Both produce discomfort when teeth are actively moving. Aligners: pressure sensation for first 1–2 days of each new aligner. Fixed: discomfort after monthly adjustments. Overall pain experience similar across both for comparable cases.
For comparable cases clear aligners are often faster, though this depends on the case. The qualifier matters: complex cases that fixed braces handle in around 24 months may need the Unlimited plan, with refinements as required. Your ClinCheck gives an expected timeline for your teeth.
Fixed braces — particularly for complex cases, severe rotations, and major skeletal movement. Modern Invisalign treats a wider range than earlier generations but still has its limits. We assess case-by-case.
For comparable cases, both tiers deliver appropriate outcomes when correctly matched to case. The 'better outcomes' question is really about correct case-tier matching rather than tier choice itself.
Paid on-street parking on Essex Road and surrounding streets. No private clinic parking. Off-peak times easier.
Paid on-street parking on Essex Road and surrounding side streets (Halton Road, Northchurch Road, Greenman Street). No private clinic parking. Off-peak times easier; allow extra time during rush hour.
Subtle changes visible by aligner 4-7 (weeks 4-8). Photographs make changes clearer than the mirror. Substantial visible alignment by halfway through treatment. Final result at last aligner plus settling period.
Any ulcer persisting more than 3 weeks. Recurrent ulcers (multiple per month) suggesting an underlying cause. Ulcers with unusual appearance (irregular edges, raised borders, white or red patches nearby). These all warrant evaluation.
Severe crowding beyond expansion capacity, specific anatomical situations, certain bite corrections, severely problematic teeth. We recommend extraction honestly when genuinely indicated.
When non-surgical options have reached their limit and substantial sustained change is the goal. Typically late 50s+ patients with established jowling who want major transformation. We refer to surgical colleagues — we don't perform surgery ourselves.
We offer 0% APR finance over 12 months via Tabeo, subject to status. Invisalign is Express £2,200, Moderate £3,400 or Unlimited £4,500–£4,900, and your plan is confirmed in writing after your free consultation.
Three honest caveats: it's not weight loss, it works on the right patient profile (healthy weight with localised fat), outcomes depend on lifestyle maintenance. Plus realistic outcome of 20–30% per session is meaningful but not dramatic. Patients matched to the treatment do well; mismatched patients are disappointed.
Usually combined Profhilo + skin tightening + sometimes conservative filler. The right combination depends on your specific anatomy. We map the plan at consultation.
Treatment sessions, pre-treatment assessment, post-treatment review, photographs, aftercare guidance. Consultation £65 separate, redeemable in full against treatment. Combined treatments priced separately.
Q-switched tattoo lasers typically cover 1064nm and 532nm, and sometimes other wavelengths for specific pigment colours. We would discuss what is suitable for your tattoo at consultation.
Refinements address this. Express and Moderate each include one refinement, and further refinements are quoted in writing if needed. Unlimited covers refinements as the case requires, with multi-year aligner cover; full terms and conditions apply.
Tattoos that scarred during placement (from poor technique or skin reactions) often have texture changes that pre-date laser removal. Laser removes the pigment; the texture change may remain. We assess at consultation and tell you honestly what laser will and won't address.
We say no honestly when laser won't deliver. Alternatives: saline removal referral for cosmetic pigments, cover-up tattoo coordination with a tattoo artist for body work, or accepting the existing tattoo. Honest scope at consultation rather than chasing unsuccessful sessions.
We assess fresh at consultation. Sometimes our assessment agrees (extraction genuinely needed); sometimes we identify a non-extraction approach the previous assessment didn't consider. Honest second opinion.
We try to avoid this by accurate case assessment at consultation. If Lite is genuinely borderline we might recommend Full for safety. If Lite progresses but needs more aligners than 14, options include accepting completion at slightly compromised result, paying for additional aligners separately, or upgrading mid-treatment to Full (with cost adjustment).
Assessment at consultation. Some cases addressable with comprehensive Invisalign re-treatment; some have substantial damage requiring restorative work alongside re-treatment.
Options include paying upfront, partial-stage payments (case-by-case), alternative finance providers (independent), or deferring treatment. We don't refuse treatment based on Tabeo decline — we discuss alternatives.
Order replacement within 2-4 weeks. Continue wearing existing retainer in the meantime if possible. Significant gaps without retention cause movement.
Teeth move back over years. Within 1-2 years substantial relapse possible. Within 5+ years approaching pre-treatment position often.
Usually means previous aligners haven't completed their movements yet. Options: wear current aligner longer to catch up, return to previous aligner briefly, or refinement scan to update treatment plan. Discussed at progress appointment.