Your Journey to a Straighter Smile
How Invisalign Works
No mystery, no guesswork. Here's exactly what happens from your first visit to your final tray — step by step, start to finish.
Reviewed by Dr. Sang Kim, DMD — Updated April 2026
Step 1: Your consultation
Everything starts with a conversation. During your initial visit to Bridgewater Dental Center, Dr. Sang Kim will examine your teeth, discuss your goals, and determine whether Invisalign is the right fit for your smile. This consultation is judgment-free — whether you're here because of crowding, spacing, a bite issue, or simply because you've always wanted straighter teeth, every reason is a good one.
Step 2: Digital scanning with iTero
Forget the goopy impressions of the past. We use the iTero digital scannerto create a precise 3D map of your teeth in minutes. It's comfortable, fast, and gives us the exact data needed to design your custom treatment plan. You'll even see a simulated preview of how your teeth will look after treatment — before you commit to anything.
Step 3: Your custom treatment plan
Using your digital scan, Dr. Kim works with Invisalign's lab to design a series of custom aligners mapped to the precise movements your teeth need to make. Each aligner is slightly different from the last, applying gentle, controlled pressure to shift your teeth gradually into their ideal positions. You'll know exactly how many trays you'll need and how long treatment will take before you begin.
Step 4: Wearing your aligners
You'll wear each set of aligners for about one to two weeks, 20 to 22 hours a day. Remove them for eating, drinking anything other than water, and brushing your teeth. Most patients adjust to the feel within a day or two. There may be mild pressure when you switch to a new tray — that's the aligners doing their job.
Step 5: Progress check-ins
Every six to eight weeks, you'll visit our Bridgewater office for a quick progress check. Dr. Kim will make sure your teeth are tracking according to plan and hand you your next sets of aligners. These visits are typically short — 15 to 20 minutes — and much less involved than braces adjustments.
Step 6: Refinement (if needed)
Some cases require a few additional aligners at the end of treatment to fine-tune the final positioning. This is normal and usually included in your original treatment plan. Dr. Kim's goal is a result that looks great and functions perfectly, so we take the time to get it right.
Step 7: Retainers and maintenance
Once your teeth have reached their final positions, you'll wear a retainer to keep them there. Without retention, teeth naturally want to drift back over time. We'll discuss retainer options — including clear retainers that look just like your aligners — so your investment lasts a lifetime.
How long does Invisalign take?
Most patients finish treatment in 6 to 18 months, depending on the complexity of their case. Mild crowding or spacing may resolve in as few as 6 months, while more involved cases can take 12 to 18 months. Dr. Kim will give you a realistic timeline during your consultation.
Ready to get started?
Schedule your consultation at Bridgewater Dental Center, serving Bridgewater, Harrisonburg, and the greater Shenandoah Valley. Call 540-443-2659 or book online. Learn more about Invisalign pricing and whether Invisalign is right for adults or teens.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours a day do I need to wear my aligners?+
You should wear your aligners 20 to 22 hours per day for the best results. Remove them only for eating, drinking anything other than water, and brushing your teeth.
How often do I switch to a new set of aligners?+
Most patients switch to a new tray every one to two weeks. Dr. Kim will set a schedule based on how your teeth are responding to treatment.
Do I need to visit the office frequently during treatment?+
Progress check-ins happen about every six to eight weeks at our Bridgewater office. These visits are quick — usually 15 to 20 minutes — and much less involved than braces adjustments.
What happens if I lose or break an aligner?+
Contact us right away. Depending on where you are in your treatment, Dr. Kim may have you move to the next tray or order a replacement. Either way, we'll keep your treatment on track.
Will I need a retainer after Invisalign?+
Yes. Retainers are essential for keeping your teeth in their new positions. Without them, teeth can gradually shift back over time. We'll discuss retainer options, including clear retainers, when your treatment wraps up.
Can I see what my teeth will look like before I start?+
Absolutely. Using our iTero digital scanner, Dr. Kim can show you a 3D simulation of your projected results right in the chair during your first visit — before you commit to anything.
Ready When You Are
Let's write the next chapter
of your smile's story.
Schedule an appointment online, or give us a call. We're accepting new patients of every age — and we'll walk you through every step.