This page was clinically reviewed by Dr Sarah Metias, GDC 114267 (Principal Dentist, MJDF RCS England), on 2026-04-29. Verify on the GDC register →
Invisalign
Guide
Invisalign is a clear-aligner orthodontic system that gradually moves teeth into a planned position using a series of custom-made plastic aligners worn for 22 h…
What we see at Tower Dental Blackpool
At our Blackpool practice, around 60% of Invisalign cases we plan are post-orthodontic relapse — patients who had fixed braces in their teens, did not wear retainers consistently, and have seen their lower front teeth crowd back together over the following 10–25 years. The second largest category is mild adult crowding that has accumulated without prior orthodontic treatment.
A typical Tower Dental Invisalign case lasts 9–12 months, uses 22–35 aligners, costs around £3,800 (full case price including refinement aligners and a set of retainers), and is monitored at review appointments every 6–8 weeks. We use the iTero digital scanner — no impression material — which produces the ClinCheck simulation and reduces consultation chair time meaningfully.
Retainer compliance is the single biggest determinant of long-term result stability we observe. Patients who continue to wear nightly retainers indefinitely keep their result; patients who stop — even after 5 years — see gradual relapse. We are direct about this at consultation: Invisalign is a lifetime commitment to retainers, not a 12-month treatment.
First-hand observations from clinical practice at Tower Dental, 302a Devonshire Road, Blackpool FY2 0TW. Figures reflect typical patient experience and are not guarantees of outcome — every case is individually assessed.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a system of removable, virtually invisible plastic aligners that move teeth in small increments over a planned course of treatment. You wear each aligner for around 1–2 weeks, then progress to the next in the series. The total treatment plan typically uses 20–50 aligners, depending on case complexity, and lasts 6–18 months.
Aligners are removable for eating, drinking and brushing, which makes oral hygiene during treatment easier than with traditional fixed braces. Mild speech adaptation in the first few days is common but resolves quickly.
Who is Invisalign suitable for?
Invisalign suits adults and older teenagers with: mild-to-moderate crowding, spacing or gaps, mild-to-moderate alignment issues, post-orthodontic relapse where teeth have shifted after previous braces, and patients prioritising discreet treatment for professional or social reasons.
Invisalign is less suitable for: severe orthodontic cases with major bite discrepancies (fixed braces or combined orthognathic surgery may be needed), patients unable to wear aligners 22 hours a day, and patients with active untreated gum disease or many failing teeth (dental health stabilised first).
Treatment process
Step 1 — assessment and digital scan. £40 consultation includes a digital intra-oral scan (no impression material needed), photographs and a clinical examination. Where Invisalign is suitable, a 3D treatment simulation (ClinCheck) is generated showing the predicted tooth movement.
Step 2 — custom aligners produced. Once you approve the plan, the full series of aligners is manufactured in Costa Rica or the United States and shipped to the practice. This usually takes 3–4 weeks.
Step 3 — first appointment. Small composite "attachments" are bonded to specific teeth where extra grip is needed for the aligner to move them. The first aligner is fitted, instructions given, and you begin treatment.
Step 4 — progression. You change to the next aligner every 1–2 weeks at home. Review appointments every 6–8 weeks check progress, polish attachments and confirm the plan is on track.
Step 5 — refinement and retention. At the end of the planned series, refinement aligners may be needed to perfect minor details. Once the result is achieved, retainers (clear plastic or fixed wire behind the teeth) are essential to prevent relapse — usually for life.
Costs and finance
Invisalign at Tower Dental Blackpool starts from £2,500 for short / simple cases, with full case costs (commonly £3,500–£5,000) confirmed in writing after the digital ClinCheck scan. The price typically includes all aligners, attachments, refinements and a set of retainers.
0% interest finance is available subject to status, typically over 6, 10 or 12 months. Many patients spread Invisalign cost as a low monthly payment.
Risks and limitations
Aligners must be worn 22 hours a day for the predicted result — patients who forget to put them back in after eating will not achieve the planned outcome on time. Honesty about wear time matters.
Other risks: mild discomfort in the first 1–2 days of each new aligner (entirely normal — the teeth are moving), occasional speech adaptation lasting days, attachments that can occasionally come off and need rebonding, and the absolute necessity of retainers for life to prevent relapse.
Invisalign cannot fix every orthodontic problem. Severe cases need fixed braces or combined surgical-orthodontic care. We will tell you honestly at consultation if Invisalign is not the right tool for your case.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Mild cases (small crowding, minor spacing): 6–9 months. Moderate cases (typical adult cosmetic cases): 9–14 months. More complex cases: 12–18+ months. Treatment time is dominated by the biology of bone remodelling, not by the patient or the practice — moving teeth too fast risks root resorption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Invisalign as effective as traditional braces?
For most adult cosmetic orthodontic cases, yes — outcomes are comparable. For severe skeletal or bite discrepancies, fixed braces or combined orthognathic surgery may be necessary. See Invisalign vs Braces comparison.
Will Invisalign affect my speech?
Mild adaptation for 2–7 days at the start is common — slight lisping that resolves as your tongue adjusts. Most patients report normal speech within a week.
Can I eat and drink with Invisalign in?
Aligners come out for eating and for any drinks other than water. This protects them from heat damage, staining and trapped food. Brush teeth before re-inserting aligners.
Do I have to wear retainers forever?
Yes. Teeth naturally drift over a lifetime; retainers prevent your investment from gradually undoing itself. Removable retainers are typically worn nightly long-term; fixed wire retainers behind the front teeth last many years and are unobtrusive.
Can I have whitening or bonding after Invisalign?
Yes — and many patients do. The clear aligners themselves can hold whitening gel during treatment in some cases. Bonding any reshaping happens after alignment is complete.
Where can I have Invisalign in Blackpool?
At Tower Dental, 302a Devonshire Road, Blackpool FY2 0TW. See our Invisalign page for case examples.
Is Invisalign cheaper than fixed braces privately?
Often comparable. Aligners are not necessarily cheaper than fixed braces — what you are paying for is the cosmetic discretion of treatment. Fixed braces remain more cost-effective for severe cases.
Are there other clear aligner options?
Yes — ClearCorrect is an alternative aligner system; we offer it from £2,380. The choice between Invisalign and ClearCorrect depends on the specifics of your case. See our clear aligners page.
Related at Tower Dental Blackpool
Considering invisalign clear aligners? Talk it through.
This guide is national and educational. The right plan for you depends on your starting position. Book a £40 cosmetic consultation with Dr Sarah Metias for a personalised written plan.
Tower Dental · 302a Devonshire Road, Blackpool FY2 0TW · GDC Registered · CQC Regulated · Last reviewed 2026-04-29
From Our Invisalign Patients
⭐ Verified reviews from our Google Business Profile · 4.9/5 from 209 patients
"Sarah and Billie are an amazing team they've looked after me so well and always done their best to make sure I'm happy with the treatment and how my teeth are moving. They will never sacrifice patient satisfaction which instantly puts them higher than many dentists in the area. The whole team are lovely and pleasant, they always offer you a drink if your waiting and they're regularly asking you to fill out a healthy form to catch for any changes in your health and lifestyle that might be relevant to your procedure that you might not even know"