Invisalign in Thames Ditton: a clear way to straighten your teeth
If your teeth have always bothered you in photos, or they shifted back after braces years ago, you are not on your own. Many adults now want straighter teeth without fixed metal braces, but also want treatment that fits quietly around work, family and everyday life.
At Thames Dental & Skin in Thames Ditton, we use Invisalign clear aligners to gently straighten teeth as part of a wider plan for your oral and general health – not just a quick cosmetic fix. We see patients from across Surrey, including Surbiton, Esher, Cobham, Molesey, Hinchley Wood, Walton‑on‑Thames and Kingston.
How Invisalign works – in real life
Invisalign uses a series of thin, clear, removable aligners that fit closely over your teeth and apply gentle pressure to move them bit by bit. You change to a new set every week or two, and over time your teeth follow the planned path.
Your Invisalign journey with us typically looks like this:
Step 1 – Consultation and scan
We examine your teeth and gums, talk through what you would like to change, and take digital scans or impressions to map your teeth.
Step 2 – Your custom plan
Using your records, we design a step‑by‑step plan showing how each tooth will move and how long treatment is likely to take.
Step 3 – Wearing your aligners
You wear your Invisalign trays for 20–22 hours a day, taking them out only for eating, drinking anything other than water, and cleaning your teeth.
Step 4 – Reviews and refinements
You see us in Thames Ditton at regular intervals so we can check progress, make any tweaks and keep everything on track.
Because the aligners are clear and removable, most people you meet day‑to‑day will not notice you are wearing them unless you point them out.
More than just a straighter smile
Most people ask about Invisalign because they are unhappy with how their teeth look. There are important health benefits as well.
- Easier cleaning – straightening crowded teeth can remove plaque traps and make brushing and flossing more effective.
- Happier gums – when teeth are better aligned, it is easier to keep the gumline clean and manage or prevent gum disease.
- Less uneven wear – a more balanced bite spreads chewing forces more evenly, which may reduce chipping and heavy wear on certain teeth.
At Thames Dental & Skin, we also consider how tooth position links with jaw function, diet, stress, gut health and other factors, so Invisalign becomes part of a broader plan for your mouth and overall wellbeing.
Invisalign vs composite bonding – or do you need both?
A common question we hear from Surrey patients is: “Do I need Invisalign or can you just bond them?”
Composite bonding is great for:
- Smoothing chipped or worn edges
- Tweaking tooth shape and closing tiny gaps
- Small cosmetic improvements that do not need teeth to move
What bonding cannot do:
- Move crooked or rotated teeth into better positions
- Correct more obvious crowding or larger gaps on its own
For many adults, the most natural, long‑lasting approach is:
- Align teeth properly with Invisalign
- Whiten once everything is in the right place
- Use a small amount of bonding only where needed for perfecting shapes and edges
This “align, brighten, refine” sequence keeps drilling to a minimum and is kinder to your teeth and gums in the long run.
Your Invisalign journey at Thames Dental & Skin
Because every mouth is different, we take time at the start to understand your full picture – not just your front teeth.
1. Comprehensive consultation
- Full dental and gum assessment
- Bite analysis and check of existing fillings, crowns or implants
- Conversation about your goals, lifestyle and any worries
- Photographs and scans or impressions to record where we are starting from
2. Joined‑up treatment plan
- Confirming that Invisalign is the right option for your mouth
- Planning any hygiene, gum treatment, repairs or whitening needed before or alongside aligners
- Where relevant, suggesting health checks (for example if gum inflammation may be linked to diet or systemic health)
3. Aligners and active treatment
- Fitting your first sets of Invisalign aligners and showing you how to use and clean them
- Adding small, tooth‑coloured “attachments” on some teeth if we need extra grip to achieve certain movements
- Regular review appointments in Thames Ditton to ensure your teeth are following the plan and to make adjustments if required
4. Finishing touches
- Whitening to brighten your new smile if you wish
- Subtle composite bonding in selected areas to refine symmetry and shape
- Final checks of your bite and gum health to make sure the result feels as good as it looks
5. Retainers and long‑term care
- Providing fixed and/or removable retainers and clear guidance on when to wear them
- Ongoing check‑ups and hygienist visits to maintain alignment and gum health
- Advice on lifestyle and nutrition that supports your mouth and general health over time
Who is Invisalign suitable for?
Invisalign is especially popular with adults who:
- Have mild to moderate crowding, spacing or certain bite issues
- Want a more discreet alternative to fixed braces
- Can commit to wearing aligners for most of the day and night
- Have generally healthy gums and teeth or are happy to treat any issues first
More complex cases may still need fixed braces or other specialist treatment, and some people will need gum disease or decay managed before starting aligners. At your consultation we will talk honestly about whether Invisalign, another orthodontic option or a combination of treatments is likely to give you the best, most stable result.
Why Surrey adults are choosing Invisalign now
Across Surrey, more adults are opting for Invisalign because it quietly fits around work and family life. Patients particularly value that they can:
- Take aligners out for eating, meetings and special occasions
- Avoid food getting trapped in brackets and wires
- See a digital preview of their likely result before committing to treatment
At Thames Dental & Skin in Thames Ditton, Invisalign can be combined with whitening, minimal bonding and – if you wish – subtle facial aesthetics or skin treatments, so your smile sits comfortably within your overall appearance and health plan. If you have been thinking, “I really should do something about my teeth this year”, an Invisalign consultation is a good place to start.
Ready to book a consultation?
Whether you're seeking to restore your smile, enhance your appearance, or maintain your oral health, Thames is your local partner in achieving your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Invisalign available for patients outside Thames Ditton?
Yes. Patients regularly visit from across Surrey, including Esher, Surbiton, Cobham, Molesey, Hinchley Wood, Walton-on-Thames and Kingston, for Invisalign treatment and ongoing care.
Can Invisalign be combined with whitening or other treatments?
Absolutely. Many patients choose to combine Invisalign with whitening and subtle composite bonding once alignment is complete. This allows for a natural, balanced smile makeover with minimal drilling.
How do I start Invisalign treatment?
The first step is a consultation, where your teeth, gums and bite are assessed, and digital scans are taken. You will then receive a personalised plan showing how your teeth are expected to move and how long treatment is likely to take.
Is Invisalign suitable for adults?
Yes. Invisalign is particularly popular with adults who want a discreet way to straighten their teeth. It works well for mild to moderate crowding, gaps and certain bite issues, provided you can wear the aligners for 20–22 hours a day.
How long does Invisalign treatment usually take?
Treatment time varies depending on how much movement is needed, but many adults complete Invisalign within 6–18 months. At your consultation, you will be given a personalised timeline based on your digital scans and treatment goals.
How often will I need appointments during Invisalign treatment?
You will have regular review appointments at Thames Dental & Skin so your dentist can check progress, make refinements if needed, and ensure your teeth are moving as planned. These visits are usually less frequent than with fixed braces.
Is Invisalign better than composite bonding?
Invisalign and composite bonding do different things. Invisalign moves teeth into better positions, while bonding reshapes teeth or closes very small gaps. Many patients benefit from a combination approach: aligning the teeth first, then using minimal bonding to refine the final result.
