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For a long time the only way to straighten teeth was with traditional fixed braces using metal brackets and wires. Patients often referred to these as ‘train tracks’ and didn’t like the idea of wearing them.
In the last 15 years technology has advanced and almost invisible braces can now be used. We have partnered with 32CO to provide clear aligners for patients
From £2800 for up to 12 aligners
Clear aligners refers to clear brace system which uses a sequence of computer-designed aligners made from durable BPA-free plastic to gradually move your teeth by applying pressure in precision locations.
A detailed digital scan of your mouth is taken along with high quality photographs. A UK orthodontist asesses The digital scan is used by a UK orth odontist to accurately plan the movement of your teeth
One of the benefits of having aligners with 32CO is that we work with UK orthodontists to plan your treatment. Many other systems have treatment planned all over the world by technicians who have no clinical training. We find that by working with a UK orthodontist treatment time can be shorter with less need for refinements and more accurate tracking.
These movements are then broken down into stages and 3D printing is used to create individual aligners to carry out the planned tooth movement.
Once these aligners have been created you will visit your 32CO Dentist to have the aligners fitted and your progress will be reviewed periodically.
It can take as little as 12 aligners to straighten your teeth. These are changed approximately every 7-10 days . There is an average treatment time of between 6 to 9 months. Some cases are more complex and can take over 12 months. More movement = more complexity.
Each case is individual and to get a more accurate idea, we would advise you to contact us for a consultation.
When first starting any orthodontic treatment there will be minor discomfort due to the pressure applied to move your teeth. You may find eating at first slightly slower due to the slight discomfort. This usually lasts only a few days after fitting your new aligners. Over-the-counter pain medication such as paracetamol or ibuprofen will provide relief against this discomfort.
There are certain advantages with each brace system. It is important to understand these before embarking on treatment. In this section we will discuss Clear aligners vs other braces and the advantages and disadvantages of clear braces and fixed braces.
These systems utilise brackets which are bonded to the teeth for the duration of treatment. Onto these brackets, titanium or stainless steel wires are tied in place using small elastic bands.
It is difficult to answer this question without having a consultation. Please contact us for an assessment.
Clear aligners can treat a number of different types of mild to moderate discrepancies. Discrepancies in tooth movements are called malocclusions. These malocclusions include:
This is when the teeth aren’t quite in the perfect alignment and need a number of movements to bring everything into line.
Where the top teeth overlap the lower teeth a little too far and have been pushed forward. This is sometimes corrected by moving the bottom and top teeth into line.
Where the bottom teeth overlap the top teeth. This is sometimes corrected by moving the bottom and top teeth into line.
This is when there are gaps between the teeth that need closing. This is corrected by bringing all the teeth closer together.
Again, it is difficult to answer this question without having a consultation. Broadly speaking, treatment is only suitable for people when they only require mild or moderate corrections to their teeth.
There is a smile assessment tool which may be useful in determining if you are suitable. Please contact us for an assessment at the practice.
First you will have a smile assessment of your teeth by a dentist. This does not include a checkup if you aren’t a patient at our practice. Your needs and what you would like to change with regard to your teeth are discussed. Following this, if you are suitable and decide to go ahead, we can book a longer appointment for full assessment and clinical record taking.
After the impressions of your teeth and have been scanned a treatment plan will be formed. This is referred to as a treatment design
Your dentist will work closely with a 32CO orthodontist to optimise your treatment plan. When this is ready the number of aligners and stages will be identified. You will receive a treatment design and plan showing the anticipated movements of your teeth.
Once we have received your aligners, we will make arrangements to fit them. Sometimes you will be given a number of aligners and instructed on when to change them. Each one is numbered on the pouches they are delivered in and also printed on the aligner itself. Your progress will be reviewed with your provider roughly every 2-6 weeks.
At these appointments, your progress will be reviewed alongside the treatment design. Sometimes small tooth adjustment is required to create space. This is the process where up to 0.5mm of enamel can be removed from each surface of the tooth, this allows further space for your teeth to be aligned. This is known as interproximal reduction.
This interproximal reduction is done with thin abrasive strips most commonly. This process is painless and doesn’t require any local anaesthetic. Here is the British Orthodontic Society information leaflet on interproximal reduction.
Sometimes as you reach the end of your treatment, extra refinements may be required to give you the very best results. Often this is included in your treatment plan and requires a new set of impressions, from which a small set of aligners are made to move your teeth into their final positions. Once all tooth movements are completed the most important stage comes next
Once you have reached the end of your treatment, it is really important to plan how we are going to hold the teeth in their new position. Usually teeth want to move back to their original position.
Retainers hold the teeth in place so your teeth do not move back to their original position (also known as relapse). You will require life-long retainer use to ensure you keep your teeth in their new positions.
Retention can either be removable, fixed or commonly – both may be required. Your clear alignerProvider will discuss which options will be used and which would be the best on a case by case basis.
You will be advised by your 32CO provider how often you should be seen for a review and check-up following your treatment.
Here are a number of before and after pictures of patients which our clear aligner Providers at the Vallance Dental Centre have treated.
Each treatment plan is unique with its own individual complexity. As such, it is hard to give an exact price without a consultation.
At The Vallance Dental Centre, our prices start from £2800 for up to 12 aligners. Additional costs may be required for retainers, fixed and/or removable.
At the Vallance Dental Centre, we include tooth whitening for free at the end of your clear aligner treatment.
Finance is available, see our finance calculator here.
See our price list here for detailed information on the cost of all brace options.
Having graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2021 I joined the team at Vallance. It has been a long-time dream of mine to combine my passion for healthcare and practical tasks, and a degree in dentistry has allowed me to do that. I always endeavour to provide the highest quality care for all my patients using techniques backed up by evidence. Other than dentistry, my interests include keeping fit, travelling, and eating good food!
I graduated Manchester Dental School in 2016 and joined The Vallance Dental Centre in 2022. I enjoy practicing general dentistry and easing concerns of children and anxious adults alike. I am a qualified Invisalign and tooth whitening provider. I also practice facial aesthetics and have great results with Botulinum toxin and filler, offering natural enhancements. In my spare time I enjoy playing golf and travelling.
I was inspired to become a dentist since I was a young teenager due to the dramatic effect orthodontics had on my life. I graduated from the University of Manchester in 2009, worked in Leeds for 2 years and have been practicing from the Vallance Dental Centre since 2011.
I always strive to do my best for patients and am passionate about predictable and ethical general dentistry. In my spare time I am a keen sports skydiver and skydiving coach!
The Vallance Dental CentreBrunswick Street, Manchester
Hi there. If you have questions or at any point you’re confused then you’re looking at the right place to find the answers. You can also email us at reception@vallancedentalcentre.com
Please bring the following items with you to your appointment:
Please bring the following items with you to your appointment:
It is great that your teeth feel fine, but we would recommend you have a dental checkup if you haven’t had one for a while. The reason for this is that often when dental symptoms appear the problem causing them is much more difficult to fix, and often with a worse prognosis. For example, early tooth decay often causes little or no discomfort or sensitivity. If this decay progresses then tooth loss or root canal treatment may be inevitable. With regular dental checkups the aim is to identify any problems early so they can be resolved with the best prognosis.
We follow the guidelines set out by NICE with regard to dental examinations. Your risk to certain dental diseases will be assessed and a recall interval will be recommended from 3 to 24 months for your next check up.
Please see our contact page to find out how to contact us for a detailed consultation with one of our clear aligner providers. Please see our dental charges page for up to date fees.
