icon dental treatments icon dental treatments

Dental Treatments

icon facial aesthetics icon facial aesthetics

facial aesthetics

icon referrals icon referrals

referrals

Contact Us

5 Hidden Costs of Invisalign – and how to avoid them!

12 July 2025

When considering Invisalign treatment in Newbury, most patients focus on the upfront cost. However, several hidden expenses can add hundreds or even thousands of pounds to your final bill. At The Briars Dental Centre, we believe in complete transparency about all costs involved in your smile transformation.

Having treated hundreds of patients for Invisalign treatment in Newbury and the surrounding West Berkshire area, we’ve seen how these unexpected costs can impact treatment decisions. This guide reveals the five most common hidden costs and how to avoid them.

Why Hidden Costs Exist

Many providers of Invisalign treatment in Newbury quote attractive initial prices to secure patients, only to reveal additional charges during treatment. At The Briars, we’ve built our reputation over 110 years on honest, upfront pricing—our patients deserve complete transparency from day one.

Hidden Cost #1: Retention and Follow-Up Care

The Hidden Cost: Post-treatment retainers typically cost £300-£800 extra, often not included in initial quotes.

When This Catches Patients Out: Many providers quote treatment costs without mentioning retention expenses. Patients discover these charges only after completing their aligners, when they’re already invested in the process.

The Briars Advantage: We include three complete sets of Vivera retainers (Invisalign’s premium option), providing approximately 3 years of coverage, plus 12 months of monitoring appointments. Where clinically appropriate, we may recommend a fixed retainer for optimal long-term stability.

Why This Matters: Retention is essential for protecting your smile investment. Without proper retainers, teeth can shift back, making your entire treatment worthless.

Hidden Cost #2: Refinement and Revision Treatments

The Hidden Cost: Additional aligners to perfect your smile can cost £500-£1,500 extra if not included in your original plan.

When Revisions Are Needed:

  • Initial treatment doesn’t achieve the desired results
  • Minor adjustments needed for perfect alignment
  • Complex cases requiring multiple treatment phases
  • Changes in patient expectations during treatment

The Briars Advantage: Victoria Holden, our Platinum Invisalign Provider, uses advanced Digital Smile Design technology to plan treatments with exceptional precision. We’re one of only a few UK practices offering comprehensive DSD planning services.

Our Digital Smile Design Process:

  • Visualise your final result before treatment begins
  • Plan every stage of tooth movement with precision
  • Identify potential complications early
  • Ensure patient expectations align with achievable results

This advanced planning dramatically reduces the need for refinements, getting your treatment right the first time.

Our refinement stages are included as part of our Invisalign package, but be wary—not all Invisalign providers will offer this, so it is important to find out if refinement is included or whether there would be additional fees. This is often something we find that happens when using ‘Invisalign G0’ or ‘Invisalign Lite,’ which are marketed as cheaper options…if you are able to achieve alignment within the restrictions. If in doubt, ask!

Hidden Cost #3: Additional Dental Work

The Hidden Cost: Necessary treatments discovered during Invisalign can add £200-£2,000+ to your investment.

Common Surprise Treatments:

  • Fillings for cavities discovered during treatment
  • Professional cleaning and gum disease treatment
  • Tooth reshaping
  • Emergency dental treatment during alignment

The Briars Advantage: Our comprehensive pretreatment assessment identifies potential issues before they become expensive surprises.

Our Transparent Planning Process:

  • Thorough dental examination identifying current issues
  • Digital X-rays and CBCT scans reveal hidden problems
  • Complete oral health evaluation before treatment planning
  • Detailed cost breakdown including all necessary procedures

Rather than discovering expensive surprises mid-treatment, you’ll understand your complete investment upfront, allowing you to plan and budget accordingly.

Hidden Cost #4: Extended Treatment Duration

The Hidden Cost: Treatment running longer than expected can add £500-£1,500 in additional monitoring fees and appointments.

Why Treatment Extends:

  • Poor compliance with wearing aligners for 20-22 hours daily
  • Inadequate initial treatment planning
  • Unexpected tooth movement complications
  • Life changes affecting treatment consistency

The Briars Prevention Strategy: Our Digital Smile Design partnership and Dental Monitoring technology keep treatment precisely on track.

Advanced Technology Integration:

  • CBCT 3D scanning for comprehensive analysis
  • iTero digital impressions for perfect aligner fit
  • Digital Smile Design for accurate treatment prediction
  • Dental Monitoring for weekly remote progress tracking

Remote Monitoring Benefits: Patients submit weekly progress scans from home, allowing us to detect issues early and adjust treatment promptly. This reduces surgery visits while keeping busy professionals on schedule with minimal disruption.

With Victoria Holden overseeing treatment using DSD collaboration, we achieve predictable results within planned timeframes.

Hidden Cost #5: Lost or Damaged Aligners

The Hidden Cost: Replacement aligners cost £100-£150 per set and are often not included in treatment fees.

Common Scenarios:

  • Aligners accidentally thrown away (wrapped in napkins at restaurants)
  • Pet damage when aligners are left accessible
  • Cracking due to teeth grinding or clenching
  • Travel mishaps or forgotten aligners

The Briars Prevention Approach: While replacements do incur additional charges, our comprehensive patient education significantly reduces the likelihood of needing them.

Our Patient Education Programme:

  • Detailed care instructions and protective cases for every patient
  • Comprehensive education sessions about proper handling
  • Emergency contact protocols for immediate guidance
  • Regular check-ins to reinforce best practices

Prevention Tips We Share:

  • Always store aligners in protective cases when not in use
  • Keep aligners away from heat sources (cars, dishwashers)
  • Remove aligners before eating or drinking (except water)
  • Set phone reminders for aligner changes and care routines

Through proper education and ongoing support, the vast majority of our patients complete treatment without needing replacement aligners.

The Briars Difference

Transparent, Comprehensive Pricing: Unlike many providers in the area, our detailed quotes include all standard treatments, monitoring appointments, three sets of Vivera retainers, and 12 months of post-treatment care. The current cost of our Invisalign package is £4,495.

Cutting-Edge Technology:

  • CBCT 3D imaging for precise planning
  • iTero digital scanning for perfect impressions
  • Digital Smile Design for treatment visualisation
  • Dental Monitoring for remote progress tracking

Expert Clinical Care: Victoria Holden, our Platinum Invisalign Provider, brings years of experience and advanced training to every case, ensuring optimal results with minimal complications.

110 Years of Trust: As Newbury’s longest-established dental practice, we’ve built our reputation on honest pricing and exceptional patient care. Our patients trust us to provide complete information upfront, avoiding the unpleasant surprises that can occur elsewhere.

Essential Questions to Ask

Before choosing any Invisalign provider, ask these essential questions:

About Costs:

  1. “What exactly is included in your quoted price?”
  2. “What additional costs might I encounter during treatment?”
  3. “Do you offer payment plans or financing options?”
  4. “What happens if my treatment takes longer than expected?”

About Experience:

  1.   “How many Invisalign cases have you completed?”
  2. “What level of Invisalign provider certification do you hold?”
  3. “What technology do you use for treatment planning?”

About Aftercare:

  1. “What retention options do you provide and what’s included?”
  2. “How long do you monitor patients after treatment?”
  3. “What support do you offer if problems arise during treatment?”

Making the Right Investment

Choosing an Invisalign provider isn’t about finding the lowest initial price—it’s about comprehensive, expert care and transparent pricing. Hidden costs can quickly turn a seemingly affordable treatment into an expensive surprise.

At The Briars, our transparent approach means you’ll know exactly what your smile transformation will cost from your very first consultation. Our comprehensive packages, advanced technology, and expert clinical team provide exceptional value while eliminating unwelcome surprises.

Your smile means everything to us, and that includes protecting your investment with honest, upfront pricing and comprehensive care that covers every aspect of your Invisalign journey here in Newbury.

Ready to start your Invisalign journey? Book your comprehensive consultation today to discover how our transparent approach can transform your smile with complete peace of mind. For more FAQs, hop over to the Invisalign website to see what others are asking too!

Contact The Briars Dental Centre today for your consultation.

Back to Blog

Get in touch

For detailed information on the treatments we provide, or to book an appointment, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Testimonials

we love our patients

I recently visited Briars Dental Practice in Newbury and had a truly excellent experience. From the moment I walked in, the receptionist greeted me warmly and made me feel welcome. The hygienist who saw me prior to my appointment with the dentist was very thorough and gave me some great advice on how to keep my teeth healthy.I was then seen by Richard, one of the dentists at the practice, and I have to say that he and his nurse were fantastic. They put me at ease throughout the whole procedure, were extremely professional and caring, and made sure that I was comfortable at all times. I was also impressed by their attention to detail and their willingness to take the time to answer all of my questions.In fact, I was so pleased with my experience that I would also like to mention another dentist named Richard who saw me previously. He too was excellent, very thorough and professional, and I felt very well taken care of during my appointments with him.Overall, I can't recommend Briars Dental Practice highly enough. The staff are all so friendly, professional, and knowledgeable, and they really go above and beyond to make sure that their patients are well looked after. If you're looking for a great dental practice in Newbury, look no further than Briars.
Beatrice Andreea
Beatrice Andreea
12:07 11 May 23
Thank you for a wonderful experience, I am a coward when it comes to the dentist, Mr Nick French, put me at ease, and has the patience of a Saint. I would also say the dental nurse was I lovely lady who let me crush her hand while I was having my injections. I give Briars Dental Centre 10 out of 10, and would not hesitate to recommend them.
Jan Hamments
Jan Hamments
19:11 29 Jun 23
I had a hygienist appointment with Jo and her nurse, Suzanne. It was the first time I’d tried GBT and found the experience much more comfortable than usual. Jo and Suzanne really put me at ease and made sure I was happy throughout the treatment. It was good being able to clearly see the areas which I needed to improve on brushing and Jo gave me great tips. Would highly recommend
Lauren Jade
Lauren Jade
16:52 19 Jun 23
After such a positive experience today with Richard I thought it only fair to delete my previous review. I am a very nervous patient and not ashamed to say I cried before my appointment. Richard and his lovely dental nurse were so understanding and treated me with kindness and empathy. Richard explained everything to me and allowed me to go at my pace. All options for my next appointment were explained to me and I now have trust in Richard that I feel I will not need full sedation. I was in alot of pain prior to my appointment today along with an enormous amount of anxiety. Richard even explained to me how to breathe when having treatment- no other dentist has ever explained that to me before!Thank you again Richard and to your lovely dental nurse.
Mary Lovelock
Mary Lovelock
15:03 24 Apr 23
I had my consultancy appointment with Chelsea today who looked after me very well. She was very friendly and easy to talk to and explained everything to me very nicely. And also answered all of my questions and made me feel at ease today and for future appointments. It was nice to meet you, and thank you.Glenn.
Glenn Cooper
Glenn Cooper
22:20 23 May 23
I recently had to visit Richard Lineker as I'd broken a tooth.He and his lovely nurse Agata made me feel comfortable and explained what treatment I needed.They work extremely well as a team andmy treatment was painless.
Pauline Preston
Pauline Preston
13:59 12 Jul 23
Wanted to share my mother's thoughts of recent experience visiting Jo Craig hygienist."Jo was attentive , caring gentle and thorough today.I came out feeling fresh and motivated.Well looked after also by her lovely nurse Jenny."Angela Shaw.
Suzanne Hendry
Suzanne Hendry
11:03 21 Jul 23
I am very pleased with the treatment I received. After another dentist had told me the tooth had to be extracted, Mr Fady Khoury managed to save the tooth. The procedure was carried out in a very efficient and professional manner and I am very happy with the outcome.
Terence Marshall
Terence Marshall
16:03 24 Jul 23
Had an appointment with Chelsea today and it went very very well. Had my scans and photos done for Invisalign, which can be a bit awkward but she made it a comfortable experience. She was very friendly, welcoming, put me at ease and asked if I had any overall questions at that stage of the process. She was knowledgeable and explained everything I asked about. It's my first time at this clinic so I'm looking forward for my second appointment to discuss treatment. Great first impression from the moment I stepped through the door! Thanks!
Diana
Diana
11:01 31 Jul 23
A very happy customer! I had quite a lot of crooked and misaligned teeth so Victoria introduced me to Invisalign. She carefully created a program to give me the smile I wanted. In the end it took longer than we had expected but Victoria very diligently took me through every step of the process and she didn’t compromise on any part of the process to ensure I got the smile and teeth alignment we both wanted. A huge thank you to her and her assistant Jen who made every effort to make me feel comfortable throughout. Highly recommended.San
San James
San James
17:16 02 Aug 23
My visit to Richard last week went well. He identified that x rays hadn’t been taken for 3 years, and showed me the images, interpreting the results carefully and explaining the steps that may be required as treatment. I am disappointed that I will need to have another consultation to confirm if a root canal is needed. Warning: if you do need a consultation with the endodontist, you will need to pay in advance. I couldn’t do that on the day, but I will be booking in to have this followed up as soon as I can. I will need my own teeth for many more years!
Emma Mulholland
Emma Mulholland
15:31 18 Oct 23
Over the years I`ve found that the Briars delivers consistently high quality dental care and yesterday was no exception. I recieved first class root canal treatment by Dr. Richard Condon and team. Everything was explained carefully and despite my misconceptions was delivered pain free. I have no hesitation in recommending the Briars.
Mark Batten
Mark Batten
10:42 24 Oct 23
Having just completed a course of treatment with The Briars I can strongly recommend Fady and his team. Thank you for your straightforward and thorough approach, and for providing treatment in a stress-free environment.
Tom Saunderson
Tom Saunderson
08:16 02 Nov 23
It was a very welcoming place at the practice with friendly staff whose knowledge was informative and comprehensive. Chelsea was very accommodating and took the time to listen my concerns and provide me with the best advice on what action to take next.
Michael Scrimshaw
Michael Scrimshaw
18:02 23 Nov 23
Had my Hygiene appointment yesterday with lovely Meryl and her nurse Kiera. Meryl was gentle and very thorough. She removed all the staining from my teeth and now they feel super clean. Kiera made sure that I was comfortable throughout the treatment.
Agata Czarnecka
Agata Czarnecka
19:23 18 Jan 24
I highly recommend Briars Dental Care, I can't thank them enough for my teeth, they really put me at ease especially Kody. My teeth have never been straight but over the years they got worse, and made me feel so ashamed and embarrassed by them, now I have nice straight teeth and my confidence back .
Wendy Pearson
Wendy Pearson
09:58 23 Jan 24
Absolutely Excellent service, from the initial phone call with Libby at reception who was so kind, understanding and so helpful and Zoe who helped us on the phone with trying to find us appointments needed and for the amazing care and service received on arrival for treatment that this dental practice is without a doubt outstanding. Five stars is not enough!Highly recommend the briars, lovely staff and top class treatment!
Angel Greaves
Angel Greaves
13:05 07 Feb 24
I can 100% recommend this dental practice as I have been with Briars Dental Centre for a few years now. From the reception staff to the Hygenist and Dentist I have had my confidence boosted in the biggest way. The reception girls are always very professional, helpful, friendly and always make time for a little chat. If it hadn’t been for one of the girls on the reception team I would not have known about the payment plan, which is proving to be well worth it, and gives me free Hygenist and Check-ups and a reduction of 10% on other treatments. Thank you girls for that. You are all fantastic and lovely. Keep doing what you’re doing.My previous Hygenist. Aimee, was absolutely the best and I had no fear going to her. Now I have a new girl, Meryl, and she is also blooming brilliant. Thank you.My dentist, Nicola Murdoch, deserves the most praise having built up my confidence in dentists again. She even adjusts treatments according to my own personal dilemmas, like claustrophobia. She’s just the best. Thank you so much Nicola.
Debbie Huntley
Debbie Huntley
15:45 28 Feb 24
I have just completed my Invisalign treatment and I couldn’t be happier with the results. I wish I had done it sooner! Victoria, Jen and Chelsea were fantastic throughout and I wouldn't hesitate in recommending them.
Jen Woodbridge
Jen Woodbridge
14:38 06 Mar 24
We have received the most amazing service from Rochelle before meeting Dr Holden who will be overseeing my daughters Invisalign treatment. Very professional and approachable team we are very impressed.
Lisa Miles
Lisa Miles
10:11 08 Mar 24
I have just finished my Invisalign treatment with Dr Victoria Holden, I never imagined my teeth would look this good, they are beautiful and straight and I have a glorious smile. The aligners are stress free, comfortable, easy to wear and the scanning was simple. Victoria and Jen have been amazing from start to finish responded to any questions I had. I cannot thank them enough. I would recommend this treatment to any one of any age, it’s the best money I’ve ever spent.
Charlotte Bradford
Charlotte Bradford
09:57 14 Mar 24
Always a good experience at the Briars from the reception team, the hygenist to the dentists themselves . Victoria is the most patient , kind and professional dentist . Highly recommended
Jenny Philcox
Jenny Philcox
16:55 13 Mar 24
I had a lot of discomfort from two adjacent back teeth, the slightest touch of cold drink and it got really painful. The Briars team quickly diagnosed the problem and explained the x-ray images that showed a previous different practice’s root canal had caused decay of the tooth and the adjacent one along with the surrounding bone. I was left with a few choices that were clearly explained to me, but removal of the two teeth was the option I took with an implant replacement for one of them. I was referred to Nick French, who is their implant specialist. I had a process that encouraged the bone to regrow and then the implant. Nick’s demeanour is so calming and his explanations very clear, I had no distress or discomfort at all. I recognised the techniques he uses from the manufacturing industry, they are so advanced that the replacement tooth feels exactly like the one it replaced and now my mouth feels calm for the first time in quite a while. I totally recommend The Briars Dental Centre and Nick French.
David Hartwell
David Hartwell
06:43 04 Apr 24
Having completed my first appointment with Amy at The Briars today I am very happy with the outcome. Everything was very well explained in detail to me and the staff were very polite and professional. Amy’s knowledge was brilliant and the technology used in the appointment was amazingly impressive. It really helped set my mind at ease and pointed me in the right direction for the rest of my treatment journey. I would highly recommend The Briars.
Jonny Paine
Jonny Paine
21:49 19 Apr 24
I’ve been using a periodontal specialist at The Briars for nearly 20 years and have never been disappointed. Treatment and advice has always been top class and has certainly improved the overall health of my teeth.
Martin Shoesmith
Martin Shoesmith
15:26 19 Apr 24
I recently had an appointment with Joanna Craig and I couldn't be happier with the care I received. She was extremely professional and thorough during my cleaning. Her attention to detail was evident, and she made sure I was comfortable throughout the entire process 5 Stars
Neil Garland
Neil Garland
10:41 07 May 24
The Briars Dental Surgery provides an exceptionally friendly and professional service that I would recommend to everyone. I grew up with a fear of dentists born out of difficult childhood experiences. However, I now look forward to my visits with my hygienist Jo Craig and her assistant Kasia. My Associate Dentist Nicola Murdoch provides annual check ups to ensure my overall teeth health remains in great shape. Sharmila has also taken great care of my gums with her specialist expertise. You are in wonderfully safe and caring hands at the Briars and they can cater for everything dental related.
Laurence Berry
Laurence Berry
08:54 10 May 24
All the staff at the Briars are lovely! Having just completed my invisalign treatment I could not be happier with the results! The process was quick and painless and the care given during the treatment was spectacular!
Jake Martin
Jake Martin
09:29 10 May 24
Had a great detailed and well explained consultation with Chelsea regarding my concerns about dental treatment to improve my smile. She was so thorough and the whole thing was very pleasant.
Bridget & Warwick Ryan
Bridget & Warwick Ryan
11:14 13 Jun 24
Great service for a root canal treatment. Dr Richard Condon was very professional, explained everything clearly before doing and after the procedure which lasted for 2 hours. Removed a crown, treated the root canals and replaced with temporary crown. No pain during the procedure at all, just a little that day when the numbness faded. Next day almost back to normal. Great job thank you.
Timothy Brew
Timothy Brew
19:00 19 Jun 24
Had an appointment today with my dentist Victoria Holden. I’m so impressed and grateful ???? kind caring efficient professional. I highly recommend and no words to express my gratitude ! Thank you
Natasha Christova
Natasha Christova
12:05 07 Aug 24
First appointment with Richard and Kasia yesturday. It's not my favourite place in the dentists chair but yesterday they made me feel comfortable and confident. We discussed the most suitable dental plan that was right for my needs and Richard put it in place.By the time I got home I had a email with all the information and costings. So professional and empathetic both of them.With gratitude Jo
Joanne Crook
Joanne Crook
13:45 28 Aug 24
After 30 years of constant pain in my head and shoulders I have finally found relief. A consultation with Afif lead to a swift diagnosis and a treatment that has literally changed the quality of my life. Great dentist
Victoria Anderson-Stewart
Victoria Anderson-Stewart
12:38 05 Sep 24
Having moved to the area 2 years ago, I was really hesitant to change dentist but I wish I did it sooner! Richard and team are truly incredible, they make me feel a part of the process and I always come out smiling.Many past experiences throughout my childhood meant the going to the dentist was often anxiety provoking, often ending up in anxiety attacks. I now (dare say) look forward to going to the dentist and feel more calm than I ever had so thank you Richard!I have recently had an onlay fitted and am beyond happy with the whole process and final outcome - you can’t even tell it’s there!Would highly recommend coming to the Briars ????
Abbie Trussler
Abbie Trussler
16:03 19 Sep 24
Fantastic dental practice. Very well equipped with the latest treatments available combined with warm, friendly staff and a very professional service. Definitely the best experience that I’ve ever had with a dental practice, would highly recommend.
Carol Odendaal
Carol Odendaal
10:11 02 Oct 24
I was recently booked in for an appointment with Amy to discuss Invisalign treatment. On arrival, reception staff were lovely and directed me to really nice and homely waiting room! Amy was so great, she made the appointment relaxed and friendly and took me through how Invisalign works and made sure I understood everything. At the end of the appointment she wasn’t pushy with me to get started and pay for treatment. She even emailed me a finance calculator so I could go away and think about what I wanted to do and how I would pay for it. Really lovely place and staff, highly recommend ????
Steph Adams
Steph Adams
16:04 15 Oct 24
I had 4 tooth implants in all, with the work being done to a very standard with great care by Nick French and his team, and I'm very happy with the results.
Mark Thompson
Mark Thompson
09:09 24 Oct 24
I have been visiting the Briars for many years and it is really good inevery way. Whilst visiting a dentist is not usually considered a great place to be, The Briars has a way of making it much easier that you think it will be. The Two treatments I had today were with Richard and Meryl who were both were more than kind, helpful and clear in their explanations. Thank you both so much.
Richard Dalgleish
Richard Dalgleish
15:55 20 Nov 24
Google Rating
View our testimonials
conten shape1
conten shape2
treatment_icon treatment_icon

General dentistry

A wealth of options to suit your needs.

treatment_icon treatment_icon

Cosmetic dentistry

Exceeding expectations with cosmetic dentistry.

treatment_icon treatment_icon

Teeth Straightening

Feel confident in a beaming new smile.

treatment_icon treatment_icon

Dental Implants

Your future smile begins with dental implants.

View all treatments

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

icon dental treatments icon dental treatments

Dental Treatments

icon facial aesthetics icon facial aesthetics

facial aesthetics

icon referrals icon referrals

referrals

Google Rating
4.9
Google Rating

How Can We Help?

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Book Online

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

You will be taken to our booking page to select your appointment date / time.

Are you a new or existing patient?(Required)