The Invisalign Treatment Timeline and What to Expect

This comprehensive guide aims to shed light on the Invisalign process, from the initial consultation to the final stages of treatment. It will discuss what..
Absolute Smiles Bassendean

In pursuing a brighter smile, many consider the Invisalign process a viable option for teeth alignment. This innovative approach has gained popularity due to its sensitive nature and comfort compared to traditional braces. However, embarking on the Invisalign journey requires a clear understanding of the treatment timeline, which can help manage expectations and prepare for the process.

This comprehensive guide aims to shed light on the Invisalign process, from the initial consultation to the final stages of treatment. It will discuss what one can expect during each phase, the role of regular check-ups and adjustments, and the importance of compliance in achieving the desired results.

Whether at the beginning of your Invisalign journey or considering this teeth alignment process, this guide will give you useful information about the treatment time and what to expect. Learn more about the Invisalign treatment timeline and the processes that make up this transformational procedure by reading on.

Remember, every smile tells a story, and with Invisalign, you’re on your way to a story of confidence and joy.

  • After completing your Invisalign treatment, maintaining the alignment of your teeth is crucial, involving wearing retainers and practising good oral hygiene.

  • Common reasons for teeth shifting or orthodontic relapse post-Invisalign treatment include not wearing retainers as prescribed, poor oral hygiene habits, and injury.

  • Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings at Absolute Smiles Bassendean are essential to maintain your oral health and the results of your Invisalign treatment.

  • It’s important to follow the dentist’s instructions regarding retainer use. Typically, retainers are worn full-time for a certain period, then only at night.

  • Retainers help stabilise the teeth in their new positions and prevent them from returning to their rightful positions.

  • Your teeth and gums can remain healthy by using an antimicrobial mouthwash, flossing once daily, and brushing twice daily.

  • A balanced diet that supports oral health can also contribute to maintaining the results of your Invisalign treatment.

  • In case of major issues or injuries, contacting Absolute Smiles Bassendean is important to prevent any potential negative impact on your Invisalign results.

Understanding the Invisalign Process

Invisalign, a revolutionary orthodontic treatment, has been transforming smiles across the globe. This innovative process uses a series of custom-made trays designed to gradually shift your teeth into their rightful position. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are almost invisible, and you can confidently achieve straight teeth without worrying that anybody will notice.

Discover the Invisalign process, from the initial consultation and personalised treatment plan to using custom trays. Learn about the flexibility of Invisalign, the importance of regular check-ups, and the benefits for your oral health:

  • Initial Consultation:
    Start your Invisalign process by meeting your dentist or orthodontist. Discuss your oral health and smile goals, and determine if you’re a suitable candidate for Invisalign.

  • Personalised Treatment Plan:
    If Invisalign is right for you, your dentist will create a customised treatment plan. This plan will be based on digital images or impressions of your teeth, which are used to create a 3D model. This model is crucial for designing your custom Invisalign aligners and outlines the exact movements your teeth need to make.

  • Custom Aligners:
    The aligners, made from clear, medical-grade plastic trays, are designed to fit perfectly over your teeth. You’ll wear each set of aligners for about two weeks before moving on to the next set.

  • Flexible and Convenient:
    The adaptability of Invisalign is one of its key benefits. You may easily remove the aligners to eat, drink, clean your teeth, and floss to continue practising proper oral hygiene while enjoying your favorite foods.

  • Regular Check-ups:
    Regular appointments with your dentist or orthodontist are crucial to the Invisalign process. These examinations enable your dentist to keep track of your development and, if necessary, modify your treatment plan.

  • Improved Oral Health:
    Invisalign is not just about straightening your teeth. Managing alignment imperfections which can cause concerns like tooth decay and gum disease, also helps to enhance oral health.

  • Estimated Timeline:
    The treatment plan includes an estimated Invisalign treatment timeline for your Invisalign journey. The length of treatment varies, but on average, it lasts between 12 to 18 months. However, you may start seeing results in as little as a few weeks.


Understanding the Invisalign process is the first step towards achieving the smile you’ve always dreamed of. With its advanced technology, flexibility, and proven results, Invisalign offers a modern option to traditional orthodontic treatment.

The Initial Consultation and Treatment Plan

The journey to your dream smile with Invisalign begins with an initial consultation and creation of a personalised treatment plan. This article will guide you through these initial steps of the Invisalign treatment timeline.

  1. Initial Consultation:

    This is your first meeting with your dentist or orthodontist, where you:

    • Talk about your worries about your dental health and your objectives for your smile.
    • Have your teeth, jawbone, and oral health examined to determine if you’re a suitable candidate for Invisalign.
    • Ask any questions about the treatment, such as duration, process, and comparison with traditional braces.

  2. Personalised Treatment Plan:

    If Invisalign is right for you, your dentist will design a customised treatment plan for you, which involves:

    • Taking digital images or impressions of your teeth to create a 3D model. This model is used to design your custom Invisalign aligners and map out the precise movements your teeth need to make.
    • Providing an estimated timeline for your treatment. While the duration varies for each patient, it typically lasts 12 to 18 months. However, you may start noticing results in just a few weeks.


These initial steps set the foundation for your journey to a dream smile with Invisalign.

The first steps in your Invisalign treatment involve an initial consultation and the creation of a personalised treatment plan. Here’s a breakdown of these steps:

Key Points to Remember

  • Compliance is crucial:
    You should be mindful of Invisalign aligners for 20-22 hours of wear daily, taking them off only to eat, drink, clean your teeth, and floss.

  • Regular check-ups are necessary:
    Every 6 to 8 weeks, you’ll have a follow-up appointment to assess your progress and receive new aligners.

  • Retainers are part of the process:
    Once you’ve completed your Invisalign treatment, you’ll need to wear retainers to keep your teeth in their new positions.

Receiving Your First Set of Aligners

Upon receiving your first set of aligners, your dentist will see they fit perfectly over your teeth. These aligners are designed to gently pressure your teeth gently, gradually moving them into their proper positions. This process is part of a custom treatment plan designed specifically for you, considering primary factors such as the health of your jawbone, any existing oral health conditions, and the overall state of your dental health.

Here’s what to expect:

  1. Perfect Fit:
    Your aligners will be tight initially. It is normal as they are designed to fit snugly over your natural teeth and start the process of realigning them.

  2. Wearing Time:
    For optimal results, you should wear your aligners daily, only removing them for eating, drinking anything other than water, and oral care routines.

  3. Adjustment Period:
    Talking or eating with your new aligners might feel unusual. Don’t worry, this is completely normal, and you’ll get used to them in a few days.

  4. Care for Your Aligners:
    Proper Invisalign care of your aligners is crucial. Rinse them every night and brush them gently with a soft toothbrush to keep them fresh and clear.

  5. Regular Check-ups:
    Regular dental appointments with your dentist are essential to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.


Remember, every patient is unique, and so is every smile. The duration of your treatment will depend on the complexity of your case and how often you wear your aligners.

Regular Check-ups and Adjustments

Invisalign treatment is a popular and effective method for straightening teeth and improving smiles. However, the success of this treatment heavily relies on regular check-ups and adjustments.

The Importance of Regular Check-ups

Regular check-ups with your orthodontist are essential for several reasons:

  1. Monitoring Progress:
    Your orthodontist can track the movement of your teeth so that they are shifting as planned, which is crucial for achieving the desired results and maintaining your oral health.

  2. Making Necessary Adjustments:
    During these appointments, your orthodontist may need to adjust your treatment plan based on your progress, which could involve modifying your aligners or altering the treatment time.

  3. Addressing Concerns:
    Regular check-ups allow you to discuss any issues or concerns about your treatment. Your orthodontist can provide advice for your comfort and satisfaction.

  4. Maintaining Oral Health:
    Regular dentist visits also allow for cleanings and examinations, which helps to prevent tooth decay and gum disease, so your natural teeth and jawbone remain healthy throughout your Invisalign treatment.


The Role of Adjustments in Invisalign Treatment

Adjustments are a key component of Invisalign treatment. Unlike traditional braces requiring manual adjustments, Invisalign adjustments involve switching to a new set of aligners.

Regular appointments allow your dentist to provide new aligners so that they fit properly, which is crucial for maintaining the effectiveness of the treatment and preventing minor issues such as discomfort or delayed results.

The Impact on Treatment Outcome

Regular check-ups and adjustments play a significant role in the outcome of your Invisalign treatment, so your treatment stays on track, and any potential dental issues are addressed promptly, contributing to a smoother treatment process and more successful results, boosting your confidence and allowing you to devour your favourite foods without worry.

Regular check-ups and adjustments are routine appointments and integral parts of your Invisalign journey, for your treatment progresses as planned, your oral health is maintained, and your improved smile transformation is successful.

The Role of Compliance in the Invisalign Timeline

The role of compliance in the Invisalign timeline is a major factor in achieving the desired results. The success of this treatment largely depends on the patient’s commitment to wearing the aligners for the recommended duration each day.

Non-compliance with the 20-hour rule can lead to several issues:

  1. Discomfort:
    If the aligners are removed for extended periods, you may experience discomfort when they are back in place. This discomfort arises from the aligners trying to reposition the teeth that may have slightly shifted back towards their original position when the aligners were out.

  2. Delayed Results:
    Not wearing the aligners for the recommended time can prolong treatment. The aligners can only work when they are in your mouth. Therefore, not wearing them as advised can delay the desired results.

  3. Need for Revised Treatment Timeline:
    In cases of severe non-compliance, your orthodontist may need to revise your treatment plan, which could extend the treatment timeline.

Here are some tips for compliance with your Invisalign treatment:

  • Keep Your Teeth and Aliigner Trays Clean:
    Always clean your teeth after each meal and at the usual times in the morning and evening. Cleanliness is crucial for oral health and the effectiveness of the treatment.

  • Store Aligners in a Safe Place:
    Always store them safely to avoid misplacement or damage when not wearing your aligners.

  • Express Any Difficulty to Your Orthodontist:
    If you’re having trouble wearing your aligners for the recommended time, don’t hesitate to discuss this with your orthodontist. They can provide techniques and advice to help improve your compliance.

  • Avoid Playing with the Aligners:
    When wearing your aligners, avoid unnecessary removal or playing with them, which can result in breakage or warping of the aligners.


Remember, the success of your Invisalign treatment is a partnership between you and your dentist.

What to Expect as Treatment Progresses

As you journey towards a straighter smile, it’s natural to wonder about the Invisalign treatment progress. This innovative orthodontic treatment has transformed how we approach teeth straightening, offering a virtually invisible and highly efficient alternative to traditional braces. But what changes can you expect to see as your treatment progresses?

The Invisalign Journey: A Timeline

Every patient’s Invisalign journey is unique, but there are some common milestones that most people will experience:

  1. Initial Consultation:
    Your journey begins with an initial consultation with your dentist or orthodontist. They will assess your teeth and oral health to determine whether Invisalign is the right treatment.

  2. Custom Treatment Plan:
    Using advanced technology, your dentist will produce a 3D model of your mouth and design a custom treatment plan. This plan outlines the precise movements of your teeth and the expected timeline.

  3. Receiving Your Aligners:
    You’ll receive your first custom-made Invisalign aligners designed to be worn for most hours daily, only to be removed for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.

  4. Regular Check-ups:
    Your dentist will check on you every 6- 8 eight weeks to assess your progress and give you your new set of aligners.

  5. Seeing the Results:
    As you switch out your aligners every two weeks, your teeth gradually move into their proper positions. Some patients report seeing changes in as little as a few weeks!

  6. Refinement Period:
    After the initial series of aligners, some patients may require additional aligners, known as “refinements” to make minor adjustments for optimal results. Your dentist will assess the need for this during your regular check-ups.

  7. Wearing of Retainers:
    Upon completion of your treatment, wearing a retainer is crucial to maintain the new position of your teeth. Retainers are usually worn overnight and are custom-made to fit your newly aligned teeth.

  8. Completion of Treatment:
    Once you’ve worn your retainers, your treatment is complete! However, you may need a retainer to keep your teeth in their new positions.


Tracking Your Progress

One of the benefits of Invisalign is the ability to track your progress throughout your treatment through clear aligners and the advanced 3D modelling techniques in your treatment plan. You can see your teeth moving into their proper positions over time, which can be incredibly motivating and rewarding.

Several apps are available, such as the TrayMinder and My Invisalign Smile apps, that provide:

  • Tools for tracking your progress
  • Reminding you when to switch your aligners
  • Even allowing you to visualise your smile transformation.

The Final Stages of Invisalign Treatment

As you approach the final stages of your Invisalign treatment, you might be wondering what to expect. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand the process and what happens next.

  • The Last Stage of Invisalign
    The last stage of Invisalign treatment often called the “retention phase,” is as important as the active treatment phase. To keep your teeth in their new positions and stop them from changing back to their previous positions, you will switch from wearing Invisalign aligners to retainers during this phase.

  • Final Invisalign Appointment
    At your final Invisalign appointment, your dentist will remove any remaining attachments from your teeth and take impressions or a 3D scan of your teeth. You’ll also discuss the retainer wear schedule with your orthodontist. Initially, you may be advised to wear your retainers full-time, just like your Invisalign aligners. Over time, you’ll transition to wearing them only at night.

  • What to Do at the End of Invisalign
    At the end of your Invisalign treatment, following your dentist’s aftercare instructions for wearing your retainers is essential, helping maintain the results achieved during your treatment. Regular dental cleanings and check-ups are crucial for optimal oral health.

  • The Most Painful Stage of Invisalign
    While everyone’s experience with Invisalign differs, some patients report feeling discomfort or pressure when switching to a new set of aligners, which typically subsides after a few days.


The final stages of Invisalign treatment involve transitioning to retainers to maintain your new smile. It’s important to follow your dentist’s instructions and continue with regular dental care to keep your teeth healthy and your smile looking its finest.

Maintaining Your Smile After Invisalign

As you approach the end of your Invisalign journey, the excitement of seeing your new, straight smile is palpable. However, maintaining this smile requires some Invisalign care and attention. Here’s what you need to know about maintaining your smile after Invisalign treatment:

  1. Wear Your Retainers:
    After aligning your teeth, wear a retainer, either fixed or removable, preventing the repositioning of your teeth in their original places.

  2. Maintain Oral Hygiene:
    Regular brushing and flossing are essential for maintaining healthy gums and teeth and avoiding gum disease and tooth decay.

  3. Thorough Mouth Cleaning:
    In addition to brushing and flossing, clean your tongue and the roof of your mouth. Consider using an antimicrobial mouthwash for extra protection against bacteria.

  4. Mindful Eating:
    Continue to be cautious about your diet. Avoid eating crunchy, hard foods that could harm your teeth or retainer.

  5. Clean Your Retainer:
    Just as you clean your teeth, your retainer also needs regular cleaning to free it from bacteria and plaque. Use a toothbrush and liquid soap or a customised retainer cleaner.

  6. Regular Dental Check-ups:
    Schedule regular visits to your dentist or orthodontist to monitor your oral health and your teeth maintain their new positions.

  7. Monitor Your Teeth:
    Keep an eye on your teeth. Contact your dentist or orthodontist immediately for early intervention if you notice any changes or shifts.


Following these steps, you can maintain your new, straight smile long after completing your Invisalign treatment. Remember, a beautiful smile is worth the care!

Final Thoughts

Invisalign treatment is a transformative journey that leads to a healthier, more confident smile. It’s a process that requires commitment, but the results are well worth it. From the first appointment to the very end of the process, Absolute Smiles Bassendean is here to guide you every step of the way.

Our dental professionals are dedicated to providing optimal Invisalign care and treatment for our patients. We understand that every patient is unique, and tailor our treatments to meet your needs. Whether you’re dealing with crowded teeth, misaligned teeth, or just want to enhance your smile, we have the competence and technology to help you achieve your oral health goals.

Remember, maintaining your new smile after the Invisalign treatment is as important as the treatment itself. Regular check-ups, proper oral care, and the use of retainers are essential to preserving the results of your Invisalign journey.

You’re ready to take the first step toward a happier, more self-assured smile. Book an appointment with Absolute Smiles Bassendean today. Visit our website or call our clinic to schedule your consultation.

We look forward to helping you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.