Your Complete Invisalign Timeline Explained
Invisalign clear aligners have become a trusted path to a straighter smile for thousands of Kiwis. Even so, one of the first questions we hear at Peak Orthodontics is, “How long does Invisalign take?” Below we explain the stages of treatment, outline average timeframes, and discuss how long Invisalign can take to close gaps and straighten your teeth.
For most patients, an Invisalign journey spans 6–18 months from your first scan to the day you start wearing retainers. You will often notice visible movement within the first 8 to 12 weeks, a motivating sign that the aligners are doing their job.
A Stage-by-Stage Invisalign Timeline
Initial Consultation
3D scans, photos, X-rays and a discussion of your goals with Dr John Perry
Attachment placement & first aligner fit
Tooth-coloured attachments bonded; first set of aligners issued
Active aligner phase
Aligners are changed every 5–14 days, and they are worn 22 hours daily
Refinements
Additional aligners may be needed to fine-tune small details
Retention
Clear, custom retainers are worn full‑time for the first four weeks and then nightly long‑term to lock in your new smile.
Five Factors That Influence Your Invisalign Timeline
1. Complexity of Tooth Movement
Crowding, severe rotations, or bite corrections typically add months compared with straightforward spacing problems.
2. Attachments and Auxiliaries
SmartTrack aligner material works faster when attachments provide extra grip. If prescribed, rubber bands to adjust your bite should be worn well to minimise treatment time.
3. Aligner Change Frequency
Our remote monitoring app shows exactly when your teeth seat fully in an aligner and helps to keep your aligner fit on track.
4. Daily Wear Time
Invisalign® recommends wearing your aligners 20 to 22 hours a day to get the best results. Aim for this wear time consistently, and you will stay on schedule.
5. Patient Age and Biology
Teens often see slightly faster movement thanks to ongoing jaw growth and faster metabolisms. Adults still achieve excellent results; they may just need a few extra aligners.
Fast Track Tips – How to Keep Treatment on Time
- Use your “chewies” for two minutes after each insertion to seat trays firmly.
- Log weekly scans with the Peak Orthodontics Dental Monitoring app so we can green-light faster tray changes. At Peak Orthodontics, our Dental Monitoring app lets Dr Perry review weekly selfie scans. If a gap is not closing on schedule, we can adjust your wear time or order refinement aligners immediately, keeping the timeline tight.
- Avoid hot drinks with trays in place: heat can warp plastic and slow tooth tracking.
- Store aligners in their case at meal times to prevent loss and costly replacement.
Frequently Asked Invisalign Timeline Questions
Can I speed things up by changing aligners more quickly?
Always follow Dr Perry’s advice regarding aligner changes. Switching too soon can negatively affect aligner fit and stall progress.
I only have a small gap. Could I finish sooner?
Possibly. Many minor spaces are quick to close when compliance is perfect but the overall bite may also need attention.
Do attachments slow the process?
They do the opposite. Attachments let aligners grip teeth more effectively, so movements happen sooner.
Ready to Start? Book Your Free Invisalign Consultation
At Peak Orthodontics, our Platinum Invisalign status, interest-free plans, and remote monitoring mean your timeline is as efficient as possible. Phone 03 595 6686 or book online for an assessment. Your journey to a confident smile begins today.