reviewed onÂ
ORTHODONTICS LEEDS
Straighten Your Smile With
ORTHODONTICS BRACES & ALIGNERS
Crooked, crowded or gappy teeth have a habit of shaping how you behave. You learn to smile with your lips closed. You angle your head in photographs. You cover your mouth when you laugh. None of it is dramatic, but over the years it adds up to a small, persistent self-consciousness that follows you into meetings, weddings and family gatherings.
Misalignment is rarely anyone’s fault. Teeth drift naturally throughout life, jaws grow at their own pace, and a childhood retainer left in a drawer twenty years ago has consequences that show up much later. Crowding also makes teeth harder to clean properly, which can contribute to decay and gum problems over time, so straightening is not purely a cosmetic concern.
At Leeds Dental Clinic, we provide orthodontic treatment using two clear aligner systems: Invisalign and ClearCorrect. Both use a series of removable, transparent trays to gradually move your teeth into a new position, without fixed metal brackets or wires.
Clear aligners suit adults and older teenagers who want their teeth straightened discreetly and who would rather not wear visible braces through their working week. They are removable, so you take them out to eat and to clean your teeth. Most people you meet will not notice you are wearing them at all.
Which system is right for you depends on how your teeth are positioned, how much movement is needed and what you want from your treatment. We will talk that through properly at your consultation before anything is decided.
HOW DO CLEAR ALIGNERS WORK?
Clear aligners work on the same biological principle as traditional braces. Gentle, sustained pressure applied to a tooth causes the bone around its root to remodel, allowing the tooth to move into a new position and settle there. The difference is in how that pressure is delivered.
Rather than a fixed wire adjusted at intervals, aligner treatment uses a sequence of custom-made trays. Each tray is shaped very slightly differently from the last. When you wear it, the difference between the tray’s shape and your teeth’s current position creates the force that moves them.
Your treatment begins with a digital scan of your mouth, which replaces the older method of taking impression putty. That scan is used to build a three-dimensional model of your teeth, which your dentist then uses to plan the sequence of movements from your starting position to your planned finishing position.
Once the plan is approved, your full series of aligners is manufactured. You wear each tray for around one to two weeks before moving on to the next in the series. The number of trays depends entirely on how far your teeth need to travel — a mild case may need a handful, while more complex movement can run to several dozen.
Small tooth-coloured attachments are often bonded to some teeth during treatment. These give the aligner something to grip so it can deliver more controlled movement, particularly for rotating a tooth or moving it vertically. They are removed and polished away at the end of treatment.
INVISALIGN AT LEEDS DENTAL CLINIC
Invisalign is one of the longest-established clear aligner systems and has been used to treat many millions of patients worldwide since the late 1990s. That length of clinical history means the system has been applied to a broad range of cases, from minor front-tooth crowding through to more involved bite correction.
Invisalign aligners are made from a multilayer material designed to hold a steadier level of force between changes. The system offers a number of treatment packages, including shorter courses aimed at mild alignment concerns at the front of the mouth, and fuller courses for cases requiring more extensive movement.
Treatment planning uses ClinCheck software, which allows your dentist to sequence each stage of movement and show you a visual simulation of how your teeth are projected to move. It is a planning tool rather than a promise — teeth are biological, and real-world movement is monitored and adjusted as you go — but it does give you a clear sense of what is being aimed for before you commit.
CLEARCORRECT AT LEEDS DENTAL CLINIC
ClearCorrect is a clear aligner system produced by Straumann, a long-established name in dental implants and restorative dentistry. It works on the same principles as Invisalign, using a staged series of removable trays to reposition the teeth.
ClearCorrect aligners are trimmed along the gum line rather than over it, which some patients find sits more comfortably. The material used is designed to be highly transparent and to resist staining across the wear period, which matters if you drink a lot of tea or coffee.
Like Invisalign, ClearCorrect offers treatment courses of differing lengths, from limited alignment of the front teeth to comprehensive treatment involving the full arch. Planning is carried out digitally from your intraoral scan, and your dentist reviews and adjusts the proposed sequence before the trays are manufactured.
Neither system is inherently better than the other. They are two well-evidenced routes to the same objective, with differences in material, trim, planning software and cost. Your dentist will explain which is more appropriate for your particular case and why.
THE BENEFITS OF CLEAR ALIGNER TREATMENT
The most obvious advantage is discretion. Clear aligners are transparent and fit closely over the teeth, so they are considerably less noticeable than fixed metal appliances. For adults who work in client-facing roles, or who simply do not want to spend eighteen months in visible braces, that matters a great deal.
Because they are removable, aligners do not restrict what you eat. There is no list of foods to avoid, no worrying about crusty bread or toffee dislodging a bracket. You take the trays out for meals and put them back in afterwards.
Cleaning your teeth is also more straightforward. You brush and floss normally rather than working around wires and brackets, which makes it easier to maintain good oral hygiene through a long course of treatment.
There is typically less discomfort than with fixed appliances, and no protruding metal components to irritate the inside of your cheeks or lips. Most patients report a feeling of pressure or tightness for a day or two after changing to a new tray, which settles as the teeth respond.
Straighter teeth are easier to keep clean over the long term. Removing the tight overlaps where a toothbrush struggles to reach reduces the places where plaque accumulates, which supports gum health and reduces decay risk in those areas.
Finally, aligner treatment tends to require fewer and shorter appointments than fixed braces, since there are no wires to adjust. Reviews are usually spaced several weeks apart and are largely about checking progress and issuing your next set of trays.
CLEARCORRECT AT LEEDS DENTAL CLINIC
ClearCorrect is a clear aligner system produced by Straumann, a long-established name in dental implants and restorative dentistry. It works on the same principles as Invisalign, using a staged series of removable trays to reposition the teeth.
ClearCorrect aligners are trimmed along the gum line rather than over it, which some patients find sits more comfortably. The material used is designed to be highly transparent and to resist staining across the wear period, which matters if you drink a lot of tea or coffee.
Like Invisalign, ClearCorrect offers treatment courses of differing lengths, from limited alignment of the front teeth to comprehensive treatment involving the full arch. Planning is carried out digitally from your intraoral scan, and your dentist reviews and adjusts the proposed sequence before the trays are manufactured.
Neither system is inherently better than the other. They are two well-evidenced routes to the same objective, with differences in material, trim, planning software and cost. Your dentist will explain which is more appropriate for your particular case and why.
YOUR ORTHODONTIC JOURNEY
Initial consultation. We begin by examining your teeth, gums and bite, and by understanding what you would like to change. Photographs, X-rays and a digital scan are usually taken. We check that your teeth and gums are healthy enough to begin, because active decay or gum disease should be treated first.
Treatment planning. Your scan is used to build a digital plan showing the sequence of movements. Your dentist reviews this in detail and adjusts it before approval. You will be shown a simulation of the projected outcome, together with the number of aligners involved, the expected duration and a written treatment plan with costs.
Starting treatment. Once your aligners arrive, we fit any attachments needed and issue your first trays. You will be shown how to insert and remove them, how to clean them, and how to keep track of your wear time. Most people adapt within a few days, including to the slight lisp that can appear in the first week.
Progress reviews. You will attend the clinic periodically so we can check that your teeth are tracking to plan and hand over your next batch of aligners. If a tooth is not moving as anticipated, the plan can be refined and additional aligners produced — this is a normal part of orthodontic treatment rather than a setback.
Retention. When active treatment finishes, attachments are removed, and your teeth are polished. Retainers are then fitted. Teeth have a natural tendency to drift back towards their previous position, so wearing your retainers as instructed is what preserves the result. We will talk you through the retainer options and the long-term routine.
PRAISE
FOR LEEDS DENTAL IMPLANT AND COSMETIC CLINIC
ORTHODONTICS - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Invisalign and ClearCorrect?
Both are clear aligner systems that straighten teeth using a staged series of removable transparent trays, and both are planned digitally from a scan of your mouth. The practical differences are in the material each uses, how the trays are trimmed at the gum line, the planning software behind them and the cost of treatment.
ClearCorrect trims along the gum margin, which some patients find more comfortable, while Invisalign has a longer clinical track record and a wider range of treatment packages. Neither is superior to the other. Your dentist will recommend one based on the movements your case requires and discuss the reasoning with you.
Am I suitable for clear aligner treatment?
Many adults and older teenagers are suitable, but it depends on what needs correcting. Clear aligners handle crowding, spacing, mild to moderate bite issues and general alignment well. Cases involving significant skeletal discrepancy, substantial tooth rotation or teeth requiring large vertical movement may be better served by fixed braces or a combined approach.
Your teeth and gums also need to be healthy before starting, so any decay or gum disease is treated first. Suitability can only be confirmed after a clinical examination, X-rays and a digital scan.
If aligners are not appropriate for your case, we will tell you and explain the alternatives.
How long does clear aligner treatment take?
Treatment length depends on how far your teeth need to move. Limited treatment addressing mild crowding or spacing at the front of the mouth often takes around four to six months.
Comprehensive treatment involving the full arch and bite correction commonly runs from twelve to eighteen months, and complex cases can take longer. Your dentist will give you an estimated duration and aligner count as part of your written treatment plan.
Wearing your aligners for the recommended number of hours each day is the single biggest factor within your control; inconsistent wear extends treatment, sometimes considerably.
How many hours a day do I need to wear my aligners?
Clear aligners are usually worn for 20 to 22 hours a day. In practice, that means keeping them in at all times apart from eating, drinking anything other than plain water, and cleaning your teeth. This is not a guideline that can be treated loosely.
Each tray is designed to deliver a specific amount of movement over its wear period, and falling short means your teeth do not reach the position the next tray expects. The result is aligners that no longer fit properly, delayed progress and potentially additional trays. Getting into a consistent daily routine early makes a real difference.
Do clear aligners hurt?
Most people describe pressure or tightness rather than pain, typically for the first day or two after switching to a new tray. That sensation is the teeth responding to the force being applied, and it usually settles as they begin to move. Over-the-counter pain relief is sufficient for the majority of patients who need anything at all.
Some find the edges of a new tray feel sharp initially; this generally eases quickly and can be adjusted if it persists. Discomfort with aligners is usually reported as less than with fixed braces, partly because there are no wires or brackets rubbing against the cheeks and lips.
Are clear aligners noticeable?
Clear aligners are made from transparent material and fit closely over the teeth, so they are far less visible than fixed metal braces. Most people you interact with day to day will not notice them. They are not completely invisible, though, and someone looking closely at your teeth in bright light may see the edge of the tray.
If tooth-coloured attachments are needed for your case, these are small bonded shapes on some teeth and are more visible than the aligner itself, though still considerably more discreet than brackets and wires. Keeping your trays clean also keeps them clear.
Can I eat and drink with my aligners in?
No. Aligners should be removed for all food and for any drink other than plain water. Chewing with them in can distort or crack the tray, and hot drinks can warp the material. Coloured drinks such as tea, coffee, red wine and cola will stain the aligners and can also become trapped against your teeth, raising the risk of decay. Rinse your mouth and, where you can, brush before putting the trays back in.
Being able to remove aligners for meals is one of the main advantages of this treatment, but it does require a little planning around snacking.
How do I clean my aligners?
Rinse your aligners in lukewarm water every time you remove them, and brush them gently with a soft toothbrush at least once a day. Avoid hot water, which can distort the plastic, and avoid coloured or strongly flavoured toothpaste, which can be abrasive and cloud the surface. Cleaning crystals or tablets made for aligners can be used periodically to help keep them clear. Always store them in their case rather than a napkin or pocket.
Clean aligners stay more transparent, smell better and reduce the amount of bacteria sitting against your teeth for twenty-two hours a day.
What are attachments and why might I need them?
Attachments are small tooth-coloured shapes bonded to the surface of certain teeth at the start of treatment. They give the aligner something to grip, allowing it to apply force in a more controlled direction. They are particularly useful for rotating a tooth, moving it vertically, or holding a tooth still while others move around it. Not every case needs them, and the number varies according to your treatment plan.
They are made from composite material, are shaded to match your teeth, and are removed and polished away when active treatment finishes. They do not damage the underlying tooth.
What is IPR and will I need it?
IPR stands for interproximal reduction. It involves removing a very small amount of enamel from between certain teeth to create the space needed for them to move into alignment. The amounts are minimal, typically a fraction of a millimetre, and are carried out with fine strips or a precision instrument. It is generally painless and does not require anaesthetic.
IPR is often used as an alternative to extracting a tooth when mild crowding needs resolving. Whether you need it depends on how much space your case requires, and your dentist will discuss it as part of your treatment plan.
Will I need retainers after treatment?
Yes. Retainers are not optional and are not a temporary measure.
Teeth have a natural tendency to drift back towards their previous position, particularly in the first months after treatment, and retention is what holds your result in place. You may be given removable retainers worn at night, a fixed wire bonded discreetly behind the front teeth, or a combination of both. Retainers wear out and need replacing periodically, so factor that into your long-term planning.
We will explain the options and the routine when your active treatment finishes, and review your retainers at your regular check-ups.
What happens if I lose an aligner?
Contact us as soon as you notice. Depending on how far through that tray’s wear period you were, we may ask you to go back to your previous aligner to hold your teeth in position, move forward to the next tray early, or order a replacement. Do not simply leave your aligners out while you wait, as your teeth can begin to drift and the following tray may then no longer fit.
Keeping your previous aligner rather than discarding it immediately is a sensible habit for exactly this reason, and always storing trays in their case reduces the chance of losing them.
Can I have clear aligners if I have crowns, veneers or implants?
Often, yes, though it requires careful planning. Crowns and veneers can be moved by aligners, but attachments may not bond as reliably to porcelain as they do to natural enamel, which can affect how much control is available.
Implants are fused to the bone and cannot be moved at all, so treatment must be planned around them. Existing restorations may also no longer match once your teeth have been repositioned, and you may want them replaced afterwards. Your dentist will assess all existing dental work at your consultation and explain how it affects what is achievable in your case.
Can teenagers have clear aligner treatment?
Yes, provided their adult teeth have sufficiently erupted and they are able to commit to the wear routine.
Both Invisalign and ClearCorrect offer options designed for younger patients, including features that account for teeth still coming through and indicators that show how consistently the trays have been worn. Because aligners are removable, success depends heavily on the patient wearing them for 20 to 22 hours a day without supervision. For some teenagers, fixed braces are the more practical choice for exactly that reason.
We assess this individually and discuss it openly with both the patient and their parent or guardian.
Can I whiten my teeth during or after aligner treatment?
Whitening is normally carried out after your aligner treatment has finished and any attachments have been removed. Whitening while attachments are still bonded to your teeth would leave patches of unwhitened enamel underneath them.
Straightening first also means the whole surface of each tooth is exposed and evenly treated. Many patients choose to complete orthodontic treatment, then whiten, then address any restorations that no longer match. Your retainers may be usable as whitening trays in some cases, which your dentist can advise on.
We will sequence any combined treatment plan so the stages happen in a sensible order.
What if clear aligners are not suitable for my case?
Aligners cannot address every orthodontic problem. Cases involving significant jaw discrepancies, severe crowding requiring extractions, or movements that need a level of control aligners cannot reliably deliver may be better treated with fixed appliances, or may need referral to an orthodontist for assessment.
If that applies to you, we will say so directly and explain the reasoning rather than proceeding with treatment that is unlikely to achieve what you want. Where a referral is appropriate, we will arrange it. Being clear about the limits of a treatment is part of giving you an informed choice.
How much does orthodontic treatment cost in Leeds?
Cost depends on which system is used, how many aligners your case requires and whether treatment is limited to the front teeth or comprehensive across both arches. Shorter courses addressing mild alignment sit at the lower end; full treatment involving bite correction costs more.
Your written treatment plan will set out the total fee before you commit, including what is covered — consultation, scans, aligners, review appointments and retainers. Finance options are available to spread the cost over monthly payments.
Please see our fees page or contact the practice for current figures, as we would rather quote you accurately than approximately.
How do I get started with orthodontic treatment?
Book an initial consultation. At that appointment, we examine your teeth, gums and bite, take any necessary X-rays and photographs, and carry out a digital scan. We will discuss what you would like to change and whether Invisalign or ClearCorrect suits your case.
You will then receive a written treatment plan setting out the proposed approach, estimated duration, number of aligners and full costs, with a simulation of the projected result where available.
There is no obligation to proceed after your consultation. Call the practice on 0113 465 8000 or use the contact form to arrange a time.
ORTHODONTIC AT LEEDS DENTAL CLINIC
Leeds Dental Clinic offers advanced orthodontic treatments in Leeds, including Invisalign® and ClearCorrect® clear aligners, to help you achieve a straighter, healthier smile with a discreet and comfortable treatment experience.
