Invisalign is a teeth-straightening system that uses a series of custom-made, removable clear aligners to gradually move your teeth into their correct position. Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, comfortable to wear and can be removed for eating, drinking and brushing.
Pure Smiles in Fulham is an Invisalign Gold Provider — a status awarded to practices that have successfully treated a high volume of Invisalign cases. This means our team has the experience to manage everything from simple cosmetic alignment to complex bite correction.
Invisalign is not just a cosmetic treatment. It is a clinically proven orthodontic system used worldwide to treat crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites and crossbites. learn more
Invisalign treatment follows a structured process from initial consultation to final result.
| Stage | What Happens | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Consultation | 3D iTero scan of your teeth; suitability assessment; preview of your projected result | 1 appointment |
| Treatment planning | Digital treatment plan created showing each stage of tooth movement | 1-2 weeks |
| Aligner manufacture | Custom aligners fabricated based on your digital plan | 2-3 weeks |
| Wearing aligners | New set of aligners every 1-2 weeks, worn 20-22 hours per day | 6-18 months (varies) |
| Progress reviews | Regular check-ups to monitor movement and provide next sets of aligners | Every 6-8 weeks |
| Retention | Fixed or removable retainer to maintain your new smile permanently | Ongoing |
At your first appointment, we take a detailed 3D scan of your teeth using an iTero digital scanner — no messy impressions. The scan generates a digital model that lets you see a simulation of how your teeth will move and what your final result will look like before treatment begins.
Invisalign treats a wide range of orthodontic issues in adults and teenagers.
| Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Crowded teeth | Teeth overlapping due to insufficient space in the jaw |
| Gaps between teeth | Spaces caused by missing teeth, jaw growth or shifting |
| Overbite | Upper front teeth extend too far over the lower front teeth |
| Underbite | Lower front teeth sit in front of the upper front teeth |
| Crossbite | Some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when biting together |
| Open bite | Upper and lower front teeth do not meet when the mouth is closed |
Not every case is suitable for Invisalign. Severe skeletal discrepancies or very complex tooth movements may require fixed braces or combined treatment. Dr Ayzaaz Akram (BDS Liverpool 1995, GDC 70996) will assess your suitability at your consultation and recommend the most appropriate option. learn more
| Factor | Invisalign | Traditional Fixed Braces |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Virtually invisible clear aligners | Metal brackets and wires visible |
| Removable | Yes — removed for eating, drinking and cleaning | No — fixed for the duration of treatment |
| Comfort | Smooth plastic; no wires or brackets to irritate | Can cause irritation to cheeks and lips |
| Diet restrictions | None — aligners are removed when eating | Avoid hard, sticky and chewy foods |
| Oral hygiene | Brush and floss normally with aligners removed | Requires special brushes and floss threaders |
| Treatment time | 6-18 months for most cases | 12-24 months for most cases |
| Compliance required | Must wear aligners 20-22 hours per day | No compliance needed — braces are fixed |
| Suitable for complex cases | Most cases; some complex cases need fixed braces | All cases including severe malocclusion |
Invisalign requires discipline. The aligners must be worn for 20-22 hours per day to achieve results on schedule. Patients who do not wear their aligners consistently will experience delays in treatment.
Invisalign assigns provider levels based on the number of cases a practice completes. Gold Provider status confirms that Pure Smiles has the clinical experience to handle a wide range of case complexities — from simple cosmetic alignment to full bite correction.
With over 25 years of dental experience, Dr Akram combines orthodontic expertise with an understanding of overall dental health — ensuring your Invisalign treatment fits within a comprehensive plan for your long-term oral wellbeing.
Most patients adapt within the first few days. Mild pressure or tightness when switching to a new set of aligners is normal and indicates that the teeth are moving as planned.
Ready to find out if Invisalign is right for you? Book a consultation at Pure Smiles, where we will scan your teeth, assess your suitability and show you a 3D preview of your potential result — all at your first appointment.
| Practice | Address |
|---|---|
| New Kings Road | 257 New Kings Road, Fulham, SW6 4RB |
| Fulham Road | 750a Fulham Road, Fulham, SW6 5SH |
| Phone | 020 7736 6276 |
Most Invisalign treatments at Pure Smiles take between 6 and 18 months, depending on the complexity of your case. Simple cosmetic alignment may be complete in as little as 6 months, while full bite correction can take up to 18 months.
Invisalign is not painful. You may feel mild pressure or tightness for the first day or two after switching to a new set of aligners. This is a sign that the aligners are working and the discomfort typically subsides quickly.
Yes. Because Invisalign aligners are removable, there are no dietary restrictions. Remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water, then brush your teeth before reinserting them.
Invisalign aligners are made from clear, medical-grade plastic and are virtually invisible when worn. Most people will not notice you are wearing them unless you point it out.
Yes. Retainers are essential to maintain your result. Without a retainer, teeth can shift back towards their original position. Pure Smiles provides both fixed bonded retainers and removable retainers to keep your smile straight long-term. learn more
