Clear aligners and invisible braces in Bushey at Caspian Dental Clinic offer a discreet way to straighten your teeth without fixed metal braces. We provide the ClearSmile Aligner system, and the practice is an Inman Aligner certified user, so we can recommend the approach that best fits your teeth, lifestyle and budget.
Straightening is a commitment. Aligners only work if you wear them as directed, and your result only lasts if you keep wearing retainers afterwards. We’ll be clear about both from the start.
Our two aligner options
ClearSmile Aligner, from £2,500 per arch
ClearSmile uses a series of clear, removable trays made for your teeth. Each tray is slightly different, and you change to the next in the sequence as your dentist directs, so your teeth are guided gradually into place. The trays are discreet when worn, and you take them out to eat, to drink anything other than water, and to clean your teeth.
Inman Aligner, from £2,800
The Inman Aligner is a removable appliance designed to straighten the front teeth, often relatively quickly. It uses gentle spring pressure to move teeth and can suit certain cases of crowded or rotated front teeth. It’s more noticeable than clear trays, as a slim bar sits across the front of the teeth, and it treats the front teeth only rather than the whole bite.
How clear aligners work
Aligners move teeth with gentle, continuous pressure. To work, they need to be worn for about 22 hours a day, coming out only for meals, drinks other than water, and cleaning. Leaving them out for longer slows progress and can mean the next tray doesn’t fit properly.
Treatment time depends on how much your teeth need to move. Simple front-tooth cases can take a matter of weeks, while a fuller course of clear aligners usually takes months. We’ll give you a realistic estimate after your assessment.
Are aligners suitable for you?
Aligners are generally best suited to mild-to-moderate crowding and spacing, such as:
- slightly crowded or overlapping front teeth
- small gaps between teeth
- teeth that have moved since earlier orthodontic treatment
More complex problems, such as severe crowding, significant bite problems or jaw discrepancies, may need fixed braces or referral to an orthodontist. Your gums need to be healthy and any decay treated before you start. If we think another approach would serve you better, we’ll say so.
Clear aligners in Bushey, step by step
Orthodontic consultation (£200)
We examine your teeth, gums and bite, listen to what bothers you, and discuss whether aligners are suitable and which system might suit you.
Digital analysis (£350)
We take records, such as impressions and photographs, so your case can be analysed and your tooth movements planned. We’ll explain what’s realistic before you commit.
Fitting your aligners
We fit your first aligners, check them, and show you how to put them in, take them out and look after them.
Progress reviews
We see you at regular intervals to check progress and fit. Some cases need a little enamel smoothed between teeth to create space; we’d explain this beforehand.
Retainers
Once your teeth are in position, we fit retainers to hold them there.
Retainers: for life, not just for now
Teeth naturally tend to drift back towards their old positions, and this continues throughout life. Without retainers, some or all of the improvement can be lost. This is called relapse, and it’s why we recommend wearing retainers for life.
- Bonded retainer, £350 per arch: a thin wire fixed behind the front teeth. It works around the clock but needs careful cleaning and regular checks.
- Essix retainer, £165 per arch: a clear, removable retainer, usually worn at night once your teeth have settled. Removable retainers wear out and need replacing from time to time.
Some people have both. If a retainer breaks or stops fitting, contact us promptly, as teeth can start to move surprisingly quickly.
Comfort, eating and cleaning
It’s normal to feel pressure or tightness for a day or two when you start a new aligner. Your speech may be slightly affected for the first few days, and any rough edges can be smoothed if they rub.
- Take your aligners out to eat and to drink anything other than plain water.
- Brush before putting them back in, so food and sugar aren’t trapped against your teeth.
- Clean your aligners as instructed, and avoid hot water, which can warp them.
- Keep them in their case when they’re out; aligners wrapped in a napkin are easily thrown away.
Once your teeth are straight, some people choose teeth whitening or composite bonding to finish their smile.
Cost
“Dr Mirzakhani took the time to explain what my options were. Prices were clear as per the website and were reasonable.”
David, Google review
Why choose Caspian for teeth straightening
You’ll see Dr Kimia Mirzakhani, our principal dentist with more than 25 years’ experience, at each review, so the person checking your progress knows your case. We’re about 100 yards from Bushey station on the London Overground from Watford Junction, and Saturday appointments make regular reviews easier to fit around work.
“My appointment always runs to time and I never feel pressured or rushed.”
Catherine, Google review
For more background, read our blog posts on the A to Z of orthodontic treatments and whether straightening teeth is vanity or necessity.
Clear aligner FAQs
How much do clear aligners cost in Bushey?
ClearSmile aligners start from £2,500 per arch and the Inman Aligner from £2,800. You’ll also need an orthodontic consultation (£200), digital analysis (£350) and retainers (from £165 per arch).
How long does aligner treatment take?
It depends on how far your teeth need to move. Simple front-tooth cases can take weeks, while fuller courses usually take months. We’ll give you an estimate after your digital analysis.
Do I have to wear a retainer after aligners?
Yes. Teeth tend to drift back throughout life, so retainers are needed long-term to hold your result. Without them, some or all of the improvement can be lost.
Do clear aligners hurt?
It’s normal to feel pressure or tightness for a day or two with each new aligner, and this usually eases quickly. Any rough edges can be smoothed if they rub.
Can aligners fix all types of crooked teeth?
No. They’re best suited to mild-to-moderate crowding and spacing. Severe crowding, significant bite problems or jaw issues may need fixed braces or referral to an orthodontist.