Am I a candidate for ProAligners?

Most adults and teens with common alignment issues such as crowding, spacing, overbites, or orthodontic relapse are excellent candidates. We offer a free consultation and 3D digital scan at our South Kensington clinic to assess suitability and create a personalised treatment plan.

Do I need to visit the clinic?

Yes. Unlike DIY mail-order aligners, ProAligners provides dentist-led care. You will visit our South Kensington clinic for your initial 3D scan, fitting appointment, and regular progress reviews to ensure safe and precise results.

How long does treatment take?

Treatment time varies by case complexity. Mild adjustments using Easy Align can take as little as 4 months, while more complex cases with Ultimate Align typically take between 12 and 20+ months.

How much do ProAligners cost?

Treatment plans start from £1,000 and go up to £2,990 for complex cases. We also offer 0% interest finance options to help spread the cost.

What happens after my treatment finishes?

After treatment, retainers are required to maintain your results. Two sets of free retainers are included with Smart and Ultimate plans, and retainers are available to purchase with Easy Align to prevent teeth from shifting.

Retainers for Life: The Only Way to Stop Your Teeth Moving Back

Why do teeth relapse? We explain the science of bone memory and why we include free retainers in our packages to protect your investment forever.

You've finished your treatment. You've looked in the mirror and seen your perfect, straight smile. You take your last aligner out and throw it away. You're done, right?

Wrong.

The retention phase is arguably more important than the treatment phase. Without retainers, your teeth will move back. This is called Orthodontic Relapse, and it affects over 50% of patients who don't follow aftercare advice.

The Science: Why Teeth Move Back

Think of your teeth like an iceberg. You see the white crown, but underneath is a long root anchored in bone by elastic fibres (the Periodontal Ligament). When we move teeth with aligners, we stretch these fibres and soften the bone.

When you stop pushing the teeth, those elastic fibres want to snap back to their original shape, pulling the teeth with them. It takes about 12 months for the bone to fully harden and the fibres to reorganise around the new position.

Types of Retainers: Fixed vs. Removable

At ProAligners, we often recommend a "Belt and Braces" approach:

Fixed Retainer (Bonded Wire): A thin metal wire glued behind your front 6 teeth. It is invisible and works 24/7. It is great for keeping front teeth straight but doesn't cover the back teeth.
Removable Retainers (Vivera/Essix): Clear trays that look just like your aligners. You wear these at night. They hold the entire arch in place.

Expert Insight: Dr Yasha Shirazi

Clinical Director & Principal Dentist (GDC: 195843)

"I tell my patients: 'Nighttime is for retainers'. It has to become as routine as brushing your teeth. If you lose your retainer, call us immediately. Teeth can shift significantly in just one week without retention."

The "Free Retainer" Trap in Other Clinics

Many clinics charge you £250-£400 for retainers after you finish treatment. It's a hidden cost. Or worse, DIY mail-order companies require a subscription to send them.

The ProAligners Promise:

We include Two Sets of Free Retainers with our Smart and Ultimate plans. Why two? Because dogs chew them, they get lost in hotels, and they wear out. Having a backup ensures you never go a night without protection.

How long do I wear them?

The saying in orthodontics is: "Wear your retainers for as long as you want to keep your teeth straight."

Months 1-6: Every night (10-12 hours).
Months 6+: Every night or every other night, for life.