From the author of The Summer Job comes a laugh-out-loud rom-com about a woman’s impulsive fib that starts a summer of reinvention and learning about love, life, and what it means to accept yourself. 

We auto-buy anything by Lizzy Dent and The Setup was no exception. Featuring a love triangle of sorts, a chaotic but loveable horoscope-obsessed protagonist (the seagull scene is everything), and a heart-warming cast of supporting characters, it was the perfect beach read to see us through the heatwave. 

Before we get into the team reviews, here’s the back cover blurb!

Mara Williams reads her horoscope every day but she wasn’t expecting to be in a whole other country when destiny finally found her. Just as a fortune teller reveals that her true love is just around the corner for her, a gorgeous stranger literally walks into her life in the meet-cute of all meet-cutes. And now Mara is determined to bring them together again… Surely even fate needs a nudge in the right direction sometimes?

But while Mara is getting ready for ‘the one’, the universe intervenes. Her new flatmate Ash is funny, and kind, and sexy as hell… There was no predicting this: it’s as if her destiny just arrived on her doorstep. 

So will Mara put her destiny in fate’s hands – and finally trust herself to reach for the stars? 

Lareese’s Review…

Hello holiday read! I took The Set Up with me on a recent trip to Tulum and I have to say it made for peak poolside reading. I loved Lizzy Dent’s debut novel The Summer Job last year so was super excited for this release and raced through it on my holiday!

Although I didn’t love it quite as much as TSJ, I still found myself invested in Mara’s quest to find The One and the tumultuous journey that comes with first, second and even third guessing your intuition. Although there were certainly cliche elements of the story, Mara’s experience of heartbreak, drifting from a once ride-or-die bestie and feeling inadequate about her career choices encapsulated the highs and lows that so many will be able to relate to in their twenties.

Rating: 4/5
Would you recommend it? Yes! Especially for a beachy or poolside holiday.

Lily’s Review…

This was such an easy fun read! I really enjoyed some parts and I was interested in main characters and their romance!

After The Summer Job and now The Setup, Lizzy Dent will hold a place on my author TBR. I really enjoy the niche she has carved out with these two publications.

Rating out of 5: 3.5/5
Would you recommend it? Beach PLEASE – it’s a yes from me!

Charlotte’s Review…

Hello holiday read! I took The Set Up with me on a recent trip to Tulum and I have to say it made for peak poolside reading. I loved Lizzy Dent’s debut novel The Summer Job last year so was super excited for this release and raced through it on my holiday!

Lizzy does a great job of vividly building a picture of Mara’s life in Broadgate and those that surround her, and I found myself drawn to pick it up whenever I had a free moment on my trip. The Set Up is the definition of an easy read, and makes for a great escape from reality if you’re looking to step out of your own world for a little while- especially for those who are partial to making decisions based on their horoscope reading…

Rating: 4/5
Would you recommend it? Yes! Especially for a beachy or poolside holiday.

Danielle’s Review…

Lizzy Dent has done it again with The Setup, I adored this book! Performed by Anna Gilthorpe I listened to this one whilst I was away this summer and enjoyed every second of it. Similar to her last novel The Summer Job, there are definitely points where you want to give the main character Mara a kick up the ass, but don’t we all have friends like that?!

Rating out of 5: 4.5/5
Would you recommend it? Absolutely, a fun easy read!

The days of the heatwave may be behind us, but maintaining your summer glow need not be something to abandon now that September is upon us, that is, according to the beauty brands at the top of the game…

Powder products are out, and cream is seriously in, and from VIEVE to Glossier, Rare Beauty to Stila the choice of blush, bronzer, highlighter and primers to create that lit-from-within glow are never ending. Offering a softer and more natural finish, cream products melt into the skin in a way that powder could never (facts only), creating a glow that is buildable, easier to blend and more likely to wear better from AM-PM. What more could you ask for?!

The likes of Selena Gomez, Addison Rae and Rhianna are but a few A-listers that have be seen shouting about the beauty of a cream product, and the good news is you don’t need to break the bank to get a slice of their effortless look.

From base products that deliver on the glow, to liquid eyeshadows that truly dazzle, the era or easy-blend-everything is now.

For Luscious Lips …

For Glowy Skin …

For Incredible Eyes …

*This post contains ad-affiliate links

With the arrival of Virgo season and the first of the affectionately named ‘ber’ months comes a new laidback energy that leaves us all hankering for hibernation, unadorned social calendars and Gilmore Girls on repeat. 

Whilst we might still be waiting to unleash our trench coats and turtlenecks, the JOMO in September is definitely in the air. Come forth full-length PJs, roast dinners and Harry Potter marathons. Here’s 20 things to do in your equinox era aka September. 

1. Desperately cling onto the last remnants of summer. RIP ice cream with every meal.

2. Go on a wild goose chase to hunt down a sunflower field. 

3. And pray your BeReal goes off whilst you’re there.  

4. Buy a new planner (Papier? Obviously) only to ruin it with your feral handwriting.

5. Watch the spellbinding Beauty and the Beast at the London Palladium. 

6. Prepare for autumn to become your entire personality. Little Miss PSL, it’s your time to shine. 

7. Experience mild panic when you realise Christmas is a mere three months away. Whaddayaknow, time flies when you’re skint and freezing your tits off. 

8. Soft launch your autumn feed, even if Instagram won’t bother showing it to anyone *melting face emoji*

9. Hit up Homesense for 108 candles you don’t need. Cost of living crisis who?!

10. Celebrate your Equinox era. First sign of fall and you’re basically Meg Ryan. 

11. Watch Blonde – A look at the rise to fame and the epic demise of actress Marilyn Monroe. Landing on 28 September. 

12. Commemorate cuffing season. The love drought is over besties. 

13. Plonk yourself in nature and soak up the fall foliage, ideally whilst listening to ‘Cardigan’. 

14. Get on the pumpkin hype, starting with Zoe’s signature pumpkin spice cake. It really slaps. 

15. Cosy up with September’s book club pick, Hurricane Summer.

16. Panic buy an electric blanket ready for Autumn. Central heating? We don’t know her. 

17. Reunite with your slow cooker. Romanticise your life. 

18. Count down the days till to Bake Off…

19. And Noel Fielding’s forever iconic knitwear debut. 

20. Trade in your daily meal deal for soup and a bread roll. It’s officially Heinz Tomato season!

This article is part of a paid collaboration with Carrie Elizabeth Jewellery

We’re super excited to unveil the brand-new exclusive jewellery collaboration between Zoella Founder, Zoë Sugg, and Carrie Elizabeth Jewellery – the female-founded online jewellery retailer specialising in affordable luxury.

Co-designed by Zoë and Carrie Elizabeth Founder, Carrie Dennahy; the 14-piece collection features ten rings, two styles of hoop earrings and two necklaces – crafted in both gold vermeil and sterling silver, so there’s a piece for every mood and occasion. 

With inspiration drawn from Zoë’s own personal style, which is also true to the Carrie Elizabeth signature look; the collection has been created to stack and layer, encouraging wearers to build their own curated combinations and express their individuality.

With a focus on semi-precious stone stacking rings and celestial motifs, the Beautiful Moments collection takes its inspiration from nature and the beauty in the world around us, inviting those who wear the pieces to delight in the small joys and simple pleasures of life. From reading a book to romanticising your morning coffee or phone-free walks, it’s a celebration of all the subtle magnificence that surrounds us. 

Jewellery is very special to me. I am a very sentimental person, so I have a lot of jewellery that is very meaningful. I love how it can take you back to a moment. I think that’s really powerful.

Zoë Sugg

The collaboration of two jewellery devotees was a natural pairing, following Zoë’s personal love for the brand – and Carrie’s fondness for Zoë’s creativity and style.

Three of Zoë’s personal influences formed the foundations of the wider range; including the ocean, two meaningful stones and an existing piece of jewellery from Zoë’s personal collection gifted by her partner, Alfie Deyes.

Carrie adds, “A few things inspired us when we first started talking about collaborating. Number one; Zoë really loves the beach so we wanted to incorporate some waves within the styles. Number two; Zoë loves moonstone and peridot especially – as this is Zoë’s daughter’s birthstone – so they are the two gemstones we’ve focused on. And number three; a little ring that Alfie made for Zoë, which I spotted during our consultation meeting. So we’ve done our take on that which I love so much.”

The Birthstone Stacking Ring is the piece which draws inspiration from Alfie’s special gift to Zoë, and forms a significant piece in the collection. Available for all twelve months of the year, the rings are perfect for collecting and stacking the meaningful birthstones in your life.

Additionally, the Peridot Duo Ring, which has a large baguette-cut peridot stone sat closely alongside a smaller stone, symbolises the strong mother and daughter bond that Zoë holds with both Ottilie and her own mother.

Zoë continues, “I really love the Peridot Duo Ring. This is my daughter Ottie’s birthstone, so it was quite special to get that into the collection and I love that it is a double stone ring, with one of them bigger and one smaller – a bit like me and her, which I really like!”.

The collaboration campaign inspires you to ‘collect beautiful moments’ –  the little, seemingly insignificant moments that make life special; including some of Zoë and Carrie’s personal favourites, such as sunset coastal walks, moments of calm in the countryside when no-one is around, or the aroma of freshly brewed coffee in the morning.

The collection was inspired by the sea and I just love it, walking on the seafront and being near the sea – that’s a beautiful moment for me.

Zoë Sugg

Being based in Brighton, Zoë’s beautiful moments are often inspired by the beach which is her favourite place. With a love for nature and the ocean, she was motivated by the greens and blues of the waves, finding them reminiscent of moonstones. The brand has also incorporated a water-colour wave print within the jewellery packaging, to give that extra special finishing touch Carrie Elizabeth is known for.

‘Beautiful Moments’ by Carrie Elizabeth x Zoë Sugg is available to purchase NOW! The capsule collection starts from £60.00 and will be available to shop throughout the rest of the year.

All the products on this page have been selected by our editorial team however some are ad-affiliate links.

Cosy girlies rejoice, September is upon us and the season for hibernation is near. Think darker evenings, cool mornings, hot coffees over iced and the return of the jackets that have been stowed at the back of your wardrobe for, well, forever now.

As we prepare to hunker down and adjust our self-care routines to include rest, recuperation and a healthy dose of pumpkin spice, your wardrobe is likely in need of a similar shakeup as it finally cools down enough to wear more than linen and linen alone.

Today Team Zoella are sharing their favourite high-street fashion picks as we welcome the new term feeling that comes with the month of September, as we prepare to fully enter our hygge eras.

Lareese’s Picks…

I LOVE this time of year. As soon as there’s a slight bite in the air, I’m ready for trench coats and layers. I just feel so much more put together (read: grown up) when there’s an outer layer involved! True to form, I’ve picked out a structured trench from NA-KD to pair with white jeans, a tank top – so I can peel off the layers if the sun makes an appearance, and flats for the perfect low-key, between-the-seasons outfit. All in 50 shades of beige of course…

Arket, Wool Tank Top, £35
H&M, Wide High Jeans, £24.99
Na-Kd, Structured Trenchcoat, £111
Na-Kd, Basic Squared Sunglasses, £11.95
Birkenstock, Boston Soft Footbed, £120

Liv’s Picks…

Give me all the layers!! This is honestly my favourite time of year for fashion. I love layering oversized shirts with a classic trench (this one has a little bit of a twist) and a chunky boot so I don’t have to worry about puddles. Sunglasses are always needed for those end-of-summer golden hours.

ASOS, ASOS DESIGN check trench coat in stone, £66
H&M, Oversized cotton shirt, £17.99
& Other Stories, Elasticated Leather Chelsea Boots, £135
River Island, ORANGE TORTOISESHELL SUNGLASSES, £16

Charlotte’s Picks…

It’s no secret that I’m a summer girly through and through and the prospect of the cooler weather is not exactly filling me with joy, but whilst it’s still warm enough to not be wearing tights I can cope! I love a bit of layering as a way to keep my summer items wearable but warm as the seasons change and this plisse top from Warehouse is perfect for popping under oversized t-shirts and dresses. I’ve also wanted a trench coat forever but have never been able to find the perfect one so it’s my mission for this upcoming A/W! Add in a few staples like neutral jumpers and skirts and I’ll mentally start saying goodbye to summer beach days, Aperol and Crocs weather. Cries

Weekday, Blue Printed Plisse Long Sleeve Top, £32
Stradivarius, Long flowing trench coat, £49.99
Nasty Gal, Colour Block Satin Long Sleeve Shirt, £35
& Other Stories, Mock Neck Knit Jumper, £85
H&M, Mini skirt, £17.99

Danielle’s Picks…

My top transitional piece right now would have to be a blazer. Great to throw on if it’s feeling a little chilly and one with this tweed kind of texture will see you right through to the end of Winter (with a coat added of course!). I pretty much live in knitwear until May and I love the shape of this one, I think it would look great with skirts/jeans/trousers too. This little leather skirt can be worn now and will look so nice with thick black tights and a jumper. And as for the boots, who doesn’t need to invest in some cowboy boots right now?!

H&M, Single-breasted blazer, £34.99
H&M, Oversized jacquard-knit jumper, £24.99
H&M, Mini skirt, £17.99
Mango, Leather cowboy ankle boots, £129

Lily’s Picks…

Cosy, casual and transitional weather-ready! Absolutely obsessed with this time of year – I’m an autumn lover through and through! This look is my usual transitional staple. I love a brown blazer/coat with some white jeans and a t-shirt. Featuring golden accents from the chain sunglasses to dress the look up a little. With this outfit, I would also pair some golden jewellery – specifically, ring stacking and necklace layering. To get even cosier, pop in a long woolly scarf!

Weekday, Luciana Wool Blazer, £85
Nasty Gal, Round Tinted Sunglasses, £8
H&M, Wide High Jeans, £24.99
Arket, Heavyweight T-Shirt, £25
Arket, New Balance 327 Trainers, £105

Darcey’s Picks…

I love transitional pieces, Autumn fashion is my calling! Black jeans are a go-to when the cold weather starts to come in, Weekday jeans are such good quality and reasonably priced. I love a big cardigan for Autumn too when it’s not quite cold enough for a coat but you need a little extra layer. Gilets are also perfect for this kind of weather too, run don’t walk for this black gilet from H&M! Black trousers and a baggy sweatshirt are also great transitional pieces and work interchangeably with each other and all the other pieces I’ve linked above.

Weekday, Leyla Oversized Cardigan, £55
Weekday, Rowe Extra High Straight Jeans, £40
H&M, Puffer gilet, £29.99
H&M, Wide trousers, £14.99
Future Self, Capsule Sweatshirt in Forest Green, £55

All the products on this page have been selected by our editorial team however some are ad-affiliate links.

The heatwave might be over, but keep reading and you’ll be feeling the heat through the screen…

When it comes to those that are of the top-tier sexy category, there are certain things that may appear mundane in your day-to-day life that are suddenly catapulted into the too-hot-to-handle section as soon as you’re feeling the butterflies for that certain someone. A cool outfit, a smoooooth voice and good manners might be considered typically attractive, but what about the weird and wacky things that are hot AF but a *little* off-piste? Sometimes it’s the characteristics you can’t quite put your finger on that are the most captivating of all, and the combination of any more than two together is guaranteed to have you catching feelings…

1. These may be in no particular order but a hand on the back of the headrest whilst reversing takes the number one spot regardless.
2. Veins. 
3. Accents. All of ‘em.
4. … But especially Irish. Look no further than Paul Mescal in Normal People. 
5. It’s 2022 and therefore a moustache and a mullet will take you far.
6. When they’re attentive and remember small things about you. Honestly the bar is so low.
7. If they’re into reading they just got 200+ attractive points. It’s not hard to be hot!
8. Not just being clean, but smelling GOOD. A memorable, lingering scent goes a long way. 
9. Straight out of the shower, wet hair and in nothing but a towel- does it get better?
10. Has houseplants. That’s it, that’s the tweet.
11. When they’re a Swiftie- sorry we don’t make the rules! 
12. If their sleeves are rolled up- especially when wearing a shirt at the end of the day- consider us a goner. 
13. A strong backhand in tennis is peak ‘would die 4 u’ territory. 
14. A clenched jaw. 
15. If they’re good with kids, consider us ready for marriage.
16. The tiny bit of neck where a guy’s hair meets his skin. Hot. 
17. Taking off a belt. The sound, the motion, the connotations.
18. Dimples.
19. They have a favourite Harry Styles song.
20. A bit of sweat, not in an OTT way but in a pheromones-making-us-hot-under-the-collar kind of way.
21. Messy bedhead hair.
22. Speaking passionately about something = instant turn-on.
23. Smile lines.
24. When they talk about their feelings- emotional vulnerability is sexy, people!
25. If they can speak more than one language they’re getting it.
26. When they text to make sure you got home safe. 
27. They appreciate the finer things in life, aka a good romcom. 
28. They’re not on social media. Hypocritical? Yes. Hot? Also yes.
29. Knows their love language.
30. Can cook a mean roast dinner.
31. They say hello to dogs in the street. 
32. They make time to see their grandparents regularly. 

For those who’ve been there, done it and got a seriously impressive knowledge of poo to show for it, you’ll know that the first year of motherhood is a beautiful blur of wild highs and lows. The sleepless nights, the milestones (s/o to all those who dared to embark on that first solo trip out of the house), night feeds, nappy changes, first-times and cuddles. So many cuddles. 

Google is both a hero and a villain in all this, but ultimately you know there’s only so much reading you can do to prepare yourself for the rollercoaster ride that is becoming a parent for the first time. Having a tiny human and taking care of them for the rest of their life really is bananas!

As Ottilie turns one, Zoe’s reflecting on her first year of motherhood from muddling through the sleep-deprived newborn days to finding her way with weaning and letting go of perfection, here’s everything she learned in her first year of becoming Ottilie’s mama.

​​Q: First up, how are you doing?! How is motherhood treating you?

I’m good! Motherhood is honestly the wildest ride full of ups and downs and inside outs. I feel very lucky I get to watch Ottilie growing every single day.

Q: Cast your mind back to when you first got home from the hospital. What did it feel like to be bringing Ottilie home for the very first time?

One of my favourite memories that has gone immediately into the “core memory” vault. I remember feeling so happy to be home (I’m such a homebody, especially when I’m not feeling 100% so I was really looking forward to hibernating) and it was such an overwhelming feeling of pure joy that we got to keep Ottie and it was the start of forever. It sounds cheesy but that’s exactly where my thoughts went. I just kept thinking, “this is her home now too, she just doesn’t know it yet!”. I was also very excited for my family to meet her (they came over around 2 hours after we got back – and they brought Nando’s haha).

Q: On a scale of 1 – 10, how tired are you, ha?

In those early newborn days I think I just muddled through on adrenaline and snacks and my sleep was all over the place, but these days the tiredness comes more from the mental side of it. Just trying to remember all the things, and be all the things, and do all the things. I’m surprised my brain is still functioning some days.

Q: What has surprised you the most about motherhood, so far?

Girls wee when you take their nappies off too. I always thought this was just a boy baby thing, Haha! On a more serious note though, a LOT has surprised me. I feel like I am constantly surprised by even the smallest things as I’m obviously learning a lot day by day. How quickly each phase passes in this first year is probably a big one. It feels like they take forever to give you their first smile, and then you blink and they’re toddling around shouting actual words.

Q: Watching Ottilie grow into her own little person must be both heart-warming and hilarious. What’s your favourite memory from the last 12 months? (Impossible to pick, we know!)

Oh my gosh, I have so many. She recently became obsessed with our piano and will now stand at it dancing around waiting for the music to play out of it. She also loves putting things up to her ear and shouting “HELLO?” Like Dom Joly.

Q: How has motherhood changed you?

I know it has, but I feel like it’s one of things where I’m so deep into it I don’t know how it’s changed me yet! I certainly have a lot less time to give others now I have Ottie which I always feel very guilty about. I do think it’s made me relax a lot more about the slightly more trivial things I’d worry about before. I have definitely learnt to be more present and in the moment.

Q: Let’s talk parenting ideals! Was there ever something you heard or read that you thought ‘yep, I’m definitely going to do that’ but that went right out the window once Ottilie was here?

SO MANY THINGS. You sort of fill your metaphorical tool belt with ALL THE THINGS that worked for everyone else and you go through them until you find something that works for you and your baby. This also means so many of these tips, tricks and gadgets don’t make the cut, but could be someone else’s holy grail! Just goes to show you that all babies are so different.

Q: Has your experience of becoming a mum differed from your expectations? Give us the expectations vs reality, the motherhood edition!

Yes and no. I feel like I soaked in a lot of stories before having Ottie, the good, the bad and the ugly, so I feel like Alfie and I had a very varied idea of what becoming parents and having a newborn MIGHT be. Having said that, living it yourself is very different and there were certainly highs and lows along the way!

Q: How would you describe your style, has it changed since becoming a mum?

I don’t know whether it’s changed necessarily but there are certainly styles I gravitate to a little less than before. I also find that to save time I tend to grab the same couple of outfits on rotation instead of exploring my wardrobe a bit more.

Q: The most random thing you’ve found yourself doing /saying because #MumLife….

Honestly, my most used word right now is “Careful…”

Q: What’s been your biggest challenge or learning curve thus far?

Learning how to juggle mum-life with work-life, friend-life, partner life and me time. I still don’t think I’ve found the right balance and I’m definitely winging it but hoping it becomes a little easier with time and practice. Haha!

Q: How is Ottilie and what’s the best thing about being her mama?

Ottilie is amazing. Every day that she grows older, we start to see her little personality develop more and more and I’m obsessed with her. I love her so much!

Q: Mum guilt is tough isn’t it – how do you deal with those rollercoaster emotions?

I send 30 minute long voice notes to my friends of pure waffle! A brain dump and a listening, non- judgemental ear always helps.

Q: The best thing about seeing Alfie become a dad?

Just how incredible he is with her. He’s so patient and doting and it melts my heart. He always gets the biggest laughs too!

Q: What’s one piece of invaluable advice you’ve received?

Do a Mummy MOT postpartum and DO YOUR PELVIC FLOOR EXERCISES.

Q: How about one thing nobody told you but you WISH they had…

That an epidural means you have NO control over your farts and you can’t tell if you’re holding them in or not.

Q: Has becoming a mother yourself changed your relationship with your own mum?

I have a whole new sense of admiration and appreciation for her! And the fact that she had two under two!! (How!)

Q: Your proudest moment over the last year?

I don’t think I’ve ever been so proud. I was very proud of myself for growing and birthing Ottie, but I’m mostly just so proud of all the little things she learns to do. She recently started taking her first steps and pride was BEAMING out of me.

Q: Your ultimate mum fail…

I recently turned my back on Ottie when she was playing with the sudocrem tub…you can imagine what she looked like when I turned back round. How do babies do things so quickly?

Q: What pearls of wisdom have you got for any new mums out there about to embark on this wild and wonderful journey?

Don’t be too hard on yourself, take it easy, go at your own pace and utilise the help of your family and friends if they have offered it! Remember that every first time parent is learning on the job and that nobody expects you to be an expert from day one. Just as your baby is learning each day, so are you!

Q: Your can’t-live-withouts from the past year! Go-to brands, meals, toys, snacks, activities!

White noise machine (hatch), Felt flap books, Teletubbies, Silver nipple cups (for me), Zip up baby sleep suits, Angelcare Bath seat, Tommy tippee squeaky eggs, matchstick monkey teethers, Nappy Caddy, Huckleberry app for tracking those first feeds and naps!

Q: What have you got planned for Ottie’s 1st birthday?

We’re having some of our friends and family over and we’ll just eat food, cut some cake and celebrate the little lady we’ve all watched grow over the past year! I think I’m more excited for her birthday than my own!

The new chapter that comes with moving house is as fresh as it gets in fresh start feelings, but amongst the excitement and Pinterest boards, there will likely be a whole lot of anxiety, stress and overwhelm as the prospect of packing up your life becomes a reality. Bet you’re regretting the 15 variations of floral midi dresses hanging on your clothes rail now, aren’t you?

Whether you’re moving into university halls, into your first shared home with your S/O or have achieved the ultimate in unachievable millennial goals and bought a house (share your secrets), consider this your ground zero of essentials to get you started. From bedding so comfy you might just forget your mattress is on the floor for approximately 2 weeks, to a fresh set of towels ready to lovingly display in your shiny new bathroom, your postman is going to be 10/10 busy delivering your new home, new-in essentials. 

Bedroom

Bathroom

Kitchen and Living

Miscellaneous

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For those who have ever felt self-conscious of their teeth, everyday activities such as smiling for a photo or wearing a statement red lipstick can feel like a battle against insecurity. Our smiles- wonky, gappy and all- form an integral part of our identity, and for those who would rather avoid looking at theirs, adult braces or retainers are likely something that’s cropped up in your Google searches a handful of times over the years. But what’s really involved in the process, how long will it take to give you a smile you feel truly proud of, and possibly more pressingly, how much will it actually cost? We spoke to SmileDirectClub– pioneers in the world of dentist-directed, dentist-prescribed at-home clear aligner orthodontic therapy- as well as deep diving into your other adult brace options to get the lowdown you need before taking the plunge….

What types of braces are available?

Metal Braces:

The more traditional type of braces, but used less so in adulthood, metal braces or ‘train tracks’ are fixed to the teeth and use constant, gentle pressure to move the teeth over time. The process works by brackets- a piece of ceramic or metal placed on each tooth- that are connected by an arch wire that threads through and is bent to suit your ideal bite. The arch wire applies pressure on one side of your mouth, and with time the tooth moves and a new bone tissue grows in behind it. Although not used in every case, sometimes small rubber band ties are used to help keep the arch wire fixed to the brackets.

Ceramic Braces:

Ceramic braces are similar to metal braces however use clear or tooth-colored brackets as opposed to grey or metallic silver brackets and wires. As a result they tend to be preferable for adult patients, however do tend to be more expensive.

Lingual Braces:

Sometimes called ‘hidden braces’, lingual braces are the same as traditional braces except they are fitted to the inside of the teeth rather than the front, making them practically invisible. Sadly, not everyone is suitable for this type of brace, particularly those with a deep underbite.

Clear Aligners:

Aligners are thin, clear, removable trays made to fit your teeth and are often preferred as a result of being less noticeable than metal braces. They also require less upkeep or dental appointments as the process is typically much simpler. Aligners work in a similar way, creating micro-movements of each tooth; however this is achieved by a series of aligner trays that are worn for a particular period before upgrading to the next tray within the process. 

Despite the individual needs of each patient impacting their specific treatment choice, it’s clear that the adult braces industry is booming, with a 2018 report from the British Orthodontic Society finding that 80% of members were seeing an increase in adult patients, up from 75% in 2016. 

If you’re thinking about starting your own journey with adult braces and are considering the route of clear aligners, bookmark this Q&A with SmileDirectClub for all you need to know before taking the plunge…

Q: First things first, does it hurt? Be honest!

“Like muscle soreness after a good workout, wearing new aligners may cause short-term tooth soreness. This is perfectly normal. It is a sign that the aligners are working by moving teeth into a straighter position. Your aligners have to put pressure on your teeth to get them moving, and that can feel uncomfortable. They’ll need some time to relax into wearing clear aligners.  

If things feel really awkward, or even painful, you might take some dental wax to the aligners, so they shift smoothly over your gums.”

Q: How far in advance should someone think about getting aligners for something like a wedding or big event in which they want to look their best?

“On average, SmileDirectClub treatment takes between 4-6 months, depending on the treatment plan and severity of a patient’s teeth. However, patients generally tend to see a difference in their smile within 60 days.”

Q: Are aligners an option for everyone or will some people’s teeth not be suitable for this process?

“SDC clear aligners are best suited for those with mild to moderate crowding and spacing issues with a minimum age of 12 years old. On some occasions, the affiliated network of UK registered dentists or orthodontists will determine clear aligners are not the best option for a patient because their case is too complex for teledentistry. In those instances, we’ll refer customers to a treating dentist in the traditional setting who is convenient to the patient. ”

Q: What are the benefits of clear aligners vs traditional braces? Is the process quicker, longer or the same?

“SmileDirectClub straightens smiles for 60% less than traditional straightening methods and the average treatment plan works 3X faster than braces. This model eliminates the need for customers to go into the office for time consuming checkups!”

Q: How do the aligners actually work?

“Each aligner is designed to gently and gradually guide your teeth into their desired position in accordance  with what you and your treating dentist or orthodontist have determined is best for you and your treatment goals. You’ll begin wearing a new set of aligners as prescribed, (usually you change to a new aligner every 1-2 weeks) advancing you through your smile journey. 

“After customers have completed treatment with SDC clear aligners, retainers are needed to maintain the smile you love. We recommend you purchase a new retainer every 6 months to keep your teeth in the desired position.”

Q: Let’s talk pricing. What is the cost of opting for aligners later in life?

“Customers have the option of paying a one-off price of £1639, or they can spread the cost over 25 months at £69.43 per month, with a £69.44 deposit.”

Q: Should those who have sensitive teeth be more wary?

“We recommend everyone have a check up with a dentist before undergoing treatment, to assess whether your teeth are healthy and suitable for teeth straightening. Customers with sensitive teeth may find the first week of wear more painful than expected, but this is perfectly normal as your teeth start to shift position.”

Q: Are aligners an option for everyone or will some people’s teeth not be suitable for this process?

“SDC clear aligners are best suited for those with mild to moderate crowding and spacing issues with a minimum age of 12 years old. On some occasions, the affiliated network of UK registered dentists or orthodontists will determine clear aligners are not the best option for a patient because their case is too complex for teledentistry. In those instances, we’ll refer customers to a treating dentist in the traditional setting who is convenient to the patient.”

Happy smiling!