Quick answer: Clear aligners may be an alternative to metal braces for many adults and teens with mild to moderate crowding, spacing or bite concerns. They are not suitable for every case, so a dentist needs to examine your mouth first. Bromley Smiles Dental can assess whether aligners or fixed braces suit you.
Many people in Bromley want straighter teeth but feel unsure about wearing metal brackets. Clear aligners are one alternative, and for some patients they work well. For others, fixed braces or another approach may be the better fit. The answer depends on which teeth are out of position, how your bite fits together and how healthy your gums are. This guide explains which problems aligners can usually address, where their limits lie, how age comes into it and what a dentist at Bromley Smiles Dental will look at before recommending anything.
What are clear aligners, and how do they differ from metal braces?
Clear aligners are a series of thin, removable plastic trays made from a digital plan of your teeth. Each tray is worn for a set period, often a week or two, and applies gentle pressure so that teeth move a small amount at a time. You then move on to the next tray. Most people wear them for the majority of the day, taking them out for meals, for drinks other than water and for cleaning.
Invisalign is one well-known system, and the practice offers it alongside other clear aligner options.
Metal braces work differently. Brackets are bonded to the teeth and linked by a wire, which a dentist adjusts at regular visits. Because they stay in place, they do not depend on you remembering to wear them. That is one reason fixed braces remain a sound choice for some cases, and why aligners are an alternative rather than a replacement for every patient.
How clear aligner treatment works
- Examination and conversation. A dentist looks at your teeth, gums and bite and asks what you would like to change.
- Records. X-rays, photographs and digital scans may be taken so the plan reflects what lies beneath the gums as well as what shows.
- Treatment plan. Your dentist maps out the proposed tooth movements, explains the alternatives and risks, and gives you a personal quote.
- Starting treatment. You receive your first aligners with clear guidance on wear, cleaning and what to do if one is lost or cracked.
- Reviews. Check-ups track progress. Some cases need extra aligners, known as refinements, to finish the movements.
- Finishing and retainers. Retainers are fitted to help hold teeth in their new positions.
Which teeth problems can clear aligners usually address?
The lists below are general guidance, not a promise. Every mouth is different, and only an examination shows what is realistic for you.
Concerns aligners may help with
Aligners are often considered for:
- mild to moderate crowding
- gaps between teeth
- teeth that have moved after earlier braces, often because retainers were not worn as advised
- some mild bite concerns, such as certain overbites or crossbites
- minor rotation of individual teeth
Even within these categories, the outcome depends on your teeth and bite.
Concerns where braces or another approach may suit better
Fixed braces, or a different plan altogether, may be more appropriate where there is:
- severe crowding or heavily rotated teeth
- a significant difference in how the upper and lower jaws meet
- a need for teeth to move a long way up or down
- short or unusually shaped crowns that give aligners little to grip
- bridges, missing teeth or other restorations that complicate planning
In some cases a dentist may recommend fixed braces, or a combination of approaches, and will explain the reasons.
Who may be suitable, and who may not be
Age considerations
Aligners are used for adults and for many teenagers. For a teenager, the dentist checks that enough adult teeth have come through and that the young person is ready to wear the trays consistently. A parent or guardian is usually involved in consent and day-to-day support for anyone under 18. Younger children are assessed differently, because their teeth and jaws are still growing.
For adults, age on its own is rarely the deciding factor. Healthy teeth and gums matter far more.
Healthy gums and teeth come first
Teeth move through bone, held by gum tissue. Active gum disease, untreated decay or failing fillings and crowns are normally dealt with before orthodontic movement begins, because moving teeth in an unhealthy mouth can make existing problems worse. Your dentist may suggest a hygiene visit or other [preventive care] first, and regular checks while you wear aligners.
Commitment matters too
Aligners only work when they are worn. If you know you would struggle to keep them in for most of the day, fixed braces may be a more realistic option. That is a practical point, not a criticism, and a good conversation at the start saves frustration later.
Benefits, risks and limitations
Possible benefits
Aligners are less noticeable than metal brackets, and because they come out, eating and cleaning your teeth are more straightforward. There are no wires to catch on your cheeks. A digital plan also lets you see the proposed movements before you begin, although the final result cannot be guaranteed.
Risks and limitations
- Teeth and gums may feel tender or pressured for a few days after a new tray.
- Speech can be slightly affected at first.
- Small tooth-coloured attachments may be bonded to teeth to help the aligners grip.
- In some cases a little enamel is smoothed between teeth to create space, which your dentist would discuss beforehand.
- Treatment can take longer if trays are not worn as directed.
- Refinements may be needed, and teeth can drift back without retainers.
- Sugary or acidic drinks with aligners in place may increase the risk of decay.
Alternatives include fixed braces, other orthodontic approaches or choosing no treatment, and your dentist should explain each one.
Retainers, aftercare and common mistakes
Once teeth have moved, they tend to drift back towards their old positions. Retainers help hold the new alignment, and they are usually worn long term. Your dentist will advise which type suits your case and how often to wear it.
For daily care, brush your teeth before putting aligners back in, rinse the trays and keep them in their case when they are out. Drink only water while wearing them.
Common mistakes include:
- wearing aligners for fewer hours than advised
- wrapping them in a tissue or napkin, where they are easily thrown away
- drinking hot or sugary drinks with them in
- skipping review appointments
- moving to the next tray early to save time
- stopping retainer wear once treatment ends
What does treatment cost?
Price depends on the complexity of your case, the number of aligners, any refinements, retainers and the number of appointments. At Bromley Smiles Dental, clear aligners start from £1,850 [CONFIRM: whether this is a full case or per arch, and what is included]. A personal quote is given after assessment. Retainers are a further consideration [CONFIRM: retainer price and whether the first set is included].
A new patient adult exam is from £75. Your dentist may recommend X-rays first: intra oral X-rays are from £19 to £22 and an OPG scan from £125. You can see the full list in our fee guide.
For spreading the cost, 0% APR finance is available via Tabeo (subject to status, terms apply), and you can read more about Tabeo interest-free credit. Finance is arranged through Tabeo rather than by the practice itself.
Why choose Bromley Smiles Dental
Bromley Smiles Dental is a private practice on the first floor of 146 High Street, Bromley. Orthodontic treatment sits alongside general dentistry, preventive, restorative and cosmetic care, so gum health, fillings and other needs can be looked at in the same place before or during aligner treatment. Appointments run Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, which may help if you are fitting visits around work or school. You can find out more about the people you may meet on our Meet our team page.
Who we see locally
Patients visit us from Bromley and nearby areas including Sundridge, Plaistow, Downham, Locksbottom and Bickley.
What to expect at a consultation
Your first visit is a conversation as much as an examination. We ask what bothers you about your smile, check your teeth, gums and bite, and may recommend X-rays or scans so the plan is based on proper information. If aligners look suitable, we explain how they would work for you. If fixed braces or another approach look better, we say so.
You will hear about the alternatives, the risks, how long retainers are worn and what commitment is involved. A personal quote follows the assessment. There is no need to decide on the day. Bring any questions, details of your medical history and any old retainers if you have had braces before.
Next steps
Metal braces are not the only way to straighten teeth, but aligners are not right for every mouth either. An examination is the only reliable way to find out which route fits you.
To Book a consultation, call 0203 376 3734, book online at https://bromleysmiles.portal.dental/ or email enquiries@bromleysmiles.co.uk. You will find Bromley Smiles Dental at 1st floor, 146 High Street, Bromley, BR1 1EZ [CONFIRM: whether to write “Kent” or “Greater London” in the address line]. We are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, and closed on Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays.
Frequently asked questions
In suitable cases, yes. Many mild to moderate alignment concerns can be addressed with aligners. More complex tooth or jaw problems may be better managed with fixed braces or other treatment. A dentist decides after examining your teeth, gums and bite, and will explain the alternatives.
Aligners may be limited for severe crowding, heavily rotated teeth, large differences in jaw position and teeth that need to move a long way up or down. Some cases involving bridges or missing teeth also need a different plan. Only an examination can show what applies to you.
They can be, once enough adult teeth have come through and the teenager can wear them consistently for most of the day. A parent or guardian is usually involved in consent and support. A dentist will check whether aligners or fixed braces are the more practical choice.
In many cases, yes. Teeth can drift after earlier treatment, particularly if retainers were not worn as advised. A dentist can assess how far they have moved and whether a short course of aligners may help. Gum and tooth health are checked first.
In most cases, yes. Teeth move through supporting bone and gum, so active gum disease or untreated decay is usually managed first. Your dentist may suggest a hygiene visit or other preventive care before treatment begins, plus regular checks while you wear aligners.
Many people notice pressure or tenderness, usually for the first few days with a new tray, although experiences vary. This tends to ease as teeth adjust. If discomfort is severe or does not settle, contact the practice so a dentist can check.
It depends on how far teeth need to move. Some milder cases take several months, while more complex ones can take a year or longer. Wearing aligners as directed and attending reviews affects the timeline. Your dentist gives an estimate after assessment, and it may change.
In most cases, yes. Teeth tend to drift back towards earlier positions, so retainers are usually worn after active treatment, often for the long term. Your dentist will explain which type suits you and how often to wear it.
At the practice, clear aligners start from £1,850, with a personal quote given after assessment. The final figure depends on case complexity, number of aligners, refinements, retainers and appointments. Finance via Tabeo may be available, subject to status, with terms applying.
