Making the decision to get your teeth straightened can be exciting – you’re finally going to get the smile you’ve always dreamed of – but it can also be daunting, especially if you’ve had problems with your teeth in the past.

We can suggest the best course of orthodontic treatment for you, but if you don't fancy traditional metal braces, clear aligners like Invisalign or Spark Clear Aligners are a brilliant alternative. Here’s what you need to know.

They’re invisible – well, almost

Unlike braces, Invisalign and Spark are clear, flexible plastic aligners that gently move your teeth, bit by bit. They fit snugly over your teeth so they’re barely noticeable, and they’re tailored especially to your needs, so that the right amount of pressure is applied at the right time and place.

You could get a new smile in just 12 months

Yup – it really can be that easy. Sometimes treatment takes up to 18 months, depending on the complexity of the treatment required but many people see noticeable results after just a few weeks. The important thing is to wear your aligners as much as you can – it’s recommended that you keep them in for 20-22 hours per day, and only take them out for eating, drinking and brushing.

The cost varies

The cost of clear aligners are different for everyone – it depends on the course of correction you need, as well as the treatment duration. We offer various payment options. Book a free consultation to discuss your needs and see what’s right for you.

They’re easy to remove

Yes, you can take out your aligners for eating, drinking, brushing and flossing, and for those special occasions like weddings or job interviews – yay! In fact, you’ll change aligners every one to two weeks, with each set being slightly different to the last, so that your teeth are very gently and gradually moved into place.

They’re different to braces

Are clear aligners better than fixed braces? That’s difficult to answer, because they’re different systems and it depends on your needs. Invisalign and Spark are extremely effective as long as the clear aligners are worn correctly, and can often give faster results than fixed braces. They’re barely noticeable, and there are no restrictions on what you can eat, either.

But braces are highly efficient, too, and suitable for all ages. Talk to us and we can find out what’s best for you.