Quick answer: Clear aligners can be an alternative to metal braces for many people with mild to moderate crowding, spacing or bite concerns, provided teeth and gums are healthy. Some complex cases still suit fixed braces better. Whether aligners are appropriate for you is decided after an examination of your teeth, gums and bite.
Metal braces have a reputation for being noticeable and awkward to clean, so many people in Beckenham ask whether there is another way to straighten their teeth. Clear aligners are the option most often raised. They can work well for some patients and are less suited to others. This guide explains what aligners can and cannot usually treat, how age affects the decision, why retainers matter and why healthy gums and teeth come first. At Beckenham Smiles Dental, the answer for your own teeth comes from an examination.
What do we mean by an alternative to metal braces?
Traditional metal braces use brackets fixed to the teeth and a wire that your dentist adjusts at appointments. You cannot take them out yourself. Clear aligners work differently. They are a series of thin, removable plastic trays, each shaped to move your teeth by a small amount, and you change to the next tray as advised.
Both methods apply gentle pressure over time, and both need retainers afterwards. You can read more about clear aligners on our website, and Invisalign is one system that patients often ask about.
What can clear aligners usually treat, and where are the limits?
The table is a general guide only. Individual cases vary, and only an examination shows what is realistic for your teeth.
| Concern | Aligners may help? | Comment |
| Mild to moderate crowding | Often | Depends on the space available and the health of your gums |
| Gaps between teeth | Often | The cause of the gap matters, so plans differ from case to case |
| Mild bite concerns | Sometimes | Depends on how your upper and lower teeth meet |
| Teeth that have drifted after earlier treatment | Sometimes | Depends on how far teeth have moved and how healthy the supporting gum and bone are |
| Severe crowding or large gaps | Less often | May need more control than trays provide |
| Complex bite problems, including some jaw-related issues | Less often | Fixed braces or specialist advice may be more suitable |
| Heavily rotated teeth or large vertical movements | Less often | Trays can find these harder to control |
| Active decay or gum disease | Not until treated | Oral health problems come first |
Where fixed braces or other treatment may suit better
Aligners rely on trays gripping the teeth, so very large movements, heavily rotated teeth and some jaw-related bite problems can be harder to control. In those cases fixed braces, or a referral for specialist advice, may be the more suitable route. Some people also wonder whether cosmetic dentistry could improve their smile without moving teeth. It can change the shape or shade of teeth in some cases, but it does not move them, and it carries its own risks and costs. Your dentist can explain which approach fits your situation.
Where aligners are suitable, small tooth-coloured attachments may be bonded to some teeth to help the trays grip. Teeth do not always move exactly as planned, so a further set of aligners is sometimes needed. Results cannot be guaranteed.
Why healthy gums and teeth come first
Teeth are held in place by gums and bone, and moving them places those tissues under pressure. A straightening plan therefore starts with the health of your mouth. Active gum disease, untreated decay and failing restorations usually need attention before any teeth are moved. Our general dentistry team can deal with these problems, and regular preventive care helps protect your teeth and gums while treatment is under way. A scale and polish, from £70, may be recommended before you begin.
This is also why a mirror check, a photo or an online quiz cannot tell you whether aligners will work for you. Plaque can build up under trays and around attachments without you noticing, so check-ups continue throughout treatment.
Age considerations: adults, teenagers and children
Adults can usually be considered at any age, provided their teeth and gums are healthy. Older patients are more likely to have gum recession, heavily restored teeth or missing teeth, which your dentist will take into account.
Teenagers can be assessed individually. Aligners are generally planned around a full set of adult teeth, so your dentist will check whether these have come through. How reliably a teenager is likely to wear the trays also matters, because treatment only works if they are worn for the hours advised. Parents are welcome to come along to the consultation.
For younger children, orthodontic needs often depend on how the teeth and jaws are developing, and the approach is usually different. Our children’s dentistry service can check a child’s teeth and advise on sensible next steps.
How clear aligner treatment works
Treatment varies from person to person, but it usually follows these steps.
- Consultation and examination. Your dentist looks at your teeth, gums and bite and asks what you would like to change.
- Health first. Any gum treatment, fillings or cleaning needed beforehand is arranged.
- Records. Photographs, scans or impressions, and X-rays where clinically needed.
- Plan and quote. You hear the likely length of treatment, the risks and the alternatives, then receive a personal quote.
- Fitting. You learn how to insert, remove and clean your trays, and how many hours a day to wear them. Small attachments may be added to some teeth.
- Wearing and reviews. You change trays as instructed and attend reviews so progress can be checked.
- Refinements, if needed. A further set of aligners is sometimes required.
- Retainers. Once teeth reach their new position, retainers help to hold them there.
Benefits, risks and limitations
Possible benefits
Aligners are removable, so eating and cleaning your teeth may be easier than with fixed braces. Many people find them less noticeable, and there are no metal brackets or wires to catch on the lips and cheeks. Treatment is planned in stages, and review appointments allow progress to be checked.
Risks and limitations
New trays can feel tight and sore for a few days, and speech may be slightly affected at first. Aligners only work if worn for the recommended hours, so they depend on your commitment. Teeth can move back without retainers. Gums can become inflamed if cleaning slips, tooth roots can occasionally shorten slightly during movement, and treatment may take longer than first estimated. Alternatives, including fixed braces or no treatment, should be discussed before you decide.
Retainers, aftercare and common mistakes
Retainers
Teeth tend to move back towards their old positions, so most patients need retainers after treatment, and many wear them long term. Retainers may be removable or fixed behind the teeth, depending on your case. Ask which type you will have, how often to wear it and what a replacement costs.
Looking after your aligners
Brush before putting trays back in, clean them as advised and keep them in their case when they are out. Take them out for eating and for any drink other than water.
Common mistakes
- wearing trays for fewer hours than advised
- missing review appointments
- forgetting retainers once the aligners finish
- leaving trays wrapped in tissue, where they are easily thrown away
- stopping early because teeth already look straighter
What about cost?
Cost depends on the complexity of your case, the number of aligners, refinements, retainers and appointments, so a price is only given after assessment. At Beckenham Smiles Dental, clear aligner treatment is from £1,850 and a new patient adult exam is from £75. Our Fee guide lists other charges. Finance is available through Tabeo at 0% APR, subject to status, and terms apply. Tabeo is a separate finance provider and the decision to lend is theirs.
Why choose Beckenham Smiles Dental
Beckenham Smiles Dental is at 122-124 High Street, Beckenham BR3 1EB, and is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. We are closed on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays. The practice provides general, preventive, children’s, emergency, restorative and cosmetic dentistry, as well as orthodontics, implants, periodontics, prosthetics and specialist dentistry. Because gum and tooth health matter so much before straightening, it can be useful to have that work assessed in one place.
Patients are welcome from Penge, Anerley, Elmers End, Eden Park, West Wickham, Sydenham, Crystal Palace, Shortlands and New Beckenham.
What to expect at a consultation
Your appointment starts with a conversation about what you would like to change and whether you have had orthodontic treatment before. Your dentist then examines your teeth, gums and bite, and may recommend X-rays or scans. If aligners seem suitable, you will hear about the options, the likely length of treatment, risks, alternatives, retainer wear and what is expected of you. If another approach looks more appropriate, your dentist will say so. You are welcome to take time to decide. A new patient adult exam is from £75.Costs are confirmed before any treatment goes ahead.
Ready to find out whether aligners may suit you?
Clear aligners can be a realistic alternative to metal braces for some people, and not for others. The only way to know which applies to you is an examination of your teeth, gums and bite. To start, you can book a consultation online, call us on 0203 805 2380, or reach us through Contact us. Beckenham Smiles Dental is at 122-124 High Street, Beckenham BR3 1EB, open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.
Frequently asked questions
For some people, yes. Aligners may suit mild to moderate crowding, spacing and minor bite concerns when teeth and gums are healthy. Some complex cases are better treated with fixed braces. Your dentist decides after examining your teeth, gums and bite.
Aligners may struggle with severe crowding, some jaw-related bite problems and teeth needing large or complex movements. They also cannot treat active gum disease or decay, which need dealing with first. Your dentist can explain what is realistic for your teeth.
Some teenagers may be suitable once their adult teeth have come through, provided they can wear the trays for the hours advised. Each teenager is assessed individually. Parents are welcome to attend the consultation.
There is no fixed upper age limit for moving teeth. Adults can usually be considered if their teeth and gums are healthy. Older patients may have gum recession or extensive dental work that affects the plan, so an examination comes first.
Yes, healthy gums and teeth are needed before treatment starts. Active gum disease or untreated decay can be made worse by moving teeth, so these are treated first. Regular check-ups and careful cleaning continue throughout treatment.
In most cases, yes. Teeth tend to drift back towards their old positions, so retainers are usually advised, often long term. Your dentist will explain which type suits you, how often to wear it and what replacements cost.
Experiences differ. New aligner trays often feel tight for a few days, and braces can feel sore after adjustments. Some people find aligners smoother because there are no brackets to rub the cheeks. If discomfort is strong or lingers, contact your dentist.
Not necessarily. Treatment time depends on how much movement is needed, how your teeth respond and, for aligners, how consistently trays are worn. Some plans take several months and others a year or more. Your dentist can estimate after an examination.
Often this is possible, but restorations can affect how attachments bond and how teeth are moved. Your dentist needs to examine them first. At Beckenham Smiles Dental, any work needed beforehand can be discussed at your consultation.
