What happens at your first aligner appointment

Booking a clear aligner consultation is the first real step towards straighter teeth, and it helps to know what to expect. The first visit is about finding out whether aligners suit your teeth, what they could achieve and what else needs attention first. Nothing is made at this stage, and you are not committing to treatment by attending.

Before the clear aligner consultation

A little preparation makes the visit more useful:

• Think about what bothers you. Crowding, a gap, teeth that moved after braces, or how your teeth meet when you bite.
• Bring your history. Previous orthodontic treatment, recent X-rays, and a list of any medicines or medical conditions.
• Write down your questions. It is easy to forget them in the chair.

If you started with the free online smile check, a partner dentist near you will contact you to arrange this assessment.

The examination

Your dentist will look at more than how straight your teeth are. A typical examination covers:

• Teeth: decay, fillings, crowns and any teeth that are missing or need treatment.
• Gums: gum health and bone support, which matter for moving teeth safely.
• Bite: how upper and lower teeth meet, including overbite, underbite, crossbite or open bite.
• Jaw: jaw joints and how your jaw opens and closes.

X-rays may be taken to see roots and bone. Photos of your face and teeth are often taken too, as a record of the starting point.

Is treatment needed first?

Teeth and gums should be healthy before teeth are moved. If you need fillings, a scale and polish or gum treatment, your dentist will usually arrange that first. This is normal and good practice, not a delay for its own sake.

Are aligners right for you?

Clear aligners can treat many cases of crowding, spacing and bite problems. Some situations, particularly skeletal problems where the jaws themselves are out of position, may need other treatment, sometimes alongside aligners. Your dentist decides this after the examination, and a good dentist will tell you honestly if another option would suit you better. See what clear aligners can treat and clear aligners vs braces.

Scans or impressions

If you and your dentist decide to go ahead, the next step is recording the exact shape of your teeth. Many clinics use an intraoral scanner, a small wand that builds a 3D model on screen within minutes. Others take traditional impressions. Both are comfortable for most people.

What happens after the visit

For Alignova cases, your dentist submits the scans or impressions to the Alignova lab through a secure doctor portal. From there:

1. An orthodontist-reviewed 3D setup is prepared, showing how your teeth will move stage by stage, with any attachments and IPR (gentle polishing between some teeth) planned in.
2. Your dentist reviews the plan, asks for changes if needed, and approves it online.
3. Only after your dentist approves are your aligners manufactured, checked and sent to the clinic.

Many dentists show patients the 3D plan before approval, so you can see the planned result. Read the full clear aligner treatment process.

What you will learn about wearing aligners

Whether at the consultation or at the fitting visit later, your dentist will explain what daily life with aligners involves. It is worth hearing this before you decide, because aligners only work when they are worn:

• Wear time: most dentists ask for about 20 to 22 hours a day.
• Meals: aligners come out to eat and for any drink other than plain water.
• Cleaning: teeth are brushed before aligners go back in, and aligners are cleaned daily.
• Check-ups: regular visits, and with some clinics, progress photos taken at home in the Alignova patient app at each aligner change.
• Retainers: needed after treatment to keep the result.

If any of this sounds difficult with your work, studies or family routine, say so. Your dentist can help you plan around it, and an honest conversation now avoids disappointment later.

Questions to ask at your consultation

• What exactly will be corrected, and are there any limits?
• Do I need any dental treatment before starting?
• Will I need attachments or IPR?
• How will my progress be checked between visits?
• Are refinements and retainers included in the quote?
• Does the clinic offer installments?
• What happens if I lose or break an aligner?

For cost questions, our clear aligners price guide explains what a complete quote should include.

How long does the first visit take?

It varies by clinic and by how much is done on the day. Some clinics combine the examination and scan in one visit; others book them separately. Ask when you book so you can plan around work or college.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to start treatment after the consultation?

No. The consultation is for assessment and advice. You can take time to think, ask questions and compare options.

Will I get my aligners at the first appointment?

No. Aligners are custom made from your scans after your dentist approves a 3D plan, so they are fitted at a later visit.

Is the scan uncomfortable?

Most people find an intraoral scan comfortable. It is a small wand moved around the teeth. Impressions involve a soft material in a tray for a short time.

Can I see what my teeth will look like?

Once the 3D plan is ready, many dentists show it to patients before approving it, so you can see the planned movement and final position.

Clear aligners are a prescription treatment. Whether they suit you is decided by a licensed dentist or orthodontist after an examination.

Take the free smile check and a partner dentist will contact you about an assessment.