Clear aligners work really well if you have gap teeth, buck teeth, crooked teeth, an underbite, overbite, crossbite or overjet. Want to know if clear aligners will work for your unique smile? Book a free online consultation with a smile advisor to find out.

Clear aligners are removable plastic trays custom-fit to your teeth and secured with composite “dot” attachments. You’ll wear these for 22 hours a day, every day, removing them only to eat, drink and brush. Every 1–2 weeks, you’ll switch aligner trays. Each set of aligners micro-move your teeth, gradually getting your teeth aligned to be closer to your final smile, as planned in your initial treatment plan.

In the UK, clear aligners can cost anywhere from £1,500 to upwards of £5,500, depending on the dentist, practice location, case complexity and quality of care. At-home impression kits, while very affordable, can’t offer the same level of precision and safety as GDC-approved, medical-grade prescription aligners. When you choose Smile White clear aligners, you’re getting clinical oversight and predictive results at an affordable price. Our prices range from £995 to £4,895.

No, pop your aligners out before eating or drinking anything other than plain water. Food and coloured drinks can stain or warp them, and keeping them out at mealtimes is better for your oral hygiene too.

Wear your retainers for 22 hours a day for the first 3–6 months, then nightly for 6–12 months. After that, just a few nights a week keeps your smile in place for good — even as your teeth naturally shift with age.

Yes, clear aligners are a great option for crowded teeth. To make space for them to move, your dentist might recommend IPR (interproximal reduction). This quick, pain-free procedure gently removes tiny amounts (0.75mm at most) of enamel between certain teeth to reduce their width. It’s usually done during your aligner fitment appointment. You might feel a little pressure or vibration, but no pain – and it helps your treatment work smoothly and safely.

It happens, life gets busy. If you miss a few hours, wear your current tray a little longer before switching to the next one. If you’ve been off-track for a while, contact your Smile White dentist for advice on next steps.

Rinse your aligners with cold water each time you remove them, and clean them gently with a soft toothbrush and small amount of clear, unscented soap (or aligner crystals). Skip the toothpaste, as it’s too abrasive. Avoid hot water, which can warp the plastic, and always store them in their travel case when they’re not in use.

If your aligners don’t feel snug, start with your chewies — bite down for 5–10 minutes a day to help them seat properly. If the fit still isn’t right, or your teeth don't seem to be progressing, reach out to your treating dentist. And please don’t move on to the next set until your current aligners fit properly.

Don’t worry, it happens! Just contact your treating dentist as soon as you can and they’ll arrange a replacement, which usually takes around 10–14 working days to reach their practice for collection. Replacements are available within reason, and the sooner you get in touch, the sooner we’ll have you back on track. In the meantime, please keep wearing your previous aligner to stop your treatment plan relapsing.

We’ll confess, clear aligners aren’t actually invisible, but they are practically undetectable. Most people won’t notice you’re wearing them.

You may experience discomfort within 24 hours of bonding, which should ease over the first week — especially when chewing. Paracetamol can help relieve symptoms, but please consult your healthcare provider before taking any medication. If discomfort continues, please contact your dentist.

Take them out before drinking anything except water. Coffee, tea and red wine can stain aligners (and your teeth). Rinse or brush before popping them back in.

Most people adjust quickly. Any slight change to your speech usually settles within 7–14 days, occasionally taking 30–60 days.

For the best results: 20–22 hours a day. Take them out for eating, drinking and brushing – but otherwise, keep them in so your teeth keep moving as planned.