp them and liquids can stain them or cause decay underneath.

Clean your aligners daily using a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water only. You can also use brand-specific cleaning crystals or general retainer cleaning tablets. Never use hot water, toothpaste, or harsh soaps as these can scratch or warp the plastic. Brush and floss your teeth thoroughly before reinserting your aligners after every meal to prevent cavities and bad breath. This applies to Invisalign, Angel Aligners, SureSmile, and Clarity alike.

You may notice a very slight lisp or change in your speech for the first few days as your tongue adjusts to the aligners. This almost always resolves within a week as you become accustomed to wearing them. Practising speaking aloud, reading out loud, or singing along to music speeds up this adjustment period. Most patients report that no one notices any difference after the first few days, regardless of which clear aligner brand they choose.

For optimal results with any clear aligner system, you must wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day, removing them only to eat, drink anything other than water, brush, and floss. If you lose an aligner, contact us immediately on 0151 707 4950. Do not skip ahead to the next aligner. We will advise whether to wear your previous aligner or move to the next one. Lost aligners may incur a replacement fee, which varies by brand.

Not every case is suitable for clear aligners. Severe vertical bite issues or cases requiring significant root movement may still need fixed braces. Among our four brands, Invisalign and Clarity are generally stronger options for complex cases involving severe crowding, rotation, open bites, and crossbites. Angel Aligners and SureSmile are excellent for mild to moderate cases. During your consultation, we will be honest about whether any clear aligner is right for you or if fixed braces are a better option.

You will need retainers regardless of which brand you used. Your teeth will try to move back to their original positions without retention. We will provide you with removable retainers, typically Vivera for Invisalign patients or equivalent high-quality retainers for Angel Aligners, SureSmile, and Clarity patients. You must wear your retainers full-time for the first three to six months, then nightly indefinitely. Replacement retainers are available for an additional fee.

Yes. We offer flexible monthly payment options through our practice. For full pricing and plan details across all four clear aligner brands, please visit our Prices and Plans page. You can also speak to our reception team on 0151 707 4950 for a no-obligation breakdown of deposit amounts and monthly instalments based on which brand is recommended for you.

You can book online via the 'Book Now' button, call us directly on 0151 707 4950, or email patientliaison@theabbey.dental. Clear aligner consultations typically take 45 to 60 minutes and include digital scanning with no messy impressions. We will discuss all four brands—Invisalign, Angel Aligners, SureSmile, and Clarity—and recommend the best option for your smile goals and budget. The consultation fee will be confirmed when you book and is deductible from your total treatment fee if you proceed.