Invisalign vs. ProAligners vs. Direct-to-Consumer: The Ultimate Comparison
Confused by the options? We break down the differences in technology, supervision, and cost between the big brand, the specialist clinic, and the DIY mail-order kits.
Choosing an aligner provider is one of the biggest decisions you'll make for your health. The market is saturated with options, from the global giant Invisalign to Instagram-famous mail-order kits. Where does ProAligners fit in?
This guide cuts through the marketing fluff to compare the clinical reality of these three models.
1. The "Big Brand" (Invisalign)
The Good: Incredible technology, massive R&D, and can treat almost any case. The Bad: It's expensive. You are paying a huge premium for the brand name marketing. Treatments in London often range from £4,000 to £6,000.
2. The "DIY" (Mail-Order Kits)
The Good: Cheap (£900-£1,300). Convenient (no visits). The Bad: Dangerous. Without X-rays or supervision, you risk gum disease, root resorption, and bite ruin. The GDC strongly advises against remote orthodontics without face-to-face assessment.
3. The ProAligners Model (Hybrid Specialist)
The Good: We use the same high-grade materials and manufacturing processes as the big brands. We provide face-to-face doctor supervision in our South Kensington clinic. But by streamlining our lab process and avoiding massive global marketing budgets, we offer treatment for £1,000 - £2,990.
| Feature | Invisalign | Mail-Order DIY | ProAligners |
|---|---|---|---|
| Doctor Supervision | In-Person | None / Remote | In-Person |
| X-Rays & 3D Scans | Yes | No (Putty) | Yes |
| IPR & Attachments | Yes | Impossible | Yes |
| Average Cost | £4,500+ | £1,200 | £2,000 |
Dr Yasha Shirazi's Take:
"I've had patients come to me crying after DIY treatments failed. They saved £800 but lost 2mm of gum tissue. Orthodontics is a medical procedure, not a product you buy off a shelf. At ProAligners, we bridge the gap: medical safety at a sensible price."
Conclusion
If you have unlimited budget, Invisalign is fantastic. If you have zero budget, wait and save—don't risk DIY. If you want the "sweet spot" of specialist care and affordability, ProAligners is built for you.
Written by Pro Aligners Team
Medically reviewed by Dr Yasha Shirazi • GDC: 195843