Invisalign® Treatment Process
What to Expect During Your Invisalign® Treatment
At Peosta Dental, we believe every patient should feel confident and informed throughout their Invisalign journey. Our team will guide you every step of the way, from your initial consultation to your final retainer check.
Every treatment plan is customized to your unique smile, so the exact number and timing of appointments may vary. Most patients can expect the following stages of care.
Your Invisalign Treatment Timeline
Follow your treatment journey from consultation through long-term retention.
STEP 01
Invisalign Consultation
Your Invisalign journey begins with a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Austin Reed. During this visit, we will evaluate your teeth, bite, and overall oral health to determine whether Invisalign® is the right treatment for you.
Using our iTero® digital scanner, we capture a precise 3D model of your teeth—no messy impressions required. We will discuss your smile goals, review your treatment options, explain the expected timeline, answer your questions, and provide a detailed estimate of treatment costs and insurance benefits.
By the end of your consultation, you’ll have a clear understanding of what Invisalign treatment may accomplish and what to expect throughout treatment. When available, you’ll also be able to view a simulation showing how Invisalign may improve your teeth and smile.
STEP 02
Invisalign Delivery
Once your custom aligners arrive, you’ll return to our office to begin treatment. During this appointment, we will:
- Ensure your initial aligner fits properly
- Place any necessary Invisalign SmartForce® attachments
- Review how to insert and remove your aligners
- Explain proper cleaning and maintenance
- Discuss the recommended wear time of 20–22 hours per day
- Review when to change to your next set of aligners
- Provide tips for managing any initial discomfort
You’ll leave wearing your first set of aligners and feeling prepared for treatment.
STEP 03
Two-Week Aligner Check
Approximately two weeks after starting Invisalign, we’ll see you for a brief progress visit. This early check allows us to:
- Confirm your teeth are tracking as planned
- Check the fit of your aligners
- Evaluate your Invisalign attachments
- Review your oral hygiene and aligner cleanliness
- Address any questions or concerns
- Make minor adjustments if necessary
This visit helps ensure your treatment gets off to the best possible start.
STEP 04
Six-Week Progress Visits
Throughout treatment, you’ll generally visit our office approximately every six weeks. The number of visits varies according to the length and complexity of your personalized plan.
During these appointments, Dr. Reed will:
- Monitor tooth movement and treatment progress
- Verify your teeth are tracking according to plan
- Evaluate your bite and overall alignment
- Replace or repair attachments if needed
- Provide your next series of aligners
- Answer questions and make any necessary adjustments
These routine checkups help keep treatment progressing efficiently while minimizing unexpected delays.
STEP 05
Possible Refinement Appointment
This step is only needed for some patients. Every smile responds differently to orthodontic treatment. Once you complete your initial series of aligners, Dr. Reed will carefully evaluate your results.
If additional tooth movement is needed to achieve the best possible outcome, we’ll perform another iTero digital scan and order a customized set of refinement aligners. Refinements are a normal part of Invisalign treatment and allow us to fine-tune your final smile.
STEP 06
Retainer Scan & Retention Planning
After your Invisalign treatment is complete, we’ll perform a final digital scan of your new smile. Your retainers are custom-made from this scan to help maintain your results for years to come.
We’ll also discuss whether you may be a good candidate for a bonded lingual retainer, sometimes called a permanent retainer. This thin wire is placed behind the front teeth to provide additional long-term stability and help prevent unwanted tooth movement.
STEP 07
Retainer Delivery
When your retainers arrive, we’ll ensure they fit comfortably and securely. We’ll review:
- How often to wear your retainers
- Proper cleaning techniques
- How to store them safely
- What to expect during the first few weeks
- How to maximize their lifespan
Wearing your retainers as recommended is one of the most important steps in protecting your investment and maintaining your new smile.
STEP 08
Six-Month Retainer Check
Approximately six months after completing Invisalign treatment, we’ll schedule a follow-up visit to evaluate your long-term results. During this appointment, we’ll:
- Confirm your teeth remain stable
- Check the fit and condition of your retainers
- Examine any bonded lingual retainer, if one was placed
- Answer questions about long-term retention
- Recommend replacement retainers if necessary
Our commitment to your smile doesn’t end when your last aligner comes out. We want to help you enjoy your results for a lifetime.
Your Treatment, Step by Step
STEP 01
Invisalign Consultation
Your Invisalign journey begins with a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Austin Reed. During this visit, we will evaluate your teeth, bite, and overall oral health to determine whether Invisalign® is the right treatment for you.
Using our iTero® digital scanner, we capture a precise 3D model of your teeth—no messy impressions required. We will discuss your smile goals, review your treatment options, explain the expected timeline, answer your questions, and provide a detailed estimate of treatment costs and insurance benefits.
By the end of your consultation, you’ll have a clear understanding of what Invisalign treatment may accomplish and what to expect throughout treatment. When available, you’ll also be able to view a simulation showing how Invisalign may improve your teeth and smile.
STEP 02
Invisalign Delivery
Once your custom aligners arrive, you’ll return to our office to begin treatment. During this appointment, we will:
- Ensure your initial aligner fits properly
- Place any necessary Invisalign SmartForce® attachments
- Review how to insert and remove your aligners
- Explain proper cleaning and maintenance
- Discuss the recommended wear time of 20–22 hours per day
- Review when to change to your next set of aligners
- Provide tips for managing any initial discomfort
You’ll leave wearing your first set of aligners and feeling prepared for treatment.
STEP 03
Two-Week Aligner Check
Approximately two weeks after starting Invisalign, we’ll see you for a brief progress visit. This early check allows us to:
- Confirm your teeth are tracking as planned
- Check the fit of your aligners
- Evaluate your Invisalign attachments
- Review your oral hygiene and aligner cleanliness
- Address any questions or concerns
- Make minor adjustments if necessary
This visit helps ensure your treatment gets off to the best possible start.
STEP 04
Six-Week Progress Visits
Throughout treatment, you’ll generally visit our office approximately every six weeks. The number of visits varies according to the length and complexity of your personalized plan.
During these appointments, Dr. Reed will:
- Monitor tooth movement and treatment progress
- Verify your teeth are tracking according to plan
- Evaluate your bite and overall alignment
- Replace or repair attachments if needed
- Provide your next series of aligners
- Answer questions and make any necessary adjustments
These routine checkups help keep treatment progressing efficiently while minimizing unexpected delays.
STEP 05
Possible Refinement Appointment
This step is only needed for some patients. Every smile responds differently to orthodontic treatment. Once you complete your initial series of aligners, Dr. Reed will carefully evaluate your results.
If additional tooth movement is needed to achieve the best possible outcome, we’ll perform another iTero digital scan and order a customized set of refinement aligners. Refinements are a normal part of Invisalign treatment and allow us to fine-tune your final smile.
STEP 06
Retainer Scan & Retention Planning
After your Invisalign treatment is complete, we’ll perform a final digital scan of your new smile. Your retainers are custom-made from this scan to help maintain your results for years to come.
We’ll also discuss whether you may be a good candidate for a bonded lingual retainer, sometimes called a permanent retainer. This thin wire is placed behind the front teeth to provide additional long-term stability and help prevent unwanted tooth movement.
STEP 07
Retainer Delivery
When your retainers arrive, we’ll ensure they fit comfortably and securely. We’ll review:
- How often to wear your retainers
- Proper cleaning techniques
- How to store them safely
- What to expect during the first few weeks
- How to maximize their lifespan
Wearing your retainers as recommended is one of the most important steps in protecting your investment and maintaining your new smile.
STEP 08
Six-Month Retainer Check
Approximately six months after completing Invisalign treatment, we’ll schedule a follow-up visit to evaluate your long-term results. During this appointment, we’ll:
- Confirm your teeth remain stable
- Check the fit and condition of your retainers
- Examine any bonded lingual retainer, if one was placed
- Answer questions about long-term retention
- Recommend replacement retainers if necessary
Our commitment to your smile doesn’t end when your last aligner comes out. We want to help you enjoy your results for a lifetime.
Your Smile. Our Commitment.
Throughout every stage of Invisalign treatment, our goal is to make the process comfortable, convenient, and predictable. Our experienced team combines advanced digital technology with personalized care to help you achieve a healthier, straighter smile you’ll enjoy for years to come.
Invisalign® and the Invisalign logo are trademarks of Align Technology, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.