Teeth Straightening

The most common types of teeth straightening treatments in the UK are traditional metal braces, clear braces (such as ceramic or lingual braces), and clear aligners (such as Invisalign).

The cost of teeth straightening treatments in the UK can vary greatly depending on the type of treatment and the practitioner. Traditional metal braces can cost anywhere from £1,500 to £3,500, while clear braces and clear aligners can cost between £2,000 and £6,000.

Teeth straightening treatments are available on the NHS in the UK if your crowding meets certain criterial or the patient’s dental condition is deemed to be clinically necessary. Aligners are not available on the NHS.

There are no age restrictions for teeth straightening treatments in the UK, but it is generally recommended that children wait until their teenage years when their adult teeth have grown in before undergoing treatment.

As with any medical or dental procedure, there are some risks and side effects associated with teeth straightening treatments. These can include discomfort, soreness, and tooth or gum sensitivity. It’s important to discuss any concerns you have with your dental practitioner before starting treatment.

There are various methods that are commonly used for teeth straightening. At Hope Park Dental Practice, we use aligners (SureSmile^®) You can make an appointment with Claire to discuss whether this would be right for you.

During SureSmile^®, sequential gum shields or aligners are used to gradually rotate and tilt the teeth into position.

The cost for the treatment depends on the extent of your crowding. The initial consultation is £150 to assess your eligibility for treatment and to create a treatment plan and 3d visualisation of your outcome. After this we provide you with a customised detailed estimate but as a guide SureSmile^® for upper and lower teeth using starts at £3000.

With SureSmile^®, patients generally need to wear them for 6-9 months in order to receive the full benefit of the braces. Some very mild cases may be slightly quicker and some more challenging cases can take up to 18months.

Most people experience tooth soreness for a few days after starting each new stage. This is normal. It is a sign that the SureSmile^® aligners are working and moving your teeth to their final destination. This soreness should gradually go away a couple of days after inserting the new aligner in the series. If it doesn’t, promptly call us to check your progress.

In general, there are no restrictions. For SureSmile^®, unlike traditional orthodontics, you can usually eat and drink whatever you desire because you remove your aligners while eating. Thus, there is no need to restrict your consumption of any of your favourite foods and snacks, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.

Aligners are clear very thin gumshields that are custom made to fit tightly to your teeth and gradually move the teeth into place.

You must clean your aligners prior to each insertion. Use a soft bristle toothbrush with water and a small amount of toothpaste. You may find it easiest to clean the outside of your aligners by brushing them while they are still on your teeth, then remove your aligners to clean the inside surfaces. Be sure to rinse each aligner thoroughly with water after each cleaning. We also recommend that you use the Cleaning Crystals (such as Retainer Brite) once a week, or as needed. Do NOT use denture cleaners to clean aligners. Do NOT soak them in mouthwash. These products can damage the surface of the aligner, causing it to become dull and more likely to fracture.