The Invisalign Process in Brief
Invisalign works in six stages. Your orthodontist first confirms you are a good candidate, then takes a digital scan and maps out how your teeth will move. Your custom clear aligners arrive within a few weeks. You wear each set for about two weeks, return for any refinements, then protect your new smile with a retainer.
Invisalign has been around longer than most people think. The technology was first introduced back in 1997, and over the years it has gone from a niche option to one of the most requested treatments we see. The appeal is easy to understand. The aligners are nearly invisible, and because they pop out, you can eat what you want and brush and floss like normal.
If you have been curious about how the whole thing actually works, here is the process from start to finish. If you would rather talk it through in person, you can always book a free orthodontic consult at our Austin, Bee Cave or Hutto office.
Stage 1. Your consultation and candidacy check
Everything starts with an exam. Invisalign is versatile, but it does not fix every orthodontic issue, so the first job is making sure it is right for you. We also talk through the practical side, like your willingness to keep the trays in close to 22 hours a day, plus insurance and how Invisalign compares to other options.
One honest piece of advice. Whether or not you choose us, get your Invisalign from an orthodontist, not a general dentist. Plenty of dentists offer Invisalign now, but they do not have the years of specialty training in tooth and jaw movement that an orthodontist has, and the results tend to show it. Both Dr. Tahbaz and Dr. Rezapour are board-certified orthodontists.
Stage 2. Your digital scan and treatment plan
Once you decide to move forward, we take photos, x-rays and a fast digital scan of your teeth. No goopy molds. That scan goes to Invisalign along with our instructions for exactly how we want your teeth to move. Their technicians build a 3D model that shows each tooth shifting into place, and we review and adjust that plan on our own screens until it is right. You even get to preview where your smile is headed before a single tray is made.
Stage 3. Your aligners are made
After the plan is approved, your custom trays are manufactured and shipped to our office. This usually takes a few weeks. Each set is made specifically for your mouth and labeled to be worn in a set order.
Stage 4. Wearing your aligners
When your aligners arrive, you come in and we get you started. Wear each set for about two weeks, then move to the next, and your teeth shift a little closer to the finish line with every change. Keep them in for 20 to 22 hours a day. Take them out to eat, drink anything other than water and brush, then put them right back. Skipping wear time is the number one reason treatment falls behind, because the next trays stop fitting the way they should.
Stage 5. Refining your smile
When you finish the last tray in your series, you might be done. More often a few teeth still need a little fine tuning, which is completely normal. We take another look, and if needed we order a set of refinement trays to polish the result. These can take a few weeks to arrive, and Invisalign builds them into the process at no extra charge.
Stage 6. Holding your results with a retainer
Teeth never truly stop moving, so a retainer is what keeps your new smile in place. You can use a clear retainer that looks much like your aligners but is thicker and more durable, or a bonded wire behind the teeth. Wear it full time at first, then mostly at night long term. A little retainer time for life is the trade for results that last. We cover the details in our guide to caring for your retainer.
How long does Invisalign take?
It depends on how much movement your teeth need. Many patients finish in 12 to 18 months. Simple cases can wrap up in as little as 6 months, while more complex bites can run closer to two years. Wearing your aligners the full 20 to 22 hours a day is the biggest thing in your control that keeps treatment on schedule.
Is Invisalign right for you?
Invisalign handles a lot, from crowding and spacing to many bite issues, but the only way to know for sure is an exam. If clear aligners are not the best fit, we will tell you, and we also offer clear braces and modern metal braces. Teens have their own options too, which you can read about on our Invisalign for teens page. Looking specifically for Invisalign in Austin? We have you covered there as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Invisalign hurt?
Most people feel mild pressure or tightness for a day or two each time they switch to a new set of aligners. That feeling means the trays are working, and it usually settles quickly.
How many hours a day do I wear Invisalign?
Plan on 20 to 22 hours a day. Take the aligners out only to eat, drink anything other than water and clean your teeth.
Can I eat with Invisalign in?
No. Remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water, then brush before putting them back so food and sugar do not get trapped against your teeth.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Most cases run 12 to 18 months. Simple corrections can finish in around 6 months, and complex cases can take up to two years.
Should I get Invisalign from an orthodontist or a dentist?
An orthodontist has years of additional specialty training in moving teeth and jaws. For predictable results, that training matters.
Do I need a retainer after Invisalign?
Yes. Teeth naturally drift over time, so a retainer is what protects the result you worked for.
Ready to e-LUV-ate your smile?
If Invisalign sounds like your kind of treatment, let’s find out for sure. Schedule your free consult with the Luv Braces team in Austin, Bee Cave or Hutto and we will walk you through your options in person.