Starting clear aligner treatment is exciting, but it can also raise a lot of questions. What actually happens at each appointment? How long does it all take? And what will everyday life be like while you’re wearing aligners?
At smilogy’s Edgecliff and Castle Hill clinics, we want your aligner journey to feel simple, clear and well supported. Here’s what to expect, step by step, from your first visit to your final retainer, plus how aligners fit around your social life.
step 1: your initial consultation
Your journey starts with a thorough examination with one of our dentists. We’ll:
- talk about your concerns and goals: what you’d like to change about your smile
- check your teeth, gums and bite to make sure aligners are suitable and safe for you
- spot anything that needs attention first, such as fillings or gum care
This is your chance to ask anything: cost, comfort, timelines and what you can realistically expect. If aligners look like a good fit, we’ll move to the next step. If you’re still deciding between options, clear aligners vs braces is a helpful read before you come in.
step 2: digital scans and records
No messy impressions here. We use digital scanning to create a precise 3D model of your teeth. At this stage we may:
- scan your upper and lower teeth
- take photos of your smile from different angles
- take any x-rays needed to understand your jaw and roots
These records help us design your plan and move your teeth safely.
step 3: your personalised 3D treatment plan
Using your digital records, we create a 3D plan that maps how your teeth will move over time. You’ll see your starting position, the planned movements and an idea of your projected result.
We’ll also walk you through:
- your expected treatment time
- how many sets of aligners you’ll need
- any extra steps, such as small tooth-coloured attachments or minor contouring
- your fees. Aligners start from $2,250 (lite), with standard plans at $3,850 and advanced plans at $4,850, confirmed for your case
step 4: fitting your first aligners
Once your aligners are ready, you’ll come back for your fitting. We’ll:
- make sure your first set fits comfortably
- show you how to put them in and take them out
- explain how long to wear them each day (usually 20–22 hours)
- go through cleaning and care
If your plan includes attachments (tiny tooth-coloured bumps that help the aligners grip and move your teeth), we’ll place them at this appointment or soon after.
step 5: wearing your aligners at home
Most of your treatment happens quietly at home. You’ll:
- wear your aligners 20–22 hours a day
- take them out for meals and for brushing and flossing
- switch to a new set every one to two weeks, as directed
A few basics we’ll cover at your fitting:
- keep your aligners in their case whenever they’re out
- avoid hot drinks with aligners in, as heat can warp the plastic
- rinse aligners in cool water and follow your cleaning routine
For more everyday habits, from travel kits to chewies, see our top 10 tips for wearing clear aligners.
life with aligners: your social life doesn’t need to pause
A common worry, especially for adults, is that treatment will get in the way. Because aligners are removable and hard to notice, most of life carries on as normal. Carry your case and a small dental kit, and you’re set.
eating out
You take your aligners out to eat, so there’s no list of banned foods. Water is fine with aligners in. For coffee, red wine and other drinks that stain, or anything sugary, take them out first. After eating, brush, floss, rinse and pop them back in.
photos
Aligners are hard to spot in most photos. For a close-up, you can take them out briefly and put them straight back in.
weddings and big events
Getting married or have a milestone coming up? You can take your aligners out for the ceremony or key moments. Aim to keep up your daily wear overall. If you’ve had a short lapse, chewies (small, soft cushions you bite on) help your aligners seat snugly again.
dates
There’s no need to put dating on hold. You’ll take them out to eat anyway, and otherwise they’re unlikely to be noticed. Whether you leave them in for a kiss is up to you.
sport and exercise
For the gym, running or dancing, you can usually keep your aligners in. For contact sports, take them out while you play and wear a mouthguard. The Australian Dental Association recommends custom mouthguards for any sport with a risk of collision. smilogy offers custom mouthguards too.
step 6: regular check-ins
Throughout treatment, you’ll have review appointments at smilogy Edgecliff or Castle Hill. At these visits your dentist will:
- check your teeth are tracking as planned
- adjust your plan if needed
- provide your next sets of aligners
- help with any issues, such as mild rubbing, tightness or a lost aligner
Visits may be spaced further apart when things are going smoothly. If anything doesn’t feel right in between, get in touch.
step 7: refinements, if needed
Towards the end, we’ll reassess your smile against the plan. Sometimes a short refinement phase with a few extra aligners is needed to fine-tune certain teeth, tweak your bite or close small spaces. It’s a normal part of treatment.
step 8: the big reveal, and retainers
Once we’re happy with the result, it’s time to enjoy your new smile. To stop your teeth drifting back, you’ll need retainers. We’ll explain which type suits you, how often to wear it and how to care for it. Think of your retainer as insurance for your smile.
how long does the whole journey take?
It varies with how much movement is needed, whether we’re correcting your bite as well as appearance, and how consistently you wear your aligners. Many mild to moderate cases take somewhere between 6 and 18 months. More complex cases can take longer. We’ll give you a realistic estimate for your teeth, not a generic timeline.
Want to understand the treatment itself in more depth? Read what are clear aligners? Weighing up the investment? See are clear aligners worth it?
faqs
how often do I need to visit during treatment?
Usually every few weeks or months for quick check-ins, depending on your plan.
will I need retainers after clear aligners?
Yes. Retainers help keep your teeth in their new position.
what if I lose or damage an aligner?
Contact us as soon as you can. We’ll advise whether to move to your next set, go back to the previous one, or arrange a replacement.
can I take a break from my aligners?
Short breaks for meals and special moments are fine. Longer breaks can slow progress and extend treatment, so stick to 20–22 hours a day wherever you can.
can I drink with my aligners in?
Water, yes. Take them out for hot drinks, sugary drinks and anything that stains, such as coffee or red wine.
ready to start?
Your first step is a clear aligner consultation. We’ll listen to your concerns, assess your teeth and gums, show you what’s possible and give you a clear outline of costs and timelines. Payment plans and private health cover can help spread the cost.
Explore clear aligners at edgecliff or castle hill. We’re open Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm. Book online or contact us.
