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How it worksYour smile journey, step by step.
From a two-minute online assessment to your final smile, a UK dentist is with you at every stage. Here's exactly what happens, and when.
- 2 minonline assessment
- Freedentist review
- 3Dplan before you start
- At hometreatment
What happens when
- 1
Free online assessment
About 2 minutesTell us about your smile and what you'd like to change. It's free, with no obligation.
YouAnswer a few questions and add smile photos if you can.Your dentistReviews your details and tells you if aligners could suit you. - 2
Impressions
[Timing]We need an accurate picture of your teeth to plan your treatment.
You[Describe how impressions are taken: at-home kit, or a 3D scan at a partner practice.]Your dentistChecks your impressions are clear enough to plan from. - 3
Your 3D smile plan
[X] daysSee a 3D preview of how your teeth are planned to move, and how long it should take.
YouReview your plan, ask any questions, and decide if you'd like to go ahead.Your dentistDesigns your treatment stage by stage and signs it off. - 4
Aligners arrive
[X] weeksYour custom aligners arrive in our white and gold Bigsmile box, with clear instructions.
YouWear your aligners about 22 hours a day and switch stages when advised.Bigsmile teamMakes and delivers your aligners, ready to start. - 5
Check-ins
ThroughoutYour progress is checked along the way, so your treatment stays on track.
YouShare progress updates [and photos] when asked.Your dentistMonitors how your teeth are moving and adjusts your plan if needed. - 6
Retainers
Final stageKeep your new smile in place for the long term.
YouWear your retainers as advised. They're included with your plan.Your dentistProvides your retainers and aftercare advice.
- 1
Free online assessment
About 2 minutesTell us about your smile and whitening goals.
YouAnswer a few questions and add smile photos if you can.Your dentistChecks your teeth and gums are healthy enough to whiten. You must be 18 or over. - 2
Impressions
[Timing]Your whitening trays are made to fit your teeth exactly.
You[Describe how impressions are taken for the trays.]Your dentistChecks your impressions and prescribes your gel. - 3
Your kit arrives
[X] daysCustom trays and dentist-prescribed gel, in our white and gold Bigsmile box.
YouRead the instructions before you start.Bigsmile teamMakes your trays and sends your kit. - 4
Whiten at home
About [X] weeksWhiten at your own pace, with your dentist on hand if you have questions.
YouWear your trays for [X] hours a day, as your dentist advises.Your dentistAnswers questions and advises on any sensitivity. - 5
Keep it bright
OngoingLook after your new shade with simple aftercare.
YouCut back on staining drinks and use top-up gel when needed.Bigsmile teamProvides top-up gel and aftercare advice.
- 1
Free online assessment
About 2 minutesOne assessment covers both treatments.
YouAnswer a few questions and add smile photos if you can.Your dentistChecks whether aligners and whitening could both suit you. - 2
Impressions and 3D plan
[X] daysSee how your teeth will move before anything starts.
YouReview your plan and decide if you'd like to go ahead.Your dentistDesigns your aligner plan and signs it off. - 3
Straighten
[X-Y] monthsWear your aligners stage by stage, with dentist check-ins.
YouWear aligners about 22 hours a day.Your dentistMonitors your progress throughout. - 4
Brighten
After straighteningWhiten once your teeth are in position, for an even result.
YouWhiten at home with your custom trays and gel.Your dentistAdvises the best time to start and prescribes your gel. - 5
Retainers and top-ups
OngoingHold your new smile in place and keep it bright.
YouWear retainers and top up your whitening as advised.Bigsmile teamProvides your retainers, extra retainer set and top-up gel.
A team behind your smile
Treatment is planned and prescribed by dentists registered with the General Dental Council.
Your dentist
- Checks you're suitable
- Designs and signs off your plan
- Prescribes your treatment
- Monitors your progress
You
- Tell us about your smile
- Approve your plan before you start
- Wear your aligners or trays as advised
- Keep up with check-ins
Bigsmile team
- Answers your questions
- Sends your white and gold box
- Arranges your check-ins
- Helps with payments and delivery
What you'll need
Nothing complicated. If you're not sure about any of these, your dentist will help at your free assessment.
- To be 18 or overTreatment is for adults.
- Healthy teeth and gumsAny decay or gum problems are treated first.
- A phone cameraFor your smile photos and updates.
- A little commitmentAbout 22 hours a day for aligners.
Do I need to visit a dental practice?
[Explain whether patients need an in-person visit, for example for a 3D scan or check-up, or if everything can be done at home.]
How long from assessment to starting treatment?
Usually around [X] weeks, depending on how quickly impressions are taken and your plan is approved.
When do I pay?
[Explain when payment is taken, for example once you have seen and approved your 3D plan, and any monthly payment options.]
What if my teeth don't move as planned?
Your dentist checks your progress throughout and can adjust your plan if needed.
Who do I contact if I have a problem?
Contact the Bigsmile team at smile@bigsmile.co.uk and we'll help, involving your dentist where needed.
Not just aligners. Your confidence.
Step one takes just two minutes. Start your free assessment today.