Invisalign is a brand of clear aligner. "Clear aligners" is the umbrella term for any orthodontic system that uses a series of removable, transparent trays to move teeth gradually into a better position. Invisalign, made by Align Technology, is the best known of these systems, which is why many people use the name for clear aligners in general, much as people say "Hoover" for any vacuum cleaner.

At Siha Dental we use two clear aligner systems: Spark and 32Co. We chose them because both are orthodontist-led. In our experience, though, the brand matters far less to your result than the quality of the assessment, planning and supervision behind your treatment.

How clear aligners work

Whatever the brand, clear aligner treatment follows the same basic principle. Your clinician takes a detailed 3D digital scan of your teeth and uses specialist software to plan, step by step, how each tooth should move. A series of custom-made aligners is then produced, each one slightly different from the last.

• You wear each set of aligners for around one to two weeks before moving on to the next.
• Aligners need to be worn for around 20 to 22 hours a day to work as planned, so they only come out to eat, to drink anything other than plain water, and to clean your teeth.
• Small tooth-coloured bumps called attachments are often bonded to some teeth to help the aligners grip and guide movement more precisely.
• You'll have regular check-ins so your clinician can confirm your teeth are moving as expected.
• Once treatment finishes, retainers hold your teeth in their new position. Without them, teeth naturally tend to drift back.

What makes Invisalign different?

Invisalign has been available since the late 1990s, making it one of the longest-established aligner systems. Align Technology uses its own aligner material, called SmartTrack, and its own planning software, which lets your clinician map out tooth movements and show you a digital preview of the expected result. 

Because so many clinicians around the world use Invisalign, there is a large body of clinical experience behind it, which is one reason it's often the system people ask for by name.

What about other brands, such as Spark and 32Co?

Spark is a clear aligner system made by Ormco, a long-standing orthodontic manufacturer. It works in the same way as Invisalign but uses a different material, which Ormco calls TruGEN. According to the manufacturer, Spark aligners are designed to be particularly clear and resistant to staining.

32Co is a UK-founded clear aligner system built around collaboration between dentists and UK specialist orthodontists, with orthodontist-designed treatment plans. Its platform also includes virtual monitoring, so your progress can be checked between appointments.

At Siha, both systems are prescribed and supervised by our specialist orthodontist following an in-person assessment.

“There are a lot of aligner systems out there, and most will get you to the same result, just in different ways. Spark, for example, builds the grip points into the aligner itself, so you don’t need the small tooth-coloured buttons that are bonded to your teeth with Invisalign and 32Co. We use Spark and 32Co because both are orthodontist-led, which in our experience gives quicker and more predictable results. We’re moving to 32Co entirely from next year. The whole system works brilliantly for patients and for us, and it includes virtual monitoring at no extra cost, so we can check your progress between appointments.”

Dr Hannan Imran, Siha Dental

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Invisalign vs Spark at a glance

All three systems work in the same basic way. The real differences are in the details, such as how the aligners grip your teeth, who plans your treatment and how your progress is tracked. At Siha, Spark and 32Co treatment is prescribed and supervised by our Specialist Orthodontist, Dr Abeera Imran.

The difference that really matters: who oversees your treatment

The bigger question when comparing clear aligners isn't Invisalign versus another brand. It's whether your treatment is planned and supervised by a dental professional who has examined you in person, or ordered remotely through an at-home, "direct-to-consumer" service.

The General Dental Council (GDC), which regulates dental professionals in the UK, is clear on this. Its statement on direct-to-consumer orthodontics says decisions about whether orthodontic treatment is suitable must be based on a full assessment of your oral health, and that there is currently "no effective substitute for a physical, clinical examination". The GDC also says patients must know the full name of the dental professional responsible for their treatment and be able to contact them directly.

Why does this matter? Moving teeth that sit in unhealthy gums, or that have undiagnosed decay, can make existing problems worse. Bite issues, jaw joint concerns and the health of tooth roots can't be fully judged from photos or a home impression kit. And if your teeth don't move as planned, you need someone who can see you, work out why and adjust the plan.

What to ask before starting any clear aligner treatment

Whichever provider you're considering, these questions will help you judge the quality of care you'll receive:

• Who will be responsible for my treatment, and what are their qualifications and GDC registration number?
• Will I have an in-person examination, including a check of my gum health and any X-rays needed, before treatment is planned?
• Which aligner system do you recommend for me, and why?
• How often will I be seen during treatment?
• What happens if my teeth don't move as planned? Are additional aligners (refinements) included?
• Are retainers included, and what is the long-term plan to keep my teeth straight?
• What is the total cost, and what exactly does it include?

How clear aligner treatment works at Siha Dental

At Siha Dental, all clear aligner treatment is led by our Specialist Orthodontist, Dr Abeera Imran. Specialist orthodontists complete additional years of postgraduate training focused on tooth movement and jaw alignment. Dr Abeera holds a Master's degree from King's College London and a Membership in Orthodontics from the Royal College of Surgeons of England. 

Your journey with us typically looks like this:

• Consultation and oral health check. We start by listening to what you'd like to change and checking that your teeth and gums are healthy enough to begin.
• 3D scan and smile review. We use our iTero scanner to create a precise digital model of your teeth, then talk you through what's achievable.
• Your personalised plan. Dr Abeera recommends the aligner system and plan that best suits your case, whether that’s Spark or 32Co.
• Progress check-ins. Regular appointments make sure your teeth are moving as expected, with adjustments if needed.
• Your final smile and retainers. Custom retainers help protect your result for the long term.

Most treatments take between 6 and 18 months, depending on how much movement is needed. Our clear aligner plans are priced by complexity, from Express for very minor corrections through to Complex for more significant crowding or bite issues, and each plan includes extras such as teeth whitening and custom retainers. You can see current prices on our fees and payment plans page, and 0% finance is available.

If clear aligners aren't the right fit for you, for example in some more complex bite cases, we'll tell you honestly and talk you through alternatives such as fixed braces.

Frequently asked questions

Is Invisalign better than other clear aligners?

Not automatically. Invisalign is a well-established, widely used system, but other reputable aligners such as Spark work in the same way and can achieve excellent results. Invisalign is well established, but other reputable systems such as Spark and 32Co work in the same way and can achieve excellent results.

Are clear aligners cheaper than Invisalign?

Not necessarily. The cost of treatment generally reflects how complex your case is, how many aligners you need and the clinical care involved, rather than the brand name alone. At Siha, our clear aligner plans are priced by complexity. 

Can I eat and drink with my aligners?

No. Take your aligners out to eat and to drink anything other than plain water. Sugary or acidic food and drinks can get trapped between the aligner and your teeth, which increases the risk of decay and erosion. Brush your teeth before putting your aligners back in. Our guide to Halloween sweets and your teeth explains why. [Aliya to check the link once the Halloween blog is live.]

Do clear aligners hurt?

Most people feel some pressure or tenderness for a day or two when they start a new set of aligners. This is a normal sign that the aligners are working and usually settles quickly.

Will I need to wear a retainer?

Yes. Teeth have a natural tendency to move back towards their original position, so retainers are an essential part of any orthodontic treatment. Your orthodontist will advise how often to wear them.

I had braces years ago and my teeth have moved. Can clear aligners help?

Often, yes. It's common for teeth to shift if retainers weren't worn after braces, and aligners can usually correct this. A consultation will confirm whether they're right for you.

Can teenagers have clear aligners?

Clear aligners can suit teenagers as well as adults, provided they're happy to wear them for the recommended hours each day. Dr Abeera will advise whether aligners or another option is best.

Book a clear aligner consultation

If you're weighing up clear aligners, the most useful next step is a conversation with a specialist who has examined your teeth. Book a consultation with Dr Abeera at our Askew Road practice in Shepherd's Bush, convenient for Hammersmith, White City, Acton, Chiswick and Ealing. Book online or call us on 020 4602 3510.

This article is for general information only and isn't a substitute for a personal assessment by a dental professional.