Invisalign unlimited aligners: our Unlimited plan explained

Invisalign unlimited aligners at Dental & Wellness London means our Invisalign Unlimited plan, at £4,500–£4,900. It is the top of our three plans, above Invisalign Express at £2,200 and Invisalign Moderate at £3,400, and it provides aligners as the case requires rather than a fixed number. You may have seen it described as a "5-Year" or "Comprehensive" plan; we have retired those names. Whether Unlimited is right for you is confirmed after your free consultation, iTero scan and ClinCheck preview.

This page explains what the Unlimited plan is for, which cases sit there, which do not, and what to ask before choosing it. For the full price guide, see Invisalign cost UK; for how the treatment works, see our main Invisalign page.

What the Invisalign Unlimited plan is

Invisalign moves teeth with a series of clear, removable aligners, each worn for 20 to 22 hours a day and changed on a schedule. On simpler plans, the number of aligners is limited because the movement is limited. On the Unlimited plan, there is no fixed cap: if a complex case needs more aligners, or more than one refinement, to reach the planned finish, they are made as the case requires. The plan also includes multi-year aligner cover; full terms and conditions apply.

That is the point of the plan. Complex movement is less predictable, and a case that runs short of aligners partway through is a poor result at any price. Unlimited removes that pressure from the planning, so the decision about whether to add a refinement is clinical rather than financial. Your written plan sets out exactly what the fee covers before you commit, with retainers quoted alongside it.

Invisalign unlimited aligners: where cases sit on the ladder

Our three plans form a simple ladder, and each case is placed by the amount and type of movement it needs:

• Invisalign Express, £2,200. Minor movement: slight front-tooth crowding, small gaps or mild relapse. Often a single arch; see single arch Invisalign cost.
• Invisalign Moderate, £3,400. Mild to moderate crowding or spacing, often across both arches, with some bite adjustment.
• Invisalign Unlimited, £4,500–£4,900. Complex or full-arch cases: real bite correction, multiple rotations, larger crowding, and treatment of both arches together. The figure within the range depends on the complexity confirmed by your ClinCheck.

Cases previously described as "Comprehensive" or "5-Year" usually fall within Unlimited. For how both-arch cases divide between Moderate and Unlimited, see our page on full Invisalign cost for both arches.

Who the Unlimited plan suits

• Bite correction. Overbite, underbite, crossbite or open bite, where both arches move in relation to each other, often with elastics. Our article on overbite treatment explains the approach.
• Larger crowding. Significant crowded teeth, where space must be created and teeth moved further.
• Multiple rotations and root movement. These are the movements most likely to need refinements.
• Preparation for restorative work. Aligning teeth before veneers, crowns or bonding, so less tooth needs to be shaped later.

Who it does not suit

Unlimited is not a premium option for everyone, and it is not a default upsell. If your case is a small correction at the front, Express or Moderate will usually reach the same result for less, and we will recommend the simpler plan. Aligners of any kind are postponed when gum disease is active or decay needs treating first. Where the cause is largely skeletal, aligners alone may not be enough, and complex skeletal cases are referred to a specialist orthodontist.

Options compared

• Invisalign Unlimited. Aligners as the case requires; for complex and full-arch cases.
• Invisalign Moderate. A defined plan for mild to moderate cases; many adults fit here.
• Fixed braces or cosmetic fixed braces. Sometimes preferred for particular movements; quoted in writing after assessment. See Invisalign vs braces.
• Other aligner systems. Our clear aligners page explains how Invisalign compares.

For every route to straighter teeth, see our teeth straightening hub.

The process, step by step

1. Free discovery call (optional). A 20-minute phone conversation about what you would like to change.
2. Free Invisalign consultation. An examination, a bite assessment, an iTero scan of both arches and an honest view of which plan applies.
3. ClinCheck and written plan. You see the planned movement and receive the plan, timeline and fee in writing to take home.
4. Fit appointment. Attachments are placed and your first aligners fitted; enamel shaping (IPR) is carried out where the plan needs it.
5. Reviews. Short visits every six to eight weeks to check tracking, adjust elastics and decide whether a refinement is needed.
6. Refinements as required. Additional aligners to fine-tune the finish, as the case needs. Our article on Invisalign refinements explains why they are common in complex cases.
7. Retainers. Fitted at the end of active treatment to hold the result.

Results, longevity and aftercare

Unlimited cases commonly take twelve months or more, and some take eighteen months or longer, particularly where the bite is being corrected. Results vary with the case and with how consistently aligners and elastics are worn. Our guide to how long Invisalign takes by case gives realistic ranges.

Teeth continue to shift subtly throughout life, so the result lasts as long as retention is maintained. Most patients wear removable retainers at night long term, and some have a thin fixed retainer behind the front teeth. Retainers are quoted in writing with your treatment plan. Our article on retainers after Invisalign covers the options, and routine examinations give us a chance to check stability over the years.

Risks, and how we reduce them

• Teeth not tracking as planned. More likely in complex cases; reduced by careful planning, regular reviews and refinements as required.
• The bite settling differently from the plan. Reduced by planning both arches around the bite and checking it at each review.
• Decay and gum inflammation. Reduced by an examination before treatment and good cleaning habits during a longer course.
• Root shortening or gum recession. Uncommon with light forces; gums are assessed and X-rays taken where indicated.
• Relapse. Managed with retainers worn as instructed.

Cost in Islington and London: what to ask about any "unlimited" plan

"Unlimited" can mean different things at different clinics. When you compare Invisalign comprehensive plan price quotes in London, ask how many refinements are included and for how long, whether reviews and IPR are covered, and what retainers cost. At our practice the Unlimited plan is £4,500–£4,900, the consultation is free, and your written plan sets out what the fee covers, with retainers quoted alongside it. We offer 0% APR finance over 12 months via Tabeo, subject to status, which spreads the fee into twelve equal monthly payments.

Why choose us

Every Invisalign case at our practice is planned and delivered by Dr Vishal Patel: BDS Liverpool, MSc Aesthetic & Restorative Dentistry (Manchester), GDC 103127 and AACD member. He is an Invisalign Diamond II provider, in the top 1% of UK Invisalign providers, and has treated over 15,000 cases across around 20 years in dentistry. Complex cases are where planning experience counts most.

Because his training is restorative as well as aesthetic, an Unlimited case is planned with the bite, tooth wear and any future cosmetic work in view. He prefers to develop the arch rather than extract teeth where the case allows, and refers complex skeletal cases to a specialist orthodontist.

Invisalign Unlimited questions

What does Invisalign Unlimited mean?

It means the plan does not cap the number of aligners, and it includes multi-year aligner cover; full terms and conditions apply. If a complex case needs more aligners or further refinements to reach the planned finish, they are made as the case requires. At Dental & Wellness London the Unlimited plan is £4,500–£4,900, and your written plan sets out exactly what the fee covers.

Is there still a 5-Year Unlimited plan?

We have retired the "5-Year", "Lite" and "Comprehensive" names in favour of three plans: Express at £2,200, Moderate at £3,400 and Unlimited at £4,500–£4,900. Cases once described as five-year or comprehensive usually fall within Unlimited. Your ClinCheck and written plan confirm which plan applies and what it covers.

Is the Unlimited plan worth it?

For complex cases, often yes, because it removes the risk of running short of aligners before the finish. For simple cases, usually not: Express or Moderate will reach the same result for less. We recommend the plan that fits your teeth, and we tell you plainly when a simpler plan will do.

Are retainers included in the Unlimited plan?

Retainers are quoted in writing alongside your treatment plan, so the full cost of treatment and retention is clear before you start. Most patients wear removable retainers at night long term, and some also have a fixed retainer. We go through the options at the plan appointment.

How long does an Unlimited case take?

Commonly twelve months or more, and sometimes eighteen months or longer where the bite is being corrected. The time depends on the movement planned and on how consistently aligners and any elastics are worn. Your ClinCheck shows the planned number of aligners, and the written plan gives an expected timeframe.

Getting here

Our practice is at 222 Essex Road, Islington, London N1 3AP, two minutes' walk from Essex Road station. Highbury & Islington is one stop away by train, buses 38, 56, 73, 341 and 476 stop on Essex Road, and Angel is a 15–20 minute walk. Many patients cycle or use Lime and Forest e-bikes; Dalston is about ten minutes away by bike, and our patients from Highbury page has more. Local details are on our Invisalign in Islington page. We are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 7pm, by appointment.