The Invisalign Treatment Process Step-by-Step: From Consultation to Retainer | Smile Solutions Melbourne

At Smile Solutions, the Invisalign process has been refined across 8,900+ completed cases to deliver predictable results with minimal friction. Here is exactly what happens, from your first contact to your final retainer fitting, at Australia's Blue Diamond Invisalign provider.

Step 1: Free Initial Consultation

Your first appointment costs nothing and carries no obligation.

You'll meet with an experienced treatment coordinator who:

• Reviews your dental and smile goals
• Assesses your suitability for Invisalign based on a preliminary examination
• Explains the difference between Invisalign Express, Lite, Moderate, and Comprehensive
• Provides a written quote for the recommended package
• Answers questions about timeline, payment, and what the treatment involves day-to-day

If you have existing X-rays from your general dentist, bring them — they may reduce the need for additional imaging.

Book: Call 13 13 96 or visit smilesolutions.com.au to schedule.

Step 2: Specialist Orthodontic Assessment and iTero Scanning

Your next appointment is with your board-registered specialist orthodontist — Dr David Austin, Dr Joshua Ch'ng, Dr Katie Xu, or Dr Andrea Phatouros. Each holds postgraduate university qualifications specifically in tooth and jaw correction.

This appointment involves:

• iTero digital scanning — A handheld scanner captures a precise 3D model of your teeth and bite in minutes. No physical impressions (no goopy moulds). The scan is taken at our 220 Collins Street practice, Level 1, Manchester Unity Building.
• Clinical examination — Your specialist assesses your bite, jaw joint, gum health, and existing dental work to ensure Invisalign is appropriate for your full clinical picture
• X-ray review — Existing X-rays are reviewed, or new digital X-rays taken as required
• Treatment planning discussion — Your specialist discusses the approach, expected outcome, and any factors that may influence the treatment plan (e.g., existing crowns, bite discrepancies requiring attachments)

Step 3: ClinCheck Digital Treatment Simulation

Using your iTero scan data, Invisalign's ClinCheck software generates a digital simulation of your entire treatment — showing exactly how each tooth is planned to move from its current position to its final position.

Your specialist orthodontist at Smile Solutions reviews and refines this simulation before you see it. ClinCheck is not automatically accepted as-is; experienced specialists make clinical adjustments to the algorithm's output to optimise tooth movement sequencing.

What you see: A side-by-side comparison of your current smile and your projected final result. This preview happens before a single aligner is produced.

For most patients, this is one of the most memorable moments of the process — seeing a realistic digital preview of your completed smile before committing to treatment.

Step 4: Custom Aligner Fabrication

Once the ClinCheck is finalised and approved by your specialist, the files are sent to Invisalign's manufacturing facility. Custom aligners are fabricated from SmartTrack material — a proprietary thermoplastic engineered for comfortable force delivery and a precise, close fit.

Production time: Typically 3–4 weeks from ClinCheck approval to aligner delivery.

For Smile Solutions' in-house technology: we also use CEREC and Primescan technology in the broader practice. While aligner fabrication occurs at Invisalign's facility, our in-house laboratory (led by master ceramist Greg Karabasis) handles any ceramic restorations needed to complement orthodontic outcomes.

Step 5: Aligner Fitting — Treatment Commencement

At your fitting appointment:

• Your first set of aligners is inserted and fit-checked
• Attachments are bonded if required — small tooth-coloured composite buttons that help aligners produce specific tooth movements
• You receive detailed instructions on wear schedule, care, and aligner progression
• You take home your first several sets of aligners

The 22-hour rule: Aligners must be worn 22 hours per day. Remove only for eating, drinking (anything except water), brushing, and flossing. Consistent wear is the single most important factor in keeping your treatment on schedule.

Aligner changes: Depending on your case, you'll move to a new set of aligners every 1–2 weeks as directed by your specialist.

Step 6: Progress Monitoring via Dental Monitoring

Smile Solutions uses Dental Monitoring technology for remote progress tracking between in-clinic visits. Using a smartphone app and a cheek retractor, you take periodic scan photos at home, which are reviewed by your specialist orthodontist.

This technology allows:

• Earlier detection of any tooth not tracking correctly
• Fewer required in-clinic appointments without sacrificing oversight
• Faster identification of when refinement aligners may be needed

Patients with busy schedules particularly value this feature — your specialist is effectively monitoring your progress without requiring you to come in every 4–6 weeks.

Step 7: Progress Appointments

You'll visit Smile Solutions at intervals determined by your specialist — typically every 6–10 weeks. At each appointment:

• Progress is assessed against the ClinCheck simulation
• Attachments are checked and re-bonded if needed
• Any aligner fit issues are resolved
• Your next aligner set schedule is confirmed

If your teeth are not tracking exactly to plan, refinement can be addressed at this stage before it compounds.

Step 8: Refinement Aligners (if required)

Sometimes a final set of refinement aligners is needed to complete minor movements that didn't fully express during the main aligner series. This is a normal part of treatment for many comprehensive cases — not an indicator of a problem.

At Smile Solutions, refinement aligners are managed within your treatment package. Your specialist will advise whether they're needed at your final assessment appointment.

Step 9: Treatment Completion — Vivera Retainers

When active treatment is complete, upper and lower Vivera retainers are fitted. Vivera is Invisalign's proprietary retention system, fabricated from the same iTero scan data used for your aligners.

Why retainers matter: Teeth have a natural tendency to drift toward their original positions. Without retention, orthodontic results degrade over time. Vivera retainers are included in your Smile Solutions Invisalign package — no additional cost.

Retention protocol: Full-time wear initially, transitioning to night-time wear only as your specialist directs. Most orthodontists recommend indefinite night-time retainer wear to maintain results long-term.

Complimentary Whitening

For eligible Invisalign packages at Smile Solutions, complimentary teeth whitening is included upon completion — timed to coincide with your newly straightened smile for maximum aesthetic impact.

Your Invisalign Team at Smile Solutions

All treatment is based at Level 1, 220 Collins Street, Manchester Unity Building — and in our dedicated orthodontic tower on Level 12.

📞 Call 13 13 96 to book your free consultation
📍 Level 1, 220 Collins Street, Manchester Unity Building, Melbourne VIC 3000
🌐 smilesolutions.com.au/orthodontics/invisalign/