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Invisalign uses a series of clear, custom-made aligners to gradually move teeth into a straighter position, offering an alternative to traditional metal braces for many patients. Because the aligners are removable and much less noticeable than brackets and wires, Invisalign has become a popular option for both teens and adults who want to straighten their smile discreetly. At Spokane Dental, Dr. Trason Shoquist, DMD, and our team walk patients through what the Invisalign process actually involves from start to finish.

Step 1: Initial Consultation and Evaluation

The Invisalign process begins with an examination of your teeth, bite, and overall oral health to determine whether clear aligners are a good fit for your specific case. Not every orthodontic issue is equally well suited to aligner treatment, so this evaluation helps set realistic expectations about timeline and results before any impressions or scans are taken.

During this visit, our team also reviews your goals and answers questions about what daily life with aligners looks like, including wear time, cleaning, and how treatment might affect your routine.

Step 2: Digital Scans and Custom Treatment Planning

Once you are confirmed as a candidate, digital scans or impressions of your teeth are used to create a precise 3D model of your mouth. This model becomes the foundation for a custom treatment plan that maps out the gradual movements your teeth will make from their current position to the final, straighter alignment.

From this plan, a series of custom aligner trays is fabricated, each designed to make small, incremental adjustments before you move on to the next tray in the sequence.

Invisalign Process Step by Step

Step What Happens
1. Consultation Evaluation of teeth, bite, and candidacy for aligner treatment
2. Digital scan 3D model created to design the full treatment plan
3. Custom aligners A series of trays is fabricated based on the treatment plan
4. Daily wear Aligners are worn nearly full-time and switched out on a schedule
5. Progress check-ins Periodic visits confirm teeth are moving as planned
6. Retention A retainer helps maintain your new tooth position after treatment

According to MouthHealthy, the American Dental Association's consumer resource, removable aligners are an option for treating orthodontic problems when used under the direct supervision of a dentist or orthodontist, and newer orthodontic materials apply a constant, gentle force to move teeth while usually requiring fewer adjustments than older approaches.

Step 3: Wearing Your Aligners

Each aligner in the series is typically worn for about one to two weeks before switching to the next tray, though your specific schedule depends on your treatment plan. Consistent wear time matters significantly with aligner treatment since the trays only move teeth while they are actually in the mouth. Most treatment plans call for aligners to be worn nearly all day, removed mainly for eating, drinking anything other than water, and brushing and flossing.

  • Remove aligners before eating or drinking anything besides water
  • Brush and floss before placing the aligners back in your mouth
  • Clean the aligners themselves as directed to avoid buildup or odor
  • Keep track of which tray you are on and when to switch to the next one

Step 4: Progress Check-Ins

Throughout treatment, our team schedules periodic visits to confirm that your teeth are tracking with the plan and that each new set of aligners fits as expected. These check-ins are shorter than a typical orthodontic adjustment appointment since there is no wire tightening involved, but they remain an important way to catch any issues early rather than waiting until the end of treatment.

If a tray does not fit as expected or your teeth are not tracking with the plan, our team can make adjustments, which may include additional trays or attachments to help guide movement more precisely.

Step 5: Finishing Treatment and Retention

Once you have worked through your full series of aligners, your teeth should be in their planned final position. At this point, wearing a retainer becomes essential to maintain your results, since teeth can gradually shift back toward their original position without ongoing retention. Our team will discuss a retention schedule that fits your specific case.

If you have questions about how Invisalign might work for your particular smile, or want to know whether you are a good candidate, contact our Spokane office to schedule an evaluation. You can also read about other patients' experiences on our patient reviews page, or check our FAQs for answers to other common questions about treatment at our office.

Conclusion

Invisalign treatment follows a structured path from initial evaluation through digital planning, daily aligner wear, progress check-ins, and finally retention to protect your results. Understanding each step can make the process feel more predictable and help you know what to expect at every stage of treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Invisalign actually move your teeth?

Each aligner in the series applies gentle, targeted pressure to specific teeth, gradually shifting them toward the position mapped out in your custom digital treatment plan.

How long do you wear each set of aligners?

Most patients switch to a new tray every one to two weeks, though your specific schedule depends on your individual treatment plan.

What are Invisalign attachments?

Attachments are small, tooth-colored bumps bonded to certain teeth to help the aligners grip and apply more precise pressure for specific types of movement.

Do you have to wear aligners all day?

Most treatment plans call for nearly full-time wear, removing the aligners mainly for eating, drinking anything besides water, and oral hygiene.

What happens after Invisalign treatment is finished?

A retainer is typically needed afterward to help maintain the new position of your teeth, since teeth can shift back over time without ongoing retention.

About the Author

Spokane Dental is located at 315 W Hastings Rd, Spokane, WA 99218. The practice is led by Dr. Trason Shoquist, DMD, who grew up in Boulder, Montana, served in the U.S. Army, and completed dental school at Roseman University in Utah. Dr. Shoquist began his career as a practice owner in Omaha, Nebraska, before relocating back to the Pacific Northwest to practice in Spokane, where he remains an active member of the community.

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Candidacy for Invisalign or any orthodontic treatment can only be determined through an in-person dental evaluation. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding orthodontic treatment. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here.