Unveiling the Steps: Your Complete Guide to the Invisalign Process
Are you thinking about getting orthodontic treatment to achieve a straighter, more confident smile? If so, you may have heard about Invisalign, a popular and discreet alternative to traditional braces. Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners to gradually straighten your teeth, offering many benefits for patients of all ages. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the details of the Invisalign process, from the initial consultation to the exciting reveal of your new smile.
The Consultation: Your First Step Towards Your Dream Smile
Your Invisalign journey begins with an initial consultation at our Wimpole Street Dental Clinic in London. During this appointment, our experienced orthodontist will assess your smile and discuss your orthodontic goals. We will evaluate whether Invisalign is the right treatment option for you, as it is suitable for a wide range of orthodontic issues, including overcrowded teeth, gaps, crossbites, overbites, and underbites.
To determine the best course of action, our orthodontist will take digital impressions or dental molds of your teeth, photographs, and x-rays. These diagnostic tools provide a clear image of your teeth and allow our team to design a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Once we determine that you are a suitable candidate for Invisalign, we will discuss the projected duration of your treatment and answer any questions you may have about the process.
The Treatment Plan: Mapping Out Your Smile Transformation
After the initial consultation, our orthodontist will use the impressions, photographs, and x-rays to create a custom treatment plan. Using advanced computer software, we will generate a 3D simulation of your smile transformation, allowing you to visualize the expected outcome.
This digital model will guide the production of your personalized set of clear aligners. Each set is worn for approximately two weeks before moving on to the next set, gradually moving your teeth into the desired position. Your treatment plan will include the specific number of aligners needed and the estimated duration of each stage.
The Fitting: Receiving Your Customised Invisalign Aligners
Once your aligners are ready, you will return to our clinic for the fitting. Our orthodontist will ensure that each aligner fits snugly and comfortably and provides the necessary pressure to move your teeth. At this stage, we will also provide detailed instructions on how to properly wear and care for your aligners.
It’s important to note that compliance is crucial for successful Invisalign treatment. You must wear your aligners for a minimum of 20-22 hours a day, only removing them for eating, drinking, and oral hygiene. Failure to follow the prescribed guidelines may result in extended treatment time.
The Progress: Monitoring Your Journey to a Confident Smile
To ensure the progress of your treatment, you will have regular check-up appointments at our Wimpole Street Dental Clinic. During these visits, our orthodontist will assess your teeth and monitor the effectiveness of the aligners. Adjustments to your treatment plan, such as the addition of attachments or the use of interproximal reduction, may be made to achieve the desired outcome.
Throughout your treatment, you will also have the opportunity to preview your smile at different stages using the innovative ClinCheck software. This allows you to see the anticipated progression of your teeth and further excites you about the final result.
The Reveal: Admiring Your Transformed Smile
Once you have completed your prescribed series of aligners, it’s time for the exciting reveal of your newly transformed smile. Our orthodontist may recommend additional retainers to ensure the stability of your teeth in their new positions. These retainers can be either fixed or removable, depending on your specific needs.
With Invisalign, the journey towards a straighter smile is not only effective but also discreet and comfortable. By choosing this innovative orthodontic treatment, you can achieve the results you desire without the aesthetic and lifestyle concerns associated with traditional braces.
If you are ready to start your Invisalign journey or have further questions about the process, contact Wimpole Street Dental Clinic to schedule a consultation with our experienced orthodontist. Let us help you achieve a straighter, more confident smile today.
[Source: British Orthodontic Society – https://www.bos.org.uk/]
ABOUT THIS ARTICLE
Created: 14/8/23
Clinically reviewed by: Prof Dr Christian Mehl
Written by: Dr Sanjana Sudarshan

About the author:
Sanjana, an accomplished Orthodontist, graduated with Honours from King’s College and excels in providing tailored treatments using diverse techniques. With a broad dental background, she manages complex conditions holistically. A passionate mentor, conference presenter, and charitable ambassador, she continuously supports the dental community.
When did we last update this page?
Our expert team continually update and research the latest news and techniques in dentistry, as such we regularly update our pages and have these clinically reviewed.
Current Version
August 14th 2023
- Added “when did we last update this page”
Written by: Prof Dr Christian Mehl
Medically reviewed by: Dr Raul Costa