If you have been thinking about straightening your teeth, there is a change coming on 7 September that is worth understanding. It affects clear aligner treatment across the UK — not just at Cherrybank — and it comes from a tax ruling rather than from any decision made by a dental practice. Here is what has happened, in plain terms, and what it means for you.
What has changed
Until recently, clear aligners such as Invisalign were treated as exempt from VAT. The reasoning was that they counted as dental prostheses, which fall into a VAT-exempt category.
In July 2026, the Upper Tribunal disagreed. It found that a prosthesis is something that replaces a missing body part or restores its function — and that clear aligners do something different: they reposition teeth that are already there. On that basis, clear aligners are standard-rated for VAT at 20%.
This overturned an earlier decision that had gone the other way, and it applies across the sector. Every practice in the UK that provides clear aligner treatment is affected in the same way.
What happens on 7 September
Align Technology, who manufacture Invisalign, has confirmed that from 7 September 2026 it will add 20% VAT to its applicable Invisalign aligner and Vivera retainer charges. Its underlying list prices are not changing — the VAT is being added on top.
It is worth saying plainly that Align has indicated it intends to appeal the ruling. The legal position may yet develop. But the change takes effect on 7 September regardless, and we have to plan around what is actually happening rather than what might happen later.
What this means for Cherrybank patients
We want to be straightforward about this, because there is a lot of loose talk about “20% price rises” and that is not an accurate description of the situation.
Here is the accurate version:
- The change applies to the laboratory charges we pay to Align, not directly to what we charge patients
- Those charges are one part of the cost of providing treatment — alongside clinical time, planning, scans, appointments and aftercare
- Because our costs are increasing, we are currently reviewing our Invisalign fees
- It is likely that some of that increase will need to be reflected in our patient fees, but we have not finished that review
We would rather tell you honestly that we are still working it out than publish a number we might have to change. When our fees are confirmed, they will be updated on our fees page.
If you are already in treatment
If you are currently partway through Invisalign treatment with us, your treatment will continue exactly as planned and your fees will not increase. This change does not affect you, and there is nothing you need to do.
If you have been considering treatment
Teeth straightening is something a lot of people think about for a long time before they mention it. If you are in that position, this is a reasonable moment to have the conversation — not because of pressure, but because the arithmetic genuinely changes on 7 September.
If you book and attend a consultation before Friday 4 September, we will quote and honour our current Invisalign fees for your treatment. Signing a treatment plan or paying a deposit before that date does the same thing — whichever suits you.
A consultation is not a commitment. It is a conversation about whether clear aligners suit your teeth, your bite and your life. Sometimes the honest answer is that a different approach would serve you better, and if that is the case I will tell you so.
A note on retainers
The change also applies to Vivera retainers. If you have completed Invisalign treatment with us and have been meaning to order a spare or replacement set, it is worth sorting that out this fortnight.
Setting cost aside entirely: retainers are what protect the result you spent months achieving. Teeth drift back if given the opportunity. A well-fitting retainer is the difference between keeping your smile and repeating the treatment.
Questions we are being asked
Are Invisalign prices going up by 20%?
No. Align’s applicable laboratory charges are becoming subject to 20% VAT. That increases our costs, and we are reviewing our fees as a result — but our patient fees and Align’s lab charges are not the same thing.
Does this affect me if I am already in treatment?
No. Your treatment continues exactly as planned and your fees will not increase.
Is this just a Cherrybank decision?
No. The ruling applies UK-wide and affects every practice providing clear aligner treatment.
What do I need to do, and by when?
If you would like to be quoted at our current fees, you need to have done one of three things before Friday 4 September: attended a consultation, signed a treatment plan, or paid a deposit. For most people the consultation is the easiest place to start. Call us on 01738 624 667.
If you have questions about what this means for you, please do call us on 01738 624 667 — we would much rather have a two-minute conversation than leave you guessing.
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Dr Elaine Halley is Principal Dentist at Cherrybank Dental Spa in Perth and an Invisalign Diamond Apex Provider, placing her among Europe’s top 1% of providers by experience.
