Blogs pic top – 1
Clear aligners offer a discreet, comfortable way to straighten teeth without metal brackets. Below is the exact path our Forest Hill patients take—from their first scan to long-term retainers—so you know what to expect every step of the way.
1. Complimentary Digital Smile Scan
We invite you for a free iTero™ 3-D scan that replaces old-fashioned putty impressions. The scanner maps your teeth in minutes while you relax in the chair, giving exact data for precise aligner manufacture.
2. On-the-Spot 3-D Smile Preview
Moments after the scan, our Invisalign Outcome Simulator shows a side-by-side view of your current bite and predicted result. This helps you visualise your future smile and ask questions before you commit.
3. Custom Aligner Fabrication
Your scan is sent securely to Invisalign’s laboratory, where a series of BPA-free SmartTrack™ aligners is printed and laser-trimmed to fit your gumline. Typical turnaround: 2 weeks from scan to delivery at the practice.
4. Fitting Appointment & Attachments
When the aligners arrive, we add tiny tooth-coloured “attachments” to create gentle purchase points for complex movements. You’ll practise inserting and removing the trays, receive your first two-month supply, and download the MyInvisalign® app for weekly photo check-ins.
5. Wear Schedule & Check-ups
• Wear each aligner 22 hours a day, changing to the next set every 7–10 days.
• Attend in-surgery reviews every 6–8 weeks (or remote reviews via the app) so we can monitor progress and hand you new batches.
Typical timeline:
– Mild crowding/relapse: 4–6 months
– Moderate spacing/rotation: 8–12 months
– Complex movements: 12–18 months+
6. Finishing Touches
Near the end we refine your smile with a “mid-course correction” if needed, remove attachments, and offer complementary enamel polish or whitening at NHS or private rates according to your plan.
7. Retainers: Protecting Your Investment
You’ll leave with three sets of Vivera™ or Essix retainers (included in your fee). Wear them full-time for the first fortnight, then nights only for life. Retainers cost far less than repeat treatment, so we recommend ordering spares every couple of years.
8. Ready to Begin?
Book your free consultation today. Initial scans take 20 minutes and there is no obligation. Most patients can start treatment within a fortnight.
