What to expect from aligner treatment

Week one is an adjustment period. Expect some pressure or mild aching for the first day or two with each new aligner, and a slight lisp for a day or so — both settle quickly.

By month three, most patients have stopped noticing the aligners day-to-day. The key habit to build early is wearing them 20–22 hours a day — results depend entirely on wear time.

As treatment nears completion, your dentist will check whether any refinement aligners are needed to fine-tune the final position before you finish.

The day your retainers arrive matters just as much as the day treatment finishes. Teeth can drift back without consistent retainer wear, so this isn't an optional extra.