Invisalign Cost UK 2026: Complete Price Guide for Clear Aligners

Last updated: January 2026. This guide reflects current UK pricing and regulatory guidance for Invisalign clear aligners.

Considering Invisalign to straighten your teeth? You're not alone. Clear aligners have become one of the most popular orthodontic treatments in the UK, with thousands of adults and teenagers choosing this virtually invisible option over traditional braces.

But the big question remains: how much does Invisalign cost in the UK? Prices typically range from £1,500 to £5,500, depending on the complexity of your case and where you receive treatment.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Invisalign pricing, what affects the cost, NHS availability, finance options, and how to choose the right provider.

How Much Does Invisalign Cost in the UK?

The average cost of Invisalign treatment in the UK is approximately £3,244, though prices vary significantly based on your individual needs.

UK Invisalign Pricing by Treatment Type

Regional Price Variations

Invisalign costs vary across the UK. Interestingly, London is not necessarily the most expensive location:

What's Included in the Invisalign Price?

When comparing quotes, check what's included. A comprehensive Invisalign package typically covers:

Usually Included:

• Initial consultation and assessment
• 3D digital scanning (iTero scanner)
• Custom treatment plan
• All aligners for your treatment
• Regular progress check-ups
• Refinement aligners (if needed)

Often Extra:

• Vivera retainers (£400-£600 for 4 sets)
• Teeth whitening
• Additional refinements beyond included allowance
• Replacement aligners if lost/damaged

Important: Always ask for a written breakdown of what's included before committing to treatment.

Is Invisalign Available on the NHS?

No, Invisalign is not available on the NHS.

NHS orthodontic treatment is limited to traditional metal braces and functional appliances. Invisalign is considered a cosmetic choice rather than a medical necessity, which means it must be funded privately.

"NHS orthodontic treatment is free for people under the age of 18 with a clear health need for treatment." — NHS, Orthodontics

NHS Orthodontic Eligibility (Traditional Braces Only)

If you're under 18 and need orthodontic treatment, you may qualify for free NHS braces (not Invisalign). Eligibility is determined by the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN):

AC = Aesthetic Component score

For adults: NHS orthodontic treatment is generally not available, regardless of the severity of your case. Adults must seek private treatment for both Invisalign and traditional braces.

Invisalign Payment Plans and Finance Options

Many dental practices offer finance options to make Invisalign more affordable:

0% Interest Finance

Many UK practices offer interest-free payment plans:

Interest-Bearing Finance

Longer-term finance with interest can reduce monthly payments further:

• From as low as £24.93 per month (with 14.9% APR)
• Terms typically 12 to 60 months
• Credit check required

Tip: Always calculate the total cost including interest before choosing a longer payment term.

What Affects Invisalign Cost?

Several factors influence your final treatment price:

1. Case Complexity

The more your teeth need to move, the more aligners you'll need, and the higher the cost:

2. Treatment Duration

Longer treatments require more aligners and appointments:

• 3-6 months: Minor corrections (Invisalign Express/i7)
• 6-12 months: Moderate cases (Invisalign Lite)
• 12-24 months: Complex cases (Invisalign Comprehensive)

3. Provider Experience

More experienced Invisalign providers may charge premium prices, but they often achieve better results:

4. Location

As shown in the regional pricing table, costs vary by area. London isn't always more expensive than other major cities.

5. What's Included

Some practices include retainers in the price; others charge separately. This can add £400-£600 to your total cost.

How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign uses a series of custom-made, transparent plastic aligners to gradually straighten your teeth. Here's the process:

Step 1: Consultation

Your dentist or orthodontist will:

• Examine your teeth and discuss your goals
• Take a 3D scan using an iTero scanner
• Show you a simulation of your expected results
• Provide a treatment plan and cost estimate

Many practices offer free consultations.

Step 2: Treatment Planning

Using Align Technology's software, your provider creates a detailed plan showing how your teeth will move at each stage.

Step 3: Receiving Your Aligners

Custom aligners are manufactured and shipped to your dental practice. You'll receive instructions on:

• How to wear your aligners (20-22 hours daily)
• How often to change them (every 1-2 weeks)
• Caring for your aligners

Step 4: Progress Check-Ups

Regular appointments (typically every 6-8 weeks) allow your provider to monitor progress and provide your next sets of aligners.

Step 5: Refinements

About 30-40% of patients need refinement aligners to achieve their final result. These are usually included in the original treatment cost.

Step 6: Retention

After treatment, you'll wear retainers to prevent your teeth from shifting back. Vivera retainers are the official Invisalign retention product.

How Long Does Invisalign Take?

Treatment duration depends on your case complexity:

Compared to traditional braces: Invisalign often achieves results faster, with braces typically taking 16-18 months or longer.

What affects duration:

• How many aligners you need
• Whether you need refinements
• Your compliance - aligners must be worn 20-22 hours daily

Invisalign vs Braces: Cost and Feature Comparison

When to choose Invisalign:

• You prioritise aesthetics and discretion
• You have mild to moderate alignment issues
• You want the flexibility to remove aligners
• You're disciplined enough to wear them 20-22 hours daily

When traditional braces may be better:

• You have severe alignment or bite issues
• You're a child who might remove aligners
• You prefer a fixed, set-and-forget option
• Cost is a primary concern

Am I Suitable for Invisalign?

Invisalign works well for mild to moderate dental issues:

Conditions Invisalign Can Treat

• Mild to moderate crowding (less than 6mm)
• Gaps between teeth (less than 6mm)
• Overbite, underbite, crossbite (mild to moderate)
• Open bite (mild cases)
• Minor tooth rotations (less than 20 degrees)

Who May Not Be Suitable

Invisalign may not be recommended if you have:

• Severe crowding or spacing (more than 6mm)
• Significant tooth rotations (more than 20 degrees)
• Complex bite issues requiring jaw repositioning
• Active gum disease (must be treated first)
• Short tooth roots (risk of complications)
• Compliance concerns (unable to wear aligners 20-22 hours daily)

"Invisalign can often help if teeth only need to be moved a small or moderate amount, but they're not recommended for more complex dental problems." — Bupa UK, Clear Aligners

Important: Only a qualified dentist or orthodontist can determine if you're a suitable candidate after a clinical examination.

Choosing an Invisalign Provider

Essential Qualifications

1. GDC Registration (Mandatory)

All Invisalign providers must be registered with the General Dental Council. Verify at gdc-uk.org.

"Clinical judgements must be based on a full assessment of the patient's oral health... a physical, clinical examination is required." — General Dental Council, Direct-to-Consumer Orthodontics

2. Invisalign Certification

Providers must complete specific training through Align Technology. Not all dentists are certified.

3. Experience Level

Ask about their Invisalign provider tier:

• Diamond providers treat 150+ cases annually
• Higher volume typically means more experience

Questions to Ask at Your Consultation

1. Are you a GDC-registered dentist or specialist orthodontist?
2. How many Invisalign cases have you treated?
3. What is your Invisalign provider level?
4. Can I see before-and-after photos of similar cases?
5. What is the total cost, including retainers?
6. What happens if I need refinement aligners?
7. Do you offer payment plans?

Red Flags to Avoid

• Provider won't show credentials or case examples
• Unusually low prices (may indicate inexperience)
• Pressure to commit immediately
• No mention of potential risks or limitations
• Claims that seem too good to be true

Potential Risks and Side Effects

Like any orthodontic treatment, Invisalign has some potential side effects:

Common (Usually Temporary)

• Discomfort: Mild soreness when switching to new aligners
• Speech changes: Slight lisp initially (usually resolves quickly)
• Saliva changes: Temporary dry mouth or excess saliva

Preventable with Proper Care

• Tooth decay: Can occur if aligners trap bacteria (brush before reinserting)
• Gum issues: Maintain excellent oral hygiene throughout treatment
• Demineralisation: Can cause white spots if cleaning is inadequate

Less Common

• Allergic reactions: Rare reaction to aligner material
• Bite changes: May need adjustment after treatment
• Root resorption: Rare, monitored through regular check-ups

Risk Management:

• Follow your orthodontist's instructions precisely
• Wear aligners 20-22 hours daily
• Maintain excellent oral hygiene
• Attend all scheduled check-ups

Invisalign for Teenagers

Invisalign Teen is specifically designed for younger patients (typically age 12+):

Special Features

• Blue compliance indicators: Fade with wear to show proper usage
• Eruption compensation: Allows for teeth still growing in
• Free replacement aligners: Up to 6 replacements included

Age Considerations

• Generally suitable from age 12-13 when adult teeth have erupted
• Some may need to wait until 14-16 for more settled permanent teeth
• Younger children (6+) may be candidates for Invisalign First

Cost for Teens

Invisalign Teen typically costs £2,500 to £5,000, similar to adult treatment pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Invisalign cost on average in the UK?

The average cost of Invisalign in the UK is approximately £3,244. Prices range from £1,500 for minor corrections to £5,500 for complex cases. Your final cost depends on treatment complexity, duration, provider experience, and location.

Can you get Invisalign on the NHS?

No, Invisalign is not available on the NHS. NHS orthodontic treatment is limited to traditional metal braces for patients under 18 who meet eligibility criteria. Adults and anyone wanting clear aligners must pay privately.

Is Invisalign cheaper than braces?

Invisalign and traditional braces have similar price ranges (£1,500-£5,500 for Invisalign vs £1,800-£4,500 for braces). However, NHS braces are free for eligible under-18s, making traditional braces the cheaper option for qualifying young patients.

How long does Invisalign treatment take?

Most Invisalign treatments take 6 to 18 months, with an average of 12-18 months. Simple cases may complete in 3-6 months, while complex cases can take up to 24 months.

Is Invisalign painful?

Invisalign is generally considered less painful than traditional braces. You may experience mild discomfort and pressure when switching to new aligners, but this typically subsides within a few days.

How many hours a day do you wear Invisalign?

You must wear Invisalign aligners 20-22 hours per day. Remove them only for eating, drinking (except water), and brushing your teeth. Non-compliance can extend treatment time or affect results.

What happens if I lose an Invisalign aligner?

Contact your provider immediately. They may advise you to:

• Move to the next aligner early
• Wear the previous aligner until a replacement arrives
• Order a replacement aligner (may incur additional cost unless included in your plan)

Are there any foods I can't eat with Invisalign?

No food restrictions. Unlike traditional braces, you remove Invisalign aligners to eat. You can enjoy all your favourite foods, then brush your teeth and reinsert your aligners.

Summary: Is Invisalign Worth the Cost?

Invisalign offers a discreet, comfortable way to straighten your teeth, but it represents a significant investment. Here's a quick summary:

Invisalign may be worth it if:

• You value discretion and aesthetics
• You have mild to moderate alignment issues
• You can commit to wearing aligners 20-22 hours daily
• You want shorter treatment time than traditional braces
• You prefer no food restrictions

Consider alternatives if:

• You have severe orthodontic issues
• Cost is your primary concern (NHS braces may be free)
• You're unlikely to wear aligners consistently
• You prefer a fixed orthodontic solution

Next Steps:

1. Book a consultation with a GDC-registered Invisalign provider
2. Get a full assessment and treatment plan
3. Compare quotes from 2-3 providers
4. Ask about finance options if needed
5. Verify provider credentials and experience

Looking for a dentist who offers Invisalign? Use our search to find qualified Invisalign providers near you and book your consultation.