Are you considering Invisalign braces in London but unsure what the journey involves? At Whites Dental, we know that understanding each step of the Invisalign process helps our patients feel confident, prepared, and excited to begin their smile transformation.
In this blog post, we’ll talk you through what you can expect during your Invisalign London treatment journey — right from the initial consultation with the dentist to the final appointment when your treatment is complete. If you’re ready to improve your smile discreetly and effectively, read on to learn how Invisalign could work for you.
Step 1: Your Invisalign Consultation
Your Invisalign journey starts with a free Invisalign consultation at our Central London clinic near Waterloo, London Bridge, Paddington and Westminster.
What happens:
- Assess your teeth, bite, and oral health
- Discuss your smile goals
- Use an iTero scanner to take a 3D scan of your teeth
- Create a customised treatment plan
- Show what your final smile is expected to look like after treatment using the Invisalign Digital Smile Simulator
This step helps determine whether you’re a good candidate for Invisalign and outlines how long your treatment is likely to take.
👉 Book your free Invisalign consultation in London with Whites Dental
💡 No impressions needed – we use modern scanning technology for comfort and accuracy.
Step 2: Your Fully Customised Invisalign Treatment Plan
Once you decide to go ahead, we send your 3D scans to Invisalign HQ, where your custom treatment plan is created. You’ll get a full breakdown of:
- How your teeth will move over time
- How many aligners you’ll need
- Estimated treatment duration
Our dentist will show you a digital simulation of your teeth before and after your treatment with Invisalign.
Common Invisalign Options:
| Invisalign Plan | Ideal For | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Invisalign Lite | Mild crowding or spacing | 4–6 months |
| Invisalign Full | Moderate to severe issues | 12–18+ months |
| Invisalign Express | Minor tweaks | 3 months or less |
Step 3: Creating Custom Invisalign Aligners For Your Treatment
After your initial consultation with the dentist, we will send your 3D scans to the Invisalign laboratory to fabricate your aligners. These custom made aligners are made from Aligns patented SmartTrack system – it ensures your aligners are comfortable and fit you precisely.
The first set of aligners typically arrives within 3–4 weeks after we send your scans to Align. Each aligner is designed to shift your teeth slightly until they reach the ideal position.
Step 4: Fitting Your First Aligners
Once your aligners are ready, we’ll invite you back to our London clinic for your Invisalign fitting appointment. During this visit:
- We’ll ensure the aligners fit properly and comfortably
- Attach small tooth-coloured ‘buttons’ (called attachments) to help guide tooth movement if needed
- Provide full instructions on how to wear, clean, and store your aligners
From this point forward, your Invisalign journey is officially underway!
Step 5: Daily Invisalign Wear – What to Expect
For Invisalign to work effectively, you’ll need to wear your aligners for 20–22 hours per day. You should only remove your aligners when you are eating or drinking anything other than water. You should also remove them for brushing and flossing your teeth.
Here’s what to expect:
1. Comfort
Mild discomfort or pressure is normal in the first few days of wearing a new aligner. This is a sign that the aligners are working.
2. Speech
Some people experience a slight lisp during the first few days, but this typically resolves quickly as your mouth adjusts
3. Visibility
Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible, making them ideal for professionals or anyone who wants a discreet orthodontic solution.
4. Oral Hygiene
You should brush your teeth after every meal you have – before your wear your aligners after the meal. This prevents staining and keeps your aligners clear.
Step 6: Switching To New Aligners
Your dentist will have advised you to move to a new set of aligners after every 1–2 weeks. Each set moves your teeth closer to the final position. Most patients return for a quick check-up every 6–8 weeks so we can monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments.
Step 7: Handling Common Invisalign Challenges
While Invisalign is straightforward, here are a few things to be prepared for:
- Soreness or slight feeling of tightness: This typically lasts 1–2 days after inserting a new set of aligners
- Lost aligners: Let us know immediately — we may advise moving to your next set or ordering a replacement.
- Staining: Avoid dark-coloured drinks while wearing aligners. Stick to having water to keep your aligners clear.
💡 We provide full guidance and support at every step of your Invisalign treatment in London to make the experience as smooth as possible.
Step 8: Completing Your Invisalign Treatment
Once your treatment ends, we’ll evaluate your results and show you the incredible transformation you’ve achieved. Many of our Invisalign patients in London report a boost in confidence, along with improved function and aesthetics.
Step 9: Retainers – Maintaining Your New Smile
After Invisalign, it’s essential to wear retainers to prevent teeth from shifting back to their original positions. We’ll create a custom retainer and advise you on how long and how often to wear it.
💡 Most patients wear retainers at night long-term to maintain their new smile.
Why Choose Whites Dental for Your Invisalign Journey in London?
We’re proud to be one of Central London’s leading providers of Invisalign. Here’s what makes us different:
- Free Invisalign consultations.
- 2 Central London locations – near Waterloo & London Bridge and Paddington & Marble Arch
- Experienced Invisalign-trained dentists
- Advanced 3D scanning technology.
- Flexible 0% finance options available
💡 Your smile transformation starts with a single step — and our team is here to guide you through every part of the journey.
FAQs – Your Invisalign Journey
Q. How does the Invisalign treatment process start?
Your Invisalign journey begins with a consultation at Whites Dental London, where we take a 3D digital scan of your teeth using the latest iTero technology. This allows our dentists to show you a preview of how your smile will look after treatment and design a custom plan tailored to your needs.
Q. How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Treatment time varies depending on your case. Most patients complete Invisalign in 6 to 18 months, but minor corrections can take as little as 3 to 6 months. Your dentist will provide a personalised timeline during your consultation.
Q. Do I need to wear Invisalign all the time?
Yes — for optimal results, aligners should be worn for 20–22 hours a day, removing them only for eating, drinking (except water), brushing, and flossing. Consistency is key to achieving the best results on schedule.
Q. Is Invisalign painful?
Invisalign is generally more comfortable than metal braces. Some mild pressure or tightness can occur for a few days when switching to a new set of aligners, but this is a sign that your teeth are moving as planned.
Q. Can I eat and drink while wearing Invisalign?
You should remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything except water. This prevents staining and damage to the aligners. After eating, brush your teeth before putting them back in to maintain hygiene.
Q. How often do I need to visit the dentist during Invisalign treatment?
Typically, you’ll visit every 6–8 weeks so your dentist can monitor progress and provide your next sets of aligners. At Whites Dental, these visits are quick and convenient — often under 20 minutes.
Q. What happens after I finish Invisalign treatment?
After your treatment, you’ll need to wear a retainer to keep your teeth in their new position. Retainers are usually worn at night, helping maintain your straight smile for years to come.
Q. Where can I start my Invisalign journey in London?
You can begin your Invisalign journey at Whites Dental Waterloo (172 Blackfriars Rd, London SE1 8ER – 020 8616 0590) or Whites Dental Marble Arch (52B Kendal St, St George’s Fields, London W2 2BP – 020 3576 2325). Our experienced Invisalign dentists provide free consultations to help you explore your options and visualise your new smile.
Invisalign – Book Your Free Consultation
At Whites Dental, we offer:
- Expert, highly experienced Invisalign dentists
- Diamond Invisalign Provider status
- 3D simulations of what your smile is expected to look like after treatment
- 0% finance plan options
With our two convenient Central London locations, you’re just one visit away from starting your journey to your dream smile.
👉 Book your free Invisalign consultation now