Forget the "6-month miracle" marketing. Here's the honest timeline from consultation to completion, including the challenges they don't mention and what to really expect.
Realistic timeline: 12-24 months for most cases. Here's why.
What the ads promise vs what actually happens
"6-month treatment"
Applies to simple cases only (i7 treatment)
"Quick and easy"
Ignores adjustment period and lifestyle changes
"No maintenance required"
Daily cleaning and careful handling essential
"Invisible treatment"
Attachments and refinements often visible
12-24 months typical
Comprehensive treatment takes time for lasting results
2-3 week adjustment period
Speech changes, eating habits, initial discomfort
Daily commitment required
22+ hours wear, careful cleaning, lifestyle adjustments
Attachments usually needed
85% of cases need small tooth-colored bumps to help aligners grip and move teeth effectively
Step-by-step realistic timeline from first consultation to final retainer
Reality check: 30% of consultations result in "Invisalign isn't right for you"
Critical: Treatment success depends heavily on how much effort your dentist puts into the ClinCheck planning process
Reality: Most people need attachments - they make treatment less "invisible" than marketing suggests
Reality: Many patients struggle in weeks 2-3. Support is crucial.
Key success factor: Consistency in wear time is everything
Common: 80% of patients need at least one refinement cycle
Critical: Retainer wear is LIFELONG to maintain results
The digital planning stage determines 80% of your treatment success
Spend 2-3 hours refining the ClinCheck plan
Carefully plan attachment placement for optimal movement
Consider root movement and biological limitations
Stage movements for predictable, gentle progress
Plan for realistic outcomes, not marketing promises
Accept Invisalign's initial ClinCheck with minimal review
Rush through planning to start treatment quickly
Place generic attachment patterns without customization
Focus on volume over treatment quality
Promise unrealistic timelines based on initial plan
of adult cases need attachments for effective tooth movement
attachments typically placed per patient
size - small but visible when you smile
Truth: If your dentist promises "no attachments needed," they either haven't planned properly or your case is very simple (and probably doesn't need Invisalign).
What they don't warn you about (and how to handle it)
Temporary lisp or speech adjustment for first 1-2 weeks. Practice reading aloud to adapt faster.
Teeth not moving as planned. May require additional aligners, longer wear time, or treatment restart.
Wrapped in tissue, thrown away accidentally. Always use your case! Replacement costs £150-300.
Months 6-12 motivation drops. 22+ hours daily becomes challenging. Support systems help.
Small bumps can pop off during removal. Usually requires clinic visit to replace and continue treatment.
Eating out, work meetings, special events. Planning removal/cleaning becomes part of daily routine.
The factors that determine whether you love your results
The #1 factor. Even 20 hours isn't enough for optimal results. Consistency is everything.
Comprehensive ClinCheck planning determines success. Experienced dentists spend more time perfecting the digital plan - this effort directly impacts your results.
Catching tracking issues early prevents major problems later. In-person check-ups matter.
Having someone to call when problems arise. Motivation during difficult periods.
Minor crowding, 3-7 months
10% of adult patients
Most adult treatments, 12-18 months
70% of adult patients
Severe crowding/spacing, 18-24+ months
20% of adult patients
Remember: Add 3-6 months for refinements in most cases. Retainer wear is lifelong.
Get a realistic timeline and honest evaluation from Dr. Holmes. Free consultation includes 3D scan and treatment preview.