By the team at SmileLux, Milton Keynes. Reviewed by Dr Sunil Hirani, Specialist Orthodontist
Plenty of people who come to see us have been thinking about clear aligners for a long time. They’ve often been mentioning it to friends for a couple of years, then putting it off again. If that’s you, autumn is a sensible time to stop putting it off.
Most mild to moderate clear aligner cases take somewhere between six and twelve months. Start in October or November and there’s a good chance you’ll be finished, or close to it, by next summer.
The treatment itself works the same whatever month you begin. But an autumn start fits around most people’s year quite neatly, and here are five reasons why.
Top 5 reasons autumn suits clear aligner treatment
1. You could finish your clear aligner treatment in time for summer
There’s often a date behind the decision. It might be a wedding next year, a big holiday or a milestone birthday you know will be photographed from every angle. Count back six to twelve months from next summer and you’ll find the best time to start is roughly now. If you leave it until spring, you’ll have much less breathing room.
2. You’ll get used to your clear aligners before things get busy
The first week or two with new aligners can feel a bit odd. Your teeth may be tender for a day or so each time you change to a new set, and some people notice a slight lisp at first. It doesn’t last, but it’s easier to deal with during a fairly ordinary few weeks in October than in the middle of summer, with holidays, weddings and evenings out.
3. Your clear aligner routine is easier to stick to
Clear aligners need to be in for 20 to 22 hours a day, so you’ll only take them out to eat, drink and brush your teeth. That’s much easier once the kids are back at school and you’re into your normal working week after the summer. Get into the habit now and it tends to stick for the rest of your treatment.
4. Clear aligners won’t get in the way over Christmas
Start in October or November and by December your aligners will be part of everyday life. They come out when you eat, so Christmas dinner doesn’t change at all. Brush your teeth afterwards and put them back in. They’re also clear, so most people won’t notice you’re wearing them, which helps if December means work parties, nights out and plenty of family photos.
5. You’ll be months ahead of the January clear aligner rush
Enquiries always go up after New Year, when people decide this is finally the year they’ll sort out their teeth. Start in autumn and you’ll already be well into your treatment by then.
What happens when you start clear aligners at SmileLux
Everything starts with a free consultation with our treatment coordinator. We’ll talk through what you’d like to change about your smile, explain your options and let you know whether a full assessment with Dr Hirani, our specialist orthodontist, is the right next step. At that assessment, Dr Hirani will check your teeth and gums and tell you honestly whether clear aligners are the best choice for you. If they are, we’ll take a 3D scan of your teeth, so you can see how they’re planned to move before you decide to go ahead.
When your aligners are ready, we’ll fit the first set and show you how to clean and care for them. You’ll switch to a new set every week or two from then on.
We also use AI-powered Dental Monitoring. This means you can send us scans from your phone between appointments, and we can check your progress without you needing to come in as often. Once treatment is finished, you’ll wear retainers to keep your teeth in their new position. Because we have our own in-house digital lab, we can make them quickly.
We offer clear aligners, including Angel Aligners, for a wide range of cases, from small adjustments to more complex ones.
Common questions about starting clear aligners in autumn
Is autumn really the best time to start clear aligners?
Clear aligners work just as well in any season. Autumn is simply a practical time for many people, because you get past the settling-in stage before Christmas and have a good chance of finishing before summer.
How long does clear aligner treatment take?
It depends on how much your teeth need to move. Many mild to moderate cases take six to twelve months. We’ll give you a realistic estimate once we’ve seen you.
Can you start clear aligners before Christmas?
Yes. October or November is a good time to begin. You’ll be comfortable with your aligners by December, and you just take them out for meals.
Do clear aligners hurt?
Most people describe it as pressure or tightness rather than pain. It’s usually most noticeable for a day or two after changing to a new set, and then it settles.
Do you have to change what you eat with clear aligners?
No. Your aligners come out whenever you eat, so you can eat as normal. Just brush before you put them back in.
How many hours a day do you wear clear aligners?
Between 20 and 22 hours. Take them out to eat, to drink anything other than water and to brush your teeth, and keep them in the rest of the time.
Can you spread the cost of clear aligners?
Yes. We offer flexible payment options, and we’ll go through them with you at your consultation. You can also see our treatment costs online.
Where can you get clear aligners in Milton Keynes?
SmileLux is at 12 Whittle Court, Knowlhill, Milton Keynes, MK5 8FT. There’s free, secure parking on site, including disabled parking, and ground-floor access. We’re open until 6pm on Tuesdays and Fridays, and on alternate Saturday mornings, which makes it easier to fit appointments around work.
How do you know if clear aligners are right for you?
The easiest way is to come in for a free consultation. If clear aligners aren’t the best fit for your teeth, we’ll say so and explain what would work better.
Book your free clear aligner consultation
If straightening your teeth has been on your list for a while, this autumn is a good time to come and talk to us about it. The consultation is free, and you don’t need to make any decisions on the day.
Book your free consultation online or call us on 01908 398 068.
Everyone’s teeth are different, so clear aligner results and treatment times vary. We’ll need to see you in person to confirm whether clear aligners are suitable for you.