When Do You Get the First Invisalign Aligner After Impressions Are Taken?

Question

Approximately how long does it take from the time impressions are taken until you receive your first aligner?

Jason K. Tam, DDS · Answer

Impressions are shipped via UPS with 2-3 day shipping to California where the impressions are processed. Photos and radiographs emailed to Align Technology may take a few days to be matched to the delivered impressions.
Your models are then turned into a simulation in Costa Rica. It takes a few days to construct the ClinCheck and for your orthodontist to receive their first simulation of your teeth. Depending on the movements shown, your orthodontist may require making revisions to idealize your treatment. Since simulations are made by techs rather than orthodontists, it is important that your provider spend adequate time designing your treatment and revising it as necessary. It may take a day or two for a new simulation after each revision. Techs also work on Saturdays while your orthodontist may not be looking to plan your treatment on weekends. Premier and Elite providers have their own dedicated technician who may be more familiar with specific treatment goals.
Your orthodontist may ask you to come in to view the treatment outcome prior to fabrication of the trays. Upon acceptance of your case, aligners may take a few days to make depending on the volume at the factory. Other practices may choose to provide the simulation to you after fabrication.
Aligners are then shipped via 2-3 day UPS back to your orthodontist's office.
The total time required depends on the above factors. Assuming no revisions or prefabrication consultation, the aligners could theoretically be ready in about 2.5-3 weeks. We tend to schedule our patients 6 weeks after the initial impression. If aligners arrive earlier, we contact our patients if they would like to begin treatment ahead of their originally scheduled appointment as most are eager to begin treatment!

Michael Ayzin, DDS · Answer

Thank you for a great question.
It usually takes 2-4 weeks depending on the difficulty of the case. Often even less.
Whatever time it takes , please understand that we are designing your case to get the best possible results AND it takes time.

Bobby Ghandehari, DDS, MS · Answer

The short answer is about 4 weeks. However your Invisalign specialist and Invisalign need to spend as much time as needed to accomplish your treatment plan. Fabrication of the aligners usually takes a few days. The shipping to and from your specialist's office is via UPS ground.

Zach Casagrande, DDS, MS · Answer

It takes approximately 2 weeks to receive
your aligners but this will depend on how complex your case is. During this
time, the treatment plan for your case is being determined.

Michael J. Thomas, DDS · Answer

You usually get aligners within a couple weeks. I have my own personal technician in Costa Rica that moves my cases thru faster than most practices.

When Do You Get the First Invisalign Aligner After Impressions Are Taken?

Answers (9)

Answer: Usually takes approximately 2 weeks to receive your aligners

Answer: Usually takes approximately 2 weeks to receive your aligners

Answer: Two weeks after impressions

Answer: Two weeks after impressions

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When Do You Get the First Invisalign Aligner After Impressions Are Taken?

Answers (9)

Answer: Usually takes approximately 2 weeks to receive your aligners

Answer: Usually takes approximately 2 weeks to receive your aligners

Answer: Two weeks after impressions

Answer: Two weeks after impressions

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Invisalign

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.