Specialist vs general dentist for Invisalign: What you need to know before starting treatment
Are you considering Invisalign to straighten your teeth? You're not alone. Clear aligner therapy has revolutionised orthodontic treatment, offering a discreet and comfortable alternative to traditional braces. But here's something many people don't realise until they've already started treatment: who provides your Invisalign care matters tremendously.
At Siha Dental in Shepherd's Bush, we believe our patients deserve to make well-informed decisions about their dental care. That's why we're sharing this guide to help you understand the crucial differences between having your Invisalign treatment provided by a specialist orthodontist versus a general dentist.

What's the difference between a specialist orthodontist and a general dentist?
Think of it this way: if you needed heart surgery, would you prefer a general doctor or a heart surgeon? The same principle applies to your smile.
A general dentist completes five years of dental training and is qualified to provide a wide range of dental treatments, including basic Invisalign cases after completing a certification course provided by Align Technology (the company behind Invisalign).
A specialist orthodontist, on the other hand, undergoes those same five years of dental training, plus an additional three years of full-time specialist training focused exclusively on the movement of teeth and correction of bite issues. This is exactly what Dr. Abeera at our Shepherd's Bush practice has done, making her an expert in the field of orthodontics.
"I previously had Invisalign with a general dentist at another practice. The results weren't what I expected, so I came to Siha Dental for a consultation with Dr. Abeera. The difference in the assessment was night and day – she identified issues my previous dentist hadn't even mentioned and created a treatment plan that finally gave me the results I wanted." - Sarah, Hammersmith

Why specialist care matters for your Invisalign journey
When you choose Invisalign treatment with our specialist orthodontist at Siha Dental, you benefit in numerous ways:
More comprehensive assessment
Dr. Abeera's specialist training means she evaluates your case from multiple perspectives, considering:
- The current position of your teeth
- Your jaw relationship and bite function
- Your facial proportions and aesthetics
- Future changes that might occur in your mouth
- Potential underlying issues that could affect treatment
Using our advanced iTero scanner at our West London clinic, Dr. Abeera creates a detailed digital map of your mouth, enabling her to develop a treatment plan that addresses not just the cosmetic appearance of your teeth, but your overall oral health and function.
Expertise in complex cases
While general dentists can handle straightforward Invisalign cases, they may not have the specialist knowledge to treat more complex orthodontic issues such as:
- Severe overcrowding
- Significant bite problems (overbites, underbites, crossbites)
- Cases requiring tooth extraction or additional procedures
- Patients with unusual dental anatomy
- Teenagers whose mouths are still developing
At Siha Dental, Dr. Abeera's extensive orthodontic training allows her to confidently manage these complex cases, ensuring optimal results even for patients who have been told elsewhere that Invisalign might not work for them.
Better prediction of tooth movement
Moving teeth is a biological process that requires an understanding of how bones and tissues respond to pressure. Our specialist orthodontist has in-depth knowledge of these biological principles, allowing for:
- More predictable results
- Reduced treatment time
- Lower risk of unwanted tooth movement
- Better long-term stability
When you visit our Shepherd's Bush dental practice for Invisalign, you're benefiting from this specialist expertise that goes far beyond simply following a computer-generated treatment plan.
Ability to make expert adjustments
No matter how well planned, orthodontic treatment sometimes requires adjustments along the way. This is where specialist knowledge becomes invaluable.
If your teeth aren't moving as expected or if you experience any issues during treatment, Dr. Abeera has the expertise to:
- Identify exactly what's happening
- Make precise adjustments to your treatment plan
- Add custom attachments or auxiliary techniques when needed
- Ensure your treatment stays on track for optimal results
Holistic approach to your smile
At Siha Dental, where our philosophy is "nurturing health and embracing wellness," we take a holistic view of your treatment. Dr. Abeera doesn't just focus on straightening your teeth; she considers how your new smile will function and how it will complement your overall facial features.
This comprehensive approach is particularly important for patients from Hammersmith, White City, Acton and surrounding areas who are investing in their smiles and want results that look natural and feel comfortable.

The Invisalign process at Siha Dental
When you choose specialist-led Invisalign treatment at our Shepherd's Bush dental practice, here's what you can expect:
1. Comprehensive consultation
Your journey begins with a thorough assessment with Dr. Abeera, who will:
- Discuss your smile goals and concerns
- Examine your teeth, gums, and bite
- Take precise digital scans using our iTero scanner
- Show you a simulation of your future smile
- Explain whether you're a suitable candidate for Invisalign
This consultation is complimentary (worth £200) and only chargeable if you decide not to proceed with treatment.
2. Personalised treatment planning
Dr. Abeera will create a custom treatment plan that maps out the exact movements of your teeth. As a specialist orthodontist, she will:
- Make expert modifications to the computer-generated plan
- Determine the optimal sequence of tooth movements
- Plan strategic attachment placement for complex movements
- Consider your specific biology and predict how your teeth will respond
3. Specialist-guided treatment
Throughout your treatment, you'll benefit from:
- Regular monitoring by a specialist orthodontist
- Precise tracking of your progress
- Expert adjustments when needed
- A holistic approach that considers function as well as aesthetics
4. Comprehensive aftercare
After your active treatment is complete, you'll receive:
- Free teeth whitening (worth £395)
- Free removable retainers (worth £300)
- Free teeth contouring (worth £200)
- Ongoing support to maintain your new smile
Case study: Why specialist care made the difference
James from White City had been considering Invisalign for years but was hesitant after hearing mixed reviews from friends. Some had great experiences, while others were disappointed with their results.
After researching his options, James chose Siha Dental specifically because of our specialist orthodontist Dr. Abeera. During his consultation, she identified that James had a complex bite issue that would require careful management during treatment.
"Dr. Abeera explained that my case was more complicated than it appeared on the surface," James shares. "She showed me exactly what was happening with my bite and how she would approach the treatment differently than a general dentist might. Fifteen months later, I couldn't be happier with my results – not just how my teeth look, but how comfortable my bite feels."

Comparing costs: The value of specialist care
You might wonder if seeing a specialist orthodontist costs significantly more than a general dentist for Invisalign treatment. At Siha Dental in Shepherd's Bush, you'll find our prices competitive with other practices in West London, with the added value of specialist expertise.
Our all-inclusive pricing means:
- No hidden costs
- Free consultation, including 3D scan and smile simulation
- Over £1,095 worth of free extras included
- Flexible payment plans starting from £166.25 per month
- 0% interest options available
When you consider the potential cost of retreatment if things don't go as planned, choosing specialist care from the start is not just better for your smile – it's often more cost-effective in the long run.
Ready to start your specialist-led Invisalign journey?
If you're in Shepherd's Bush, Hammersmith, White City, Acton, Chiswick, Ealing, Holland Park, or anywhere in West London and considering Invisalign treatment, we invite you to experience the specialist difference at Siha Dental.
Book your free consultation with Dr. Abeera today and discover:
- Whether Invisalign is right for you
- How our specialist approach differs
- What your smile could look like after treatment
- Your personalised treatment options and timeline
Don't trust your smile to just anyone. Choose specialist-led Invisalign treatment at Siha Dental in Shepherd's Bush for the expertise, care, and results you deserve.
Call us today on 020 4602 3510 or book online to secure your free consultation with our specialist orthodontist.
Frequently asked questions
Is Invisalign treatment more expensive with a specialist orthodontist?
At Siha Dental, our prices are competitive with other practices in West London, despite offering specialist-led care. We believe specialist expertise should be accessible to everyone in Shepherd's Bush and surrounding areas who wants the best possible results from their Invisalign treatment.
How long does Invisalign treatment take with a specialist?
Treatment times vary depending on your specific case, but working with a specialist orthodontist like Dr. Abeera can often result in more efficient treatment. At Siha Dental, our Invisalign treatments typically range from less than 3 months for minor corrections to 12-24 months for more complex cases.
Will my results last longer if my treatment is provided by a specialist?
Specialist orthodontists have extensive training in ensuring long-term stability of your results. Dr. Abeera will create a personalised retention plan and provide free retainers to help maintain your new smile for years to come.
What if I've already started Invisalign with a general dentist but I'm not happy?
It's not uncommon for patients to switch to Siha Dental after starting treatment elsewhere. Dr. Abeera can evaluate your current progress and develop a plan to achieve the results you're looking for. Many patients find that switching to specialist care makes a significant difference in their outcomes.
Remember, when it comes to transforming your smile, expertise matters. Choose the specialist difference at Siha Dental in Shepherd's Bush, where we're not just straightening teeth – we're nurturing health and embracing wellness, one smile at a time.
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