Thinking about straightening your teeth but not sure if Invisalign is right for you? At The Bristol Dental Practice, we’ve helped hundreds of patients across Bristol and the southwest to find confident smiles. For us, this is the key marker of success: watching someone’s face light up as they see the results of their treatment.

 

But to know if Invisalign is a good fit, it’s useful to know more about it – the benefits, drawbacks, costs, and results. This way, you can decide if it’s going to be worth it for you. If you choose to go ahead, it’s also important to know that your smile is in safe hands. At The Bristol Dental Practice, our patients are cared for by our Consultant Orthodontist, Scott Deacon. He’s a GDC-registered Specialist Orthodontist, who has spent years of study focused solely on the science and artistry of effectively moving teeth.

Many of our adult patients come to Scott after missing out on orthodontic treatment earlier in life, or because they’ve noticed changes in their smile over time. Some are looking for a cosmetic enhancement, while others want to improve their bite or support future restorative work.

What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an innovative treatment that corrects the alignment of your teeth, whether through a subtle shift or more comprehensive movement. Compared to braces, Invisalign is proven to be more comfortable and significantly reduces the chance of dental and emergency visits associated with your treatment. Invisalign aligners are also removable for eating, drinking and flossing, and are better for your oral hygiene.

Following a 3D scan of your smile, advanced treatment planning software allows us to build a personalised journey for you. We’ll then create your first set of Invisalign aligners, which will be progressively swapped (around every two weeks) as your new smile takes shape.

 

Who is Invisalign for?
Because Invisalign is engineered for comfort, it’s a great treatment option for both teens and adults. It’s best suited if your misalignment is mild to moderate, but less ideal for complex orthodontic issues (though if this applies to you, we can still help with other specialist options).

For younger patients, choosing Invisalign means getting that all-important smile sorted sooner. Studies have found, on average, a five-month reduction in treatment time compared to fixed braces. For adults, the ability to track progress makes this a reassuring process, especially for those with longer-standing issues. Best of all, it’s virtually invisible – meaning you can continue with everyday life without feeling self-conscious.

Invisalign: the pros and cons

Pros

• A discreet option that’s almost invisible.
• Easily removable for eating and cleaning.
• Comfortable, with no wires or brackets.
• Fewer in-practice visits than traditional orthodontic treatment.

Cons

• Requires discipline (with around 20-22 hours of wear a day).
• Not always suitable for complex cases.
• May be more expensive than traditional braces.

So yes, Invisalign is worth it if you’re looking for a discreet, effective way to straighten your teeth and you’re committed to wearing the aligners consistently.

 

What does Invisalign cost in Bristol?
Every patient is unique, so you’ll receive a personalised treatment plan, made with your smile in mind. As a guide, the starting cost for upper or lower aligners is around £3,000, while a set of both upper and lower aligners starts from £5,100.

We’ll involve you at every step of the way, so this package includes a free 30-minute consultation with a treatment coordinator, and a paid consultation with our Orthodontist. Your treatment cost also includes state-of-the-art digital scanning, the creation of your aligners, scheduled check-ups to track your progress, and retainers to keep your smile safe into the future.

If it’s difficult to commit to the up-front fee, we’re able to offer payment plans to help spread the cost. Applying is quick and easy, and could mean that you’ll be able to get started now, rather than waiting.

How long does Invisalign take?
This varies from patient to patient, but the average treatment time for Invisalign is 6–18 months. We’ll be able to give you a more specific timescale when we’ve met with you to assess what you need. You can also help things along by sticking closely to the daily goals for wearing your aligner.

 

What kind of results can I expect?
You can expect Invisalign to improve the alignment of your teeth, your bite, and – importantly – your overall self-confidence. We receive so many positive stories from our patients about how Invisalign has transformed their smile and their outlook. If you’d like to hear what others have to say, take a look at our patient testimonials.

“From what I experienced in my childhood, with the train tracks … I didn’t want the same experience, wearing something permanently. These are clear, and they can’t be seen. I would wear them to the shops, I would wear them to work, and I’d just have to take them out when I was eating … I’ve been at this practice for about three years now … They’re just really lovely, really welcoming.”

– Hannah, Invisalign patient

Frequently asked questions
Is Invisalign really worth the money?

Invisalign has many advantages over traditional braces, including a shorter treatment time, fewer in-clinic consultations, and a virtually invisible aligner. You’ll also be able to plan your smile and track your progress. If you’re image-conscious, or have a mild or moderate alignment issue, it’s worth investing in Invisalign over other options.

How long before I see results with Invisalign?
Depending on the complexity of your case, Invisalign treatment usually takes from six to 18 months. While using Invisalign, you’ll also be able to track your progress with the My Invisalign Smile app; meaning that even as your smile is taking shape, you can see how far it’s already come.

 

Does Invisalign hurt?
 Research has shown that Invisalign is a far less painful option than traditional metal braces, especially at the beginning of treatment. Your clear aligners will be custom-built just for you, meaning they’ll fit comfortably in your mouth.

Is Invisalign better than braces?
Invisalign has the edge over braces for many different reasons. It’s proven to be less painful, faster, and more efficient, with fewer appointments needed. As a clear and almost-invisible aligner, it’s also a discreet option for working professionals, students, or those who feel more self-conscious.

 

Speak to us
If you think Invisalign could be the best fit for you, book a free consultation at our Bristol practice today.