Thinking about straightening your teeth? Here's exactly what happens at your first Invisalign clear aligners consultation, so you can walk in prepared and confident.
Quick Answers: What to expect at your first Invisalign treatment consultation
What is a first Invisalign treatment consultation? A no-pressure visit where your doctor evaluates your smile, takes a digital scan, and maps out a personalized treatment plan. You are not committing to treatment.1,2
How long does the first appointment take? About 45 minutes to an hour.1
Will I get a digital scan at my first visit? Yes. Full mouth scans can be completed in as little as 60 seconds, with no putty or gagging.3,4
Can I see my new smile before starting treatment? Yes. Your doctor can show you an Invisalign Outcome Simulation with the iTero™ Scanner accepted Invisalign treatment.5
Does Invisalign treatment hurt? Invisalign clear aligners are less painful than braces among adults and teens.6,7 In one Canadian survey of adult patients, Invisalign clear aligner patients' average comfort rating came in at 7.0 on a 9-point scale versus 5.6 for braces patients.8
How long does Invisalign treatment take? 12 to 18 months on average, and as little as 6 months for mild cases.9,10 Treatment with Invisalign clear aligners completed 5 months faster on average than treatment with braces.11
How many hours a day do I wear aligners? 20 to 22 hours per day, removing them only to eat, drink anything other than water, brush, and floss.12
Does Invisalign treatment help my oral hygiene? Patients in Invisalign clear aligners demonstrate better compliance with oral hygiene and present less plaque and gingival inflammatory reactions than treatment with braces.13
How much does Invisalign treatment cost? Comparable to braces. Many dental plans cover up to $3,000 in orthodontic coverage, and flexible payment plans are available.14,15,16
Is Invisalign treatment available for teens and children? Yes. Available for ages 6 and up. The AAO recommends children see an orthodontist by age 7. Since 2001, over 7,000,000 teen patients age 19 or younger have been treated with the Invisalign system.17,18
What should I bring to my first appointment? Bring your dental and medical history, insurance card, a photo ID, any referral information, and a list of questions.1
What is a first Invisalign treatment consultation?
A first Invisalign treatment consultation is a no-pressure conversation where a doctor who offers Invisalign treatment evaluates your smile, listens to your goals, and helps you decide whether clear aligners are the right fit for you. Think of it as a getting-to-know-you visit, for both you and the doctor.1
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, this first appointment is as much about getting to know your orthodontist and their team as it is about them assessing your orthodontic needs. It's a chance to gather information, ask questions, and build a comfortable relationship.1
Your doctor will walk you through how Invisalign treatment works, discuss your specific situation, talk about potential outcomes, and review payment options. They'll evaluate your smile, map out a treatment plan, and review the visual treatment plan with you.2
What is the difference between an Invisalign treatment consultation and a braces consultation?
Both consultations evaluate your smile and discuss treatment options, but the experience differs in key ways:
Am I a candidate for Invisalign treatment?
Whether you are dealing with minor spacing or more complex issues like overbites, underbites, and crossbites, Invisalign treatment can tackle a wide range of dental needs.19 It is also suitable for patients at every stage of life, from kids as young as six to adults of any age. Because every smile is unique, the best way to see if you are a candidate is to schedule a consultation. Your doctor will evaluate your specific goals, answer your questions, and design a personalized plan just for you.
How should I prepare and what should I bring?
A little preparation goes a long way. Before your visit, take a few minutes to think about your smile goals and jot down a list of questions.1 Many practices will email you new patient forms ahead of time, so fill those out online before you arrive. If forms aren't sent in advance, plan to arrive a few minutes early.1
Here's a quick checklist of what to bring:
Your insurance card and a photo ID
Any referral information from your dentist
Recent dental records or X-rays, if available
A list of questions you want to ask
Your new patient forms, if not completed online
What happens during the consultation?
Once you're settled in, your doctor will review your dental and medical history and ask about your smile goals. This is a two-way conversation: they want to understand what you're hoping to achieve and what concerns you have. Many doctors use digital tools to make this conversation more engaging and informative.2
These tools help your doctor explain what they see, walk you through your options, and set clear expectations, all in a way that's easy to follow.20,21
After the exam, your doctor will discuss their findings with you. They'll explain any orthodontic issues they see, go over potential treatment options, and talk about what you can expect during the process. This is also the perfect time to ask questions or share any concerns you might have.1
Will I get a digital scan at my first visit?
Yes, in most cases. Instead of the gooey, uncomfortable putty impressions you might remember, most doctors who offer Invisalign treatment use a digital scanner, like an iTero scanner, to capture a precise 3D model of your teeth. The process is quick and comfortable. With the iTero scanner, full mouth scans can be completed in as little as 60 seconds.3
Digital impressions are 59% quicker than conventional impressions.22 And it's not just about speed: 100% of patients surveyed said that they liked digital impressions better due to time, taste, gagging, and comfort concerns, and that they would advise a friend to seek out digital impressions.22 The scanner is simply a handheld wand that moves around your mouth. There's no putty, no gagging, and you can often see the 3D model appear on screen in real time.
Can I see my new smile before starting treatment?
Yes, and it's one of the most exciting parts of the consultation.
During the visit, your doctor may use the scan to show you a simulation of how your teeth could move throughout treatment. Seeing your potential results can also help you make a decision with confidence.
Will I need attachments on my teeth?
Maybe. During your consultation, your doctor will let you know whether you'll need SmartForce™ attachments, small, tooth-colored pieces that help your aligners move your teeth more effectively.23,24 Not every patient needs them, and your doctor will determine what's right for your specific case during the planning process.
If you do need attachments, there's no need to worry. The process of applying them is straightforward. Your doctor will review your treatment plan, prep your teeth, and use a template aligner to place the attachment material precisely where it needs to go.24 The attachments are designed to be discreet and work seamlessly with your clear aligners to guide your teeth into their ideal positions.
How long will my treatment take?
The average Invisalign treatment time is 12 to 18 months,9 and adults with mild to moderate cases can finish up to 5 months faster than with traditional braces.11 Depending on your needs, you could see your ideal smile in as little as six months.10 During your initial consultation, your doctor will provide a personalized timeline and walk you through every step of the process so you know exactly what to expect from start to finish.
Will Invisalign treatment hurt?
Invisalign clear aligners are less painful than braces among adults.6 In one comparative study, clear aligner patients reported a mean comfort score of 7 on a 9-point scale. That's compared to 5.6 for conventional braces, meaning aligner patients experienced less than half the discomfort.8 When you first start wearing your aligners, you may feel some gentle pressure as your teeth begin to shift. This is a sign that the treatment is working. Most patients describe the sensation as mild discomfort rather than pain, and it typically fades within a few days.12
Because Invisalign clear aligners are made of smooth, custom-fit material with no brackets or wires, there's nothing to scrape against the inside of your mouth or cause irritation.25 Invisalign aligners trimmed based on each patient's gum line provide optimal patient comfort, esthetics and the optimized force system for tooth movement.
How many hours a day do I need to wear my aligners?
You'll need to wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day, removing them only to eat, drink anything other than water, brush, and floss.12 This means you'll keep your aligners in for nearly the entire day, including while you sleep, to keep your treatment on track.
Following your doctor's recommended wear schedule is important for keeping your treatment on track. If you're worried about remembering to put your aligners back in after meals, the My Invisalign™ app can help you track your wear time and send reminders.26
Can I eat and drink normally with Invisalign clear aligners?
Yes, one of the biggest advantages of Invisalign treatment over traditional braces is that there are no food restrictions. Because your aligners are removable, you can eat almost anything you like.12 Simply take your aligners out before meals and snacks, and put them back in after you've finished eating and cleaned your teeth.
The one rule to keep in mind: only drink plain water while wearing your aligners. Hot beverages like coffee or tea can warp the plastic, and sugary or acidic drinks can get trapped against your teeth, increasing the risk of cavities.12 For anything other than water, remove your aligners first and brush your teeth before putting them back in.
What about oral hygiene during treatment?
Keeping your teeth clean is actually easier with Invisalign clear aligners than with traditional braces. Because the aligners are removable, you can brush and floss your teeth just as you normally would, with no need to navigate around brackets and wires.12
Good oral hygiene is especially important during orthodontic treatment. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, crooked or crowded teeth can hinder dental hygiene and lead to tooth decay, gum disease, or other oral health issues.1 Research supports the hygiene advantages of clear aligners: a systematic review found that clear aligners are associated with less plaque accumulation than fixed orthodontic appliances, and patients treated with clear aligners had lower levels of salivary caries-associated bacteria, which may reduce the risk of white spot lesions compared to braces.27 Invisalign treatment addresses alignment while supporting (not hindering) the hygiene habits you need to maintain.
Is Invisalign treatment right for teens and children?
Invisalign treatment can be an excellent option for growing smiles, whether for young children or teenagers.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first checkup by age 7 to catch potential issues early, monitor development, and avoid more invasive treatments later on.17 For young children ages 6 to 10, Invisalign First™ clear aligners provide Phase 1 treatment designed to expand developing arches and create space for incoming permanent teeth.28
For teenagers, clear aligners offer a subtle, flexible solution that fits easily into a busy schedule of sports, school, and social activities.29 Teenagers treated with Invisalign aligners demonstrate better oral hygiene with less plaque and gum inflammation compared to those with traditional braces.13 Additionally, aligner patients require significantly fewer overall office visits (13.7 vs. 19.3) and far fewer emergency appointments (0.8 vs. 3.6).30 Unsurprisingly, this age group is one of the fastest-growing segments for Invisalign treatment, with over 7 million teens and young patients treated to date.18
How much does treatment cost and will insurance cover it?
The cost of Invisalign treatment is comparable to the cost of braces.14 Your doctor will determine the cost based on a number of factors, like how complex your case is and how many aligners you need.
There are several ways to make treatment more affordable. Many dental plans cover Invisalign treatment the same way they cover braces. Depending on your orthodontic treatment needs, and your insurance coverage, you may qualify for up to $3,000 in orthodontic coverage.15 You can also use tax-free dollars from your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to help offset the cost.31 Many doctors offer flexible monthly payment plans, some with low-to-no money down, so you can spread the cost over the course of your treatment rather than paying all at once.16 Third-party financing platforms may also be available, subject to credit approval terms vary.32
What questions should I ask at my first visit?
Your consultation is the perfect time to ask questions, and no question is too small. Researching ahead of time is a great way to get the most out of your consultation. It will help you feel more confident and less afraid to ask your doctor questions.2
Here are some great starter questions to bring with you:
Are Invisalign clear aligners right for me?
How often will I need to return for check-ups?
Do you offer a monthly payment plan?
Do you accept my insurance?
What happens if I break an aligner?
Bring your list and remember to ask everything you're curious about. This is your time to get clarity.2
What happens after my first appointment?
After your consultation, your doctor will use the scans and records to finalize your treatment plan. As you wrap up, your doctor will give you a summary of your discussion and treatment plan. This may include a treatment timeline so you know when you can expect your aligners.2 Invisalign clear aligners usually arrive a few weeks after your doctor scans your teeth, though delivery times may vary.2
If you decide to move forward, your customized aligners will be created and you'll return to pick up your first set. When you pick up your aligners, your doctor will check that they fit correctly and are as comfortable as possible, answer your questions, and tell you what to expect.33 Treatment typically unfolds in phases: the initial placement of your aligners, periodic check-ups, and eventually a retainer to maintain your results.34 Wearing a retainer after treatment is essential to keep your teeth in their new positions.
Throughout your treatment, your doctor will schedule regular face-to-face check-ups to monitor your progress and give you each new batch of aligners.33 Research shows that Invisalign treatment patients typically require fewer office visits than braces patients: one study found that aligner patients averaged 13.7 appointments compared to 19.3 for fixed appliances, and fewer emergency visits as well (0.8 vs. 3.6 on average).29 Many doctors also offer Invisalign Virtual Care via the My Invisalign app, making the process even more convenient, so you can stay connected with your doctor between visits.26
Can I see real results from other patients?
Absolutely. Over the past 29 years, Align Technology has helped doctors treat over 23 million patients with the Invisalign System.35 Seeing real before and after results from other patients is a great way to understand what's possible and feel inspired about your own journey.
The Invisalign treatment website features galleries of real before and after photos and patient stories, so you can see the power of Invisalign treatment across a variety of cases, from mild crowding to more complex alignment issues.19 You can even simulate your own potential smile transformation with Invisalign SmileView™, which gives you a preview of what your new smile could look like right from a selfie.
Frequently asked questions
What is a first Invisalign treatment consultation? It is a no-pressure visit where your doctor evaluates your smile, discusses your goals, takes a digital scan, and maps out a personalized treatment plan. You are not committing to anything by attending.1,2
How long is the first Invisalign treatment consultation? Plan for about 45 minutes to an hour. Your doctor will review your records, examine your teeth, discuss treatment options, and answer your questions. Future appointments generally are shorter.1
Do I get Invisalign aligners at my first appointment? Usually no. Your first visit focuses on evaluating your smile, taking scans, and developing your treatment plan.
Is the consultation free? Many Invisalign provider offices offer complimentary consultations, although policies vary by practice.
Can I see how my teeth will look after treatment? Many providers can show a digital smile simulation during or after your consultation.
What if Invisalign treatment is not right for me? Your doctor will explain all available treatment options based on your individual needs.
How much does Invisalign treatment cost? The cost is comparable to braces.14 Many dental plans cover up to $3,000 in orthodontic coverage,15 and flexible monthly payment plans may be available with low-to-no money down.16 You can also use HSA or FSA dollars to offset the cost.31
Can I eat and drink normally with Invisalign clear aligners? Yes. Because the aligners are removable, there are no food restrictions. Simply take them out before meals and put them back in after eating and cleaning your teeth. Only drink plain water while wearing them.12
Does Invisalign treatment hurt? Invisalign clear aligners are less painful than braces among adults.6 In one Canadian survey of adult patients, Invisalign clear aligner patients' average comfort rating came in at 7.0 on a 9-point scale versus 5.6 for braces patients.8 Any mild soreness typically fades within a few days.12
How many hours a day do I need to wear my aligners? 20 to 22 hours per day, removing them only to eat, drink anything other than water, brush, and floss.12 The My Invisalign app can help you track wear time and send reminders.26
Will I need attachments on my teeth? Maybe. SmartForce attachments are small, tooth-colored pieces that help aligners move teeth more effectively.24 Not every patient needs them. Your doctor will determine what's right for your case.
Is Invisalign treatment right for teens and children? Yes. Invisalign treatment is available for ages 6 and up. The AAO recommends children see an orthodontist by age 7.17 Since 2001, over 7,000,000 teen patients age 19 or younger have been treated with the Invisalign system.18
Can I bring someone to my appointment? Absolutely. Many patients bring a family member or friend for support. If the patient is under 18, a parent or guardian must be present to sign consent forms and participate in treatment discussions.1
Can I see my new smile before starting treatment? Yes. Your doctor can show you a simulation of how your teeth will move. 75% of people who submit a SmileView selfie see their smile's potential.5
What should I bring to my first appointment? Bring your dental and medical history, insurance card, a photo ID, any referral information, and a list of questions. If available, bring recent dental records or X-rays.1
Ready to take the first step?
Your first consultation is all about you: your goals, your concerns, and your smile. There's no pressure to commit on the spot. The visit is designed to give you the information and confidence you need to make the right decision for your smile. Many doctors even offer complimentary consultations, so you can explore your options without any upfront cost.
Ready to get started? You can find an Invisalign provider near you using the Find a Doctor tool, or let the Smile Concierge team help: they'll follow up with a call and can auto-book an appointment for you. Contact your local Invisalign provider to schedule your first consultation and see what's possible for your smile.
Results may vary. This content is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not medical, dental, or orthodontic advice. Align Technology does not practice dentistry or medicine or provide healthcare services. Consult your orthodontist, dentist, or other qualified healthcare professional to determine whether Invisalign treatment is right for you.