Want to Straighten Crooked Teeth, or Close Gaps?

Most Canterbury patients complete Invisalign in 12-18 months, though treatment time varies by individual case complexity. Simple cases (minor crowding, small gaps) often finish in 6-9 months. Average cases (moderate crowding, spacing issues, mild bite problems) take 12-18 months. Complex cases (severe crowding, significant bite correction) may take 18-24 months. Your estimated timeline is determined during free consultation using iTero scanning, we can predict quite accurately based on how much tooth movement is needed. You'll see visible improvements within the first 2-3 months even if complete treatment takes longer. Patients who wear aligners consistently 20-22 hours daily as instructed finish on schedule. Those who wear aligners less frequently extend treatment duration significantly.

Invisalign isn't painful, but new aligners cause mild pressure and tenderness for 1-2 days as teeth begin moving, this is normal and actually means treatment is working. The discomfort is manageable (most patients use over-the-counter painkillers if needed) and much less than the pain from traditional metal braces when wires are adjusted. After wearing each aligner for a few days, pressure subsides and the aligners feel comfortable. When you switch to the next aligner, mild pressure returns briefly for 1-2 days, then comfort again. This cycle repeats throughout treatment. The smooth plastic aligners don't have sharp metal brackets or wires cutting your cheeks and lips like traditional braces cause. Most Canterbury Invisalign patients describe treatment as "uncomfortable" rather than "painful", like teeth feel tender after dental cleaning, not severe pain.

Most people won't notice you're wearing Invisalign aligners unless you specifically tell them or they're looking very closely. The clear plastic is virtually invisible from normal conversation distance. Aligners may have slight shine in bright lighting, but this is subtle. If you have attachments (small tooth-colored bumps bonded to certain teeth to help aligners grip), these are also tooth-colored and blend in. The biggest "tell" is when you remove aligners, people might notice you taking them out before meals or see you cleaning them. But during normal wear, Invisalign is remarkably discreet. Canterbury patients in professional roles, public-facing positions, and those who do presentations or client meetings consistently report that colleagues and clients don't notice aligners. This discretion is Invisalign's main advantage over obvious metal braces.

Yes, aligners must be worn 20-22 hours per day for treatment to work effectively, basically all day and night except when eating. Remove aligners for meals and snacks, brush your teeth, then replace aligners immediately. You can remove aligners for special occasions (important presentations, wedding photos, first date) for a few hours without major impact, but this shouldn't be a regular habit. Wearing aligners less than 20 hours daily significantly extends treatment time and may prevent teeth from moving properly. Some Canterbury patients struggle with discipline initially but adapt within the first week. Set phone reminders to replace aligners after eating. The beauty of Invisalign is that YOU control compliance, but this requires self-discipline. If you can't commit to wearing aligners 20-22 hours daily, traditional fixed braces (which can't be removed) may suit you better.