Starting Invisalign treatment often comes with the excitement of getting your custom clear aligners. But once you’ve had your teeth scanned, you might be asking: how long does it take for Invisalign trays to arrive? If you’ve been searching for “Invisalign near me” and are eager to begin, the good news is that the wait isn’t very long at all. With expert insight from Dr. Boris Pinhasov, a board-certified orthodontist in Queens, NY, let’s walk through the Invisalign process and timeline so you know exactly what to expect.
What Is the Invisalign Process for New Trays?
Invisalign treatment starts with capturing a precise model of your teeth. At BP Smiles Orthodontics, we use an advanced digital scanner to create a 3D image of your mouth. Gone are the days of messy molds; a quick scan provides a detailed map of your teeth and bite. This information is sent to the Invisalign lab, where they design your series of custom aligner trays. Here’s a quick overview:
- Initial consultation & scan: You and the orthodontist discuss your goals and ensure you’re a good candidate for Invisalign. The orthodontist then takes digital scans (or molds) of your teeth. Digital scanning is faster and more comfortable.
- Treatment plan: Using specialized software, the orthodontist maps out how your teeth will move and submits this plan to Invisalign.
- Aligner fabrication: Invisalign’s lab creates your custom aligners using 3D printing technology. Each tray is made to fit your teeth at each stage of treatment.
- Delivery of trays: The completed sets of aligners are shipped to your orthodontist’s office pretty swiftly thanks to the digital process.
The key question is: once your teeth are scanned and the plan is sent in, how long until those trays are in your hands?
How Long Will You Wait for Your Aligners?
In most cases, you’ll wait only about two weeks to get your Invisalign trays. Dr. Boris Pinhasov explains the typical timeline:
“After we scan the patient’s teeth using our advanced scanner, it typically takes about two weeks to receive the Invisalign trays and start the treatment.” – Dr. Boris Pinhasov, DDS
That means from the day your orthodontist captures your records and orders your aligners, you can expect roughly a 2-week gap before you’re wearing your first set of trays. Two weeks is an average; sometimes aligners arrive a bit sooner, and occasionally it might be slightly longer (for example, if there’s an unusually high demand or a complex case that needs extra planning). But two weeks is a good rule of thumb.
Compared to some dental procedures, that wait is pretty short. Your orthodontist has already mapped out your treatment; during this time, the lab is busy making your aligners.
Why Does It Take About Two Weeks?
You might wonder why there’s any wait at all – what’s happening during those two weeks? A few important steps are in motion:
- Custom manufacturing: Each aligner tray is custom-fabricated. Invisalign’s lab produces a series of trays (often dozens) precisely tailored to shift your teeth gradually. This high-tech manufacturing process (involving 3D printing and quality checks) takes some time.
- Treatment plan finalization: Before manufacturing, Invisalign technicians and your orthodontist finalize a detailed digital treatment simulation. They ensure every tooth movement is correct. This planning collaboration can take a few days of back-and-forth to get perfect.
- Quality assurance & shipping: Once your aligners are made, they undergo quality checks. Then they’re packaged and shipped to your orthodontist’s office. Even with fast shipping, this adds a couple of days.
Considering these steps, two weeks is quite fast. In the past, when physical impressions were mailed in, it often took longer due to shipping the molds. Now, with an all-digital workflow, things move quicker. The advanced scanner Dr. Pinhasov uses helps speed up the front end of the process, since digital files reach the lab instantly and accurately.
What Happens When Your Invisalign Trays Arrive?
When your new aligners come in, you’ll have an appointment to pick them up and officially start treatment. Here’s what typically happens at that visit:
- Fitting the first tray: Your orthodontist will ensure the first Invisalign tray fits your teeth properly. They’ll check for any pressure points or issues.
- Attachments placement: Many Invisalign treatments require small, tooth-colored attachments (bonded bumps) on certain teeth. These help the aligners grip and move your teeth more effectively. If your plan includes attachments, the orthodontist will apply them at this appointment.
- Instructions: You’ll get guidance on how to wear and care for your aligners – usually, wear them 20-22 hours a day, remove them only for eating and brushing, and keep them clean. You’ll also learn how often to switch to the next set of trays (commonly every 1-2 weeks per tray).
- Schedule check-ins: Often, you’ll be given a few sets of aligners to take home and change on your own. Your orthodontist will schedule your next check-up (perhaps 6-8 weeks later) to monitor progress and give you the next batch of aligners.
Once you leave that appointment, you’re officially on your way with Invisalign! The wait is over, and you can begin seeing changes in your smile in just a few weeks.
Can the Wait Be Shorter or Longer?
Typically, the two-week timeframe is consistent, but a few factors could change it slightly:
- Complex cases: If your case is more complex, the orthodontist might spend a bit of extra time refining the digital plan with Invisalign’s technicians. This could add a few days before manufacturing starts. It’s worth a slight delay to get the plan exactly right.
- Refinements needed: If the first set of trays requires a tweak or approval step, manufacturing might be paused until adjustments are made. This isn’t common for the initial order, but it can happen in special cases.
- Lab or shipping delays: Rarely, high demand or shipping hiccups (like a holiday rush or weather issue) could delay the delivery of your aligners by a few days. Your orthodontist’s office will keep you informed if any unexpected delay comes up.
- In-office options: In some instances, orthodontic offices may offer in-office aligners or a trial aligner while you wait, but generally, you’ll begin once your custom trays arrive.
Rest assured, most patients find that their aligners arrive right on schedule. If you’re particularly eager to start, let your orthodontist know – they will do everything possible to expedite the process within safe and practical limits.
Tips While Waiting for Your Invisalign Trays
The waiting period doesn’t have to be idle time. Here are a few things you can do in the approximately two weeks before your aligners arrive:
- Maintain good oral hygiene: Keep up your brushing and flossing routine. Having clean, healthy teeth and gums will make your Invisalign journey easier and more effective.
- Address any dental work: Use this time to take care of any pending dental issues. For example, if you need a cleaning or a small filling, doing it before you start Invisalign is ideal. (Your orthodontist may have recommended completing such treatments beforehand anyway.)
- Read up on Invisalign care: Familiarize yourself with the dos and don’ts, like always removing aligners before eating or drinking anything except water. Being prepared means you’ll hit the ground running once your trays arrive.
- Stock up on supplies: Consider getting a few items like a travel toothbrush (for cleaning your teeth on the go after meals), aligner-cleaning crystals or solution, and a protective case for your aligners. Having these ready will help you care for your trays from day one.
Staying proactive can make the waiting time feel productive and ensure you’re ready to start strong.
Expert Orthodontic Care in Queens, NY
Starting Invisalign is an exciting step, and choosing the right orthodontist ensures the process goes smoothly. At BP Smiles Orthodontics in Queens, Dr. Pinhasov and our team use the latest Invisalign technology to speed up treatment planning and delivery. Our experience with Invisalign in Queens means we know how to streamline each step, from the first scan to the day you put in your aligners.
If you ever have concerns or questions during your wait, don’t hesitate to reach out to your orthodontist’s office. We believe in keeping patients informed and comfortable at every stage. With a board-certified orthodontist guiding your care, you can trust that even the behind-the-scenes steps (like aligner manufacturing) are being handled efficiently and expertly.
Conclusion: Your New Smile Is Closer Than You Think
When you’re eager to begin straightening your teeth, a two-week wait can feel like a long time – but it will fly by. Most Invisalign patients find that their custom trays arrive in about 14 days, and then it’s off to the races with treatment. Knowing the timeline and what’s happening in the background can make the wait easier and boost your confidence in the process.
Remember, every step – from the digital scan to the careful fabrication of your aligners – is geared toward giving you the best possible results. If you’re considering Invisalign and have more questions about the process or timeline, our team at BP Smiles Orthodontics is happy to help you get started with Invisalign in Queens. We’re dedicated to providing a smooth, efficient experience so you can start your journey to a straighter smile as soon as possible.
