Clear aligners are thin, transparent trays that fit snugly over your teeth. Each aligner tray applies gentle pressure to move your teeth a fraction of a millimetre at a time, gradually guiding them into a straighter position. They work on the same principle as traditional braces; your body remodels the bone around the teeth to allow them to move, but with tooth-coloured composite “dot” attachments, instead of metal wires and brackets.

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.

We all know braces — metal brackets and wires, frequent dentist visits, elastics and wires. Clear aligners are different. They're removable, more comfortable than metal braces and almost undetectable. If you trust yourself to wear aligners every day for 22 hours (changing trays every 1–2 weeks) then clear aligners could be for you. Don't like the idea of removable trays? Ceramic braces may be worth exploring. Functioning like traditional metal braces, ceramic braces have frosted wires and clear brackets that make them a clear alternative to clear aligners.

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

If you have healthy gums, teeth and supporting bones — you'll likely be a good clear aligner candidate. Even if you need a little remedial work first (e.g. fillings, crowns, root canals), there's a chance we can get you started. At Smile White, our aligners are suitable for straightening complex cases and severe crowding. Jump on a free online consultation with a smile advisor to find out what's possible.

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.

We can treat anyone over the age of 15 years old, with consent from a legal guardian. If you're aged 15–17 years and thinking of booking a free online consultation, please bring along a guardian.

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.

Yes, a lot of our patients have come to us for clear aligner treatment after relapsing from braces as a teen — as in, they didn't wear their retainers… We're happy to help. Book a free online consultation to learn more.

Our free online consultations take around 35–45 minutes over Microsoft Teams with one of our friendly smile advisors. Our goal is to make sure you feel confident enough to make a considered decision in your smile care. We'll take screenshots of your teeth from different angles to help us gauge your recommended aligner package. Then we'll discuss prices and processes, tell you more about who we are and answer any questions you may still have. It's an exciting opportunity to explore options, without obligations.

Your first in-clinic appointment covers a full oral health check, 3D scans, X-rays and clinical photos — everything we need to build your personalised treatment plan. It's also your chance to share your smile goals and ask any questions.

Your first in-clinic appointment takes around 45–60 minutes, allowing time for scans, X-rays, clinical photos and a full discussion of your smile goals with your treating dentist.

Free with your oral health check, X-rays (radiographs) let your dentist assess your teeth and gums before treatment begins.

Once your treatment plan is designed and approved (usually soon after your first in-clinic consultation), you'll be able to see your projected tooth movement from start to finish. Your treating dentist ensures the plan meets your needs; just ask them if you'd like to review the modelled outcome.

If your dentist spots any fillings or remedial work needed before your aligner treatment begins, they'll talk it through with you at your first in-clinic appointment, including any costs for work outside your Smile White package.

First, you'll get an oral health check, 3D scans, X-rays (for orthodontics) and clinical photos — everything your dentist needs to build your personalised treatment plan. Once approved, your aligners go into manufacturing. Next, your fitment appointment, where we add your attachments, fit your aligners and carry out any IPR (interproximal reduction) needed. Then you'll take your kit home and wear your trays 22 hours a day, swapping them every 1–2 weeks; right up to debonding, when your attachments come off. The number of appointments depends on how complex your case is; some plans need extras for IPR, progress reviews or fitting ancillary devices. Once your attachments are off, you're clear for teeth whitening. Just don't forget to wear your retainers!

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.

Wear your aligners for 22 hours daily, only removing to eat, drink (except for unflavoured water) and brushing. Staying consistent is what keeps your treatment on track.

No, aligners need 22 hours a day to work. Wearing them only at night isn't enough to move your teeth — significantly reducing the orthodontic force applied to your teeth — and they'll likely drift back when the aligners are out for extended periods.

Your dentist will let you know exactly how often to switch aligners based on your unique treatment plan. Typically, you'll move to a new set every 1–2 weeks.

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.

Most people adjust quickly. Any slight change to your speech usually settles within 7–14 days, occasionally taking 30–60 days. Otherwise, aligners are virtually undetectable — just remove them to eat, drink anything but plain water and brush. Beyond that, aligners can fit seamlessly into everyday life.

You'll have a minimum of three in-clinic appointments: health check, fitment and debonding. Complex cases or refinements may need additional visits — all of which are covered in your clear aligner package price.

You'll have a minimum of three in-clinic appointments: health check, fitment and debonding. Complex cases or refinements may need additional visits — all of which are covered in your clear aligner package price. Otherwise, you'll wear your trays at home with access to dedicated support.

Not quite. Once your attachments are removed — composite tooth-coloured “dots” attached to your teeth during treatment — then you can start whitening, without uneven results.

We occasionally gift prescription teeth whitening (16% carbamide peroxide gels and custom-fit trays) with our clear aligner packages. Our partner GDC-registered dentists confirm suitability first; where whitening isn't right for someone, we unfortunately can't offer an alternative.

No, a scale and polish isn't always included in our clear aligner packages. After your first in-clinic appointment (which includes a full oral health check), your dentist may recommend one as part of your treatment plan. Unless otherwise stated, this may incur an additional charge (as outlined by your treating dentist), payable directly to your dental practice. A Smile White scale and polish is usually £195.

Refinements — extra aligner stages needed if your teeth don't quite reach the position in your approved plan — are included in your package at no extra cost, subject to clinical eligibility. We also cover the dental visits your treatment requires: your health check, IPR (if needed), aligner fitment and debonding. Your dentist may also recommend remedial work (any treatment needed to get your teeth and gums healthy before you start). Please speak to your treating dentist about any associated costs.

Absolutely, when done properly. The strongest whitening you can legally buy over the counter contains only ~0.3% carbamide peroxide. Our gels are 16% carbamide peroxide, which is why they're prescription-only and supplied by Smile White partner dentists registered with the GDC (General Dental Council). That professional oversight — a check up, custom-fit trays and clear guidance — is what keeps a stronger, more effective treatment safe.

Once your aligner treatment wraps up — when your attachments are removed — you're all set to start whitening. Just pop the gel into your retainer trays overnight. Your treating dentist will be happy to answer any other questions at your debonding appointment.

Apply a 2mm dot of gel into each tooth pocket of your custom whitening trays, then wear overnight for around 8 hours. Use every night for up to 2 weeks for a naturally white smile (ideal for a refresh) or up to 4 weeks for an ultra-white finish. Your trays are designed to hold the gel evenly against each tooth, so you get smooth, consistent results.

Some people experience tooth sensitivity during their whitening treatment. If sensitivity becomes uncomfortable, try alternating nights or take a short break before resuming. If you have any concerns, speak to your dentist before starting your first course of whitening.

After whitening, stick to water for the first 30 minutes. For the next 24 hours, try to steer clear of staining culprits like coffee, tea, red wine, berries and dark sauces.

Yes, there's an expiry date printed on the syringe packaging. For best results, store the gel somewhere cool and dark — just make sure you use your gel before it expires.

We want to say yes here, because without retainers, studies have found that teeth can move back to their original pre-treatment position.

Yes! One set of removable retainers are included in every clear aligner package, so your results are protected as soon as your aligners come off.

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.

Retainers wear down over time, so we recommend replacing yours every 6–12 months to keep your smile looking its best. Ask about our subscription service for hassle-free replacements.

To replace your retainers, simply contact your dentist. Or sign up for our subscription service and get fresh ones regularly, no reordering required!

Your Smile White package includes one set of retainers (worth £200). Need replacements? You can sign up for our retainer subscription on our website.

Brush after every meal or snack before popping your aligners back in (or at the very least, morning and night, plus after eating). Keeping up good brushing habits really matter during treatment to avoid staining and cavities.

Yes, always brush before putting your aligners back in. This keeps food and bacteria from being trapped against your teeth, which can cause staining, odour and a higher risk of decay.

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.

You'll find your total cost in your finance agreement or payment confirmation, just as it was confirmed at the point of purchase.

You're financing a fixed amount agreed at the start of treatment, so your payments won't change based on how long treatment takes. Any refinements or additional aligners clinically needed along the way are included at no extra cost, and your repayments simply follow your loan agreement with the lender.

To pay in full or make an extra payment, please contact your finance provider directly; their details can be found in your finance agreement.

Life happens, and payment dates sometimes need to shift. Just get in touch with your finance provider directly to adjust your repayment schedule; their details are in the agreement you received at purchase.

Questions about your treatment? Contact your treating dentist directly. For everything else — account help, general enquiries — our patient success team is happy to help!

Yes, just contact your treating dental practice to reschedule.

Please let us know if you can't make it. Missed appointments incur charges — see your Contract of Sale for the specific fees that apply to cancellations and failure to attend.

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.

Next tray not fitting quite right? Please let your dentist know and book an appointment right away. Keep wearing your current trays until then to avoid relapse. Hold onto all your aligners unless your dentist advises otherwise.

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.

Some discomfort can indicate the force application doing its job — guiding your teeth into place and reshaping the tissue around them. But if the aligner edge is causing pain, please reach out to your dentist.

This happens from time to time, so no worries. Please contact your treating dentist promptly to have the attachment rebonded, as it helps guide accurate tooth movement. You can keep wearing your current aligner in the meantime.

If you've worn your aligners as directed (22 hours a day) but your teeth haven't quite reached their planned position, your dentist may suggest extra aligners or a refinement stage before debonding. And once your aligners come off, keep wearing your retainers as directed — they're what protect your results.

Treatment may take longer than planned if your teeth respond more slowly than predicted, or if aligners aren't worn for the required 22 hours per day. Sometimes refinements are needed to fully achieve your smile goals. Your treating dentist will keep you informed and adjust your plan as needed.

You've done everything right, wearing your aligners 22 hours a day, but your teeth don't quite match the treatment plan at the end. Your dentist may recommend a refinement stage with additional aligners. It's a completely normal part of the journey, and nothing to worry about.

We're sorry to hear you're not happy. Please email hello@smilewhite.co.uk and our team will be in touch to understand and resolve your concerns as quickly as possible. You'll also be allocated a patient success executive at point of sale — we'll email their details so you can contact them directly.

Search ‘Smile White’ in the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android), install the official app and log in with the email you used to register your treatment.

The Smile White app keeps everything in one place — track your aligner stages, view your appointments, get quick support and manage your retainer subscription.

Try resetting your password with the ‘Forgot password’ option on the login screen, using the email registered to your Smile White account. Still stuck? Reach us via live chat at www.smilewhite.co.uk/pages/contact or email hello@smilewhite.co.uk and we'll get it sorted.

App trouble? We'd love to help. Reach our team via live chat on our website www.smilewhite.co.uk/pages/contact or email hello@smilewhite.co.uk.

Remedial work covers any extra treatment needed to get your teeth and gums healthy before your aligner treatment can begin, such as fillings, a scale and polish or other work identified at your first in-clinic appointment.

IPR (interproximal reduction) gently contours tiny amounts of enamel between your teeth (~0.75mm for lower incisors, ~0.5mm elsewhere) to create just enough space for your aligners to guide your teeth precisely into place. It's quick, safe, and usually done before or after your fitment appointment — all included in your aligner package price.

IPR (interproximal reduction) isn't needed for everyone — it depends on your unique treatment plan. Your dentist will let you know if it's right for you, usually to create space where there's crowding. If needed, it's covered in your package price.

IPR (interproximal reduction) gently removes a tiny amount of enamel from between your teeth (~0.75mm on lower incisors, ~0.5mm elsewhere), and your dentist will keep you comfortable throughout. Most people experience little to no discomfort.

Attachments are small tooth-coloured composite “dots” your dentist bonds to specific teeth at your fitment appointment. They give your aligners something to grip, and their precise placement helps move your teeth more accurately and predictably. Because they're matched to your tooth colour, they're virtually undetectable. They're gently removed at your debonding appointment once treatment is complete and necessary refinements are made.

Twin dentists, Dr Hassan Dalghous and Dr Hussein Dalghous, are the CEOs and co-founders of Smile White, Yorkshire Dental Suite and the YDS Group.