Clear aligners · Sanderstead, South CroydonStraighter teeth, quietly.
Near-invisible, removable aligners that gradually move teeth into a straighter, more balanced position. Planned digitally from a 3D scan, so you can see your finished smile before you begin.
- Treatment time
- 6 – 18 months
- Wear
- 20 – 22 hours a day
- Reviews
- Every 6 – 10 weeks
- Fees from
- £2,750
What are clear aligners?
A modern alternative to fixed braces
Clear aligners are a series of thin, transparent trays made precisely for your teeth. Each set applies gentle, controlled pressure, moving teeth a fraction of a millimetre at a time. You change to a new set every one to two weeks until your teeth reach their planned position.
Because they are clear and removable, most people won't notice you are wearing them. You take them out to eat, drink anything other than water, brush and floss, so there are no food restrictions and no brackets or wires to work around.
At 53 Dental we plan every case with a digital 3D scan, not messy impressions. Your dentist maps each stage of movement on screen, so you can see the expected result, the number of aligners and the likely timescale before you commit to anything.
We pay as much attention to the face as to the teeth. Straightening often works best as the first step of a wider plan, followed by whitening or edge bonding for a fully refined finish.
Why patients choose it
Discreet, comfortable, and fits around your life
Almost invisible
Clear trays sit closely over your teeth, so you can smile, speak and present at work with confidence throughout treatment.
Removable
Take aligners out for meals, special occasions and cleaning. No foods to avoid and no wires to brush around.
Comfortable
Smooth, custom-fitted plastic with no metal to rub. Most people feel some pressure for a day or two with each new set, and that is all.
See it first
Your 3D plan shows the predicted movement and final result before treatment begins.
Fewer visits
Short review appointments every six to ten weeks, ideal around busy work and family diaries.
Healthier gums
Straighter teeth are easier to clean, which helps protect gums and reduce long-term wear.
Is it right for you?
Who clear aligners suit
Aligners treat most mild to moderate orthodontic concerns in adults and older teenagers. A consultation confirms whether they are the right choice for you.
- Crowding, where teeth overlap or twist because there is not enough space
- Gaps between teeth, including a gap between the front two
- Relapse after braces as a teenager, when teeth have drifted back
- Mild bite issues, such as some overbites, underbites and crossbites
- Preparing for cosmetic work, aligning teeth before bonding or veneers so less tooth needs to be altered
- Patients with healthy teeth and gums, and the commitment to wear aligners as prescribed
Your treatment, step by step
From first scan to final smile
Consultation & scan
We discuss what you would like to change, check teeth and gums, take photographs and a 3D digital scan.
Your digital plan
Your dentist designs each stage of movement. You see the predicted result and receive a fixed written fee.
Wearing aligners
You change to a new set every one to two weeks, with short reviews every six to ten weeks to check progress.
Retain & refine
Retainers hold your new position. Many patients finish with whitening or edge bonding for a polished result.
Comparing your options
Clear aligners or fixed braces?
Both straighten teeth well. The right choice depends on the movement you need and how you live.
| Feature | Clear aligners | Fixed braces |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Nearly invisible | Visible brackets and wires, or tooth-coloured options |
| Removable | Yes, for eating and cleaning | No, fixed for the whole treatment |
| Eating | No restrictions, aligners come out | Avoid hard, sticky and chewy foods |
| Cleaning | Brush and floss as normal | Takes longer around brackets |
| Typical treatment time | 6 – 18 months | 12 – 24 months |
| Best suited to | Mild to moderate cases, motivated adults | Complex movements and severe bite problems |
Fees & finance
Clear aligner fees
Your fee depends on how much movement is needed. You receive a fixed written price before you start, and can spread the cost with finance.
| Clear aligner consultationIncludes 3D scan and smile preview, redeemable against treatment | £95 |
| Short-term alignersMinor crowding or spacing, front teeth | from £2,750 |
| Comprehensive alignersModerate crowding, spacing and bite correction | from £3,950 |
| RetainersClear removable retainers, included in treatment fee | Included |
| Replacement retainersPer pair | from £195 |
Good to know
Things to consider
We would rather you decide with the full picture. Your dentist will go through all of this with you at consultation.
- Aligners only work when worn for 20 to 22 hours a day. Leaving them out slows progress.
- Small tooth-coloured attachments may be bonded to some teeth to help the aligners grip. They are removed at the end.
- Speech can feel slightly different for the first few days while you adjust.
- Teeth naturally try to move back, so retainers are needed long term to keep your result.
- Some complex bite problems are better treated with fixed braces. We will tell you honestly if that applies to you.
Questions
Clear aligner questions
Anything else? Call 020 8651 4290 or message us on WhatsApp.
How much do clear aligners cost in South Croydon?
At 53 Dental clear aligners start from £2,750 for minor cases and from £3,950 for comprehensive treatment. Your exact fee is confirmed in writing after your 3D scan, and finance is available.
How long does aligner treatment take?
Most cases take between 6 and 18 months. Minor front-tooth corrections can be quicker. Your digital plan gives you a realistic estimate before you start.
Do clear aligners hurt?
You will feel pressure for a day or two each time you change to a new set, which shows they are working. Most patients describe it as tightness rather than pain.
Can I eat with aligners in?
No. Take them out to eat and to drink anything other than plain water, then brush before putting them back in. This keeps aligners clear and teeth healthy.
Will I need to wear a retainer?
Yes. Teeth can drift back over time, so you will wear retainers after treatment, usually every night at first and then a few nights a week long term.
Can I have whitening or bonding afterwards?
Yes, and many patients do. Straightening first often means less tooth needs to be altered for a beautiful cosmetic finish.
Book your consultation
See your new smile before you start
Book a clear aligner consultation with 3D scan and smile preview at 53 Clinic, Sanderstead.
Related treatments