Starting Invisalign is exciting, but knowing what lies ahead makes the experience even better. This month-by-month timeline walks Orleans patients through every stage of Invisalign treatment at Orleans Dental Centre; from your first consultation to the moment you reveal your new smile.
Month 0: Your Initial Consultation
Everything begins with a consultation at our Orleans clinic. Your dentist will examine your teeth and bite, take digital impressions using advanced 3D scanning technology, and discuss your smile goals. Using Invisalign’s ClinCheck software, we’ll create a digital preview of how your teeth will move so you can see your projected results before treatment begins.
Weeks 1–2: Receiving Your First Aligners
Once your custom aligners are fabricated, you’ll return to our office to receive your first set. We’ll ensure the fit is comfortable, demonstrate how to insert and remove them properly, and review care instructions. Your aligners should be worn 20-22 hours per day, removed only for eating, drinking (anything other than water), and brushing.
Small tooth-coloured attachments (bumps) may be bonded to certain teeth to help the aligners grip and guide more complex movements. These are barely visible and are removed at the end of treatment.
Months 1–3: Early Adjustments
During the first few months, you’ll switch to a new set of aligners every one to two weeks. Mild pressure is normal when you switch trays; it’s a sign your teeth are moving. Most patients adapt quickly and report that any discomfort fades within a day or two.
You may notice subtle changes in your alignment as early as the first month. You’ll visit our office every six to eight weeks so we can monitor your progress and provide your next sets of aligners.
Months 3–6: Visible Progress
By this stage, most patients begin to see noticeable changes. Gaps start closing, crowding improves, and your bite begins to shift. This is often the most motivating phase of treatment, as the changes become visible to both you and those around you.
Continue maintaining excellent oral hygiene by brushing after meals before reinserting your aligners and cleaning the trays daily with a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water. Follow our brushing and flossing guide for optimal results.
Months 6–12: Refinement Phase
As you near the end of your initial aligner series, your dentist will evaluate your progress. Many patients enter a refinement phase, where additional aligners are created to fine-tune specific tooth positions. This phase ensures your final result is as close to perfect as possible.
Treatment Completion: Your New Smile
Once your teeth have reached their final position, we’ll remove any attachments and take impressions for your retainers. Retainers are essential to maintaining your results; without them, teeth can gradually shift back toward their original positions.
Most patients wear a retainer full-time for the first few months, then transition to nighttime-only wear for long-term maintenance.
Start Your Invisalign Journey in Orleans
At Orleans Dental Centre, we’re proud to be a trusted Invisalign provider serving the Orleans and greater Ottawa community. Our team will support you through every phase of treatment. Contact us at (613) 824-3888 or book your Invisalign consultation online today.