Planning Invisalign® Before Your Wedding or Big Event

As early as possible. There is no single number, because treatment time depends on how far your teeth need to move.

Two things set your timeline:

• Your treatment plan. Your ClinCheck plan maps each stage of tooth movement. The number of stages your case needs is the biggest factor.
• Getting your aligners made. Your aligners are custom-made after your scan, so there is time between your consultation and your first set.

Aligners aren’t always faster than other options. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) notes that aligners “can take just as long as braces.” Booking a consultation early gives you the most choices.

Here is the usual order. Your dentist will add your personal dates after your scan.

1. Consultation and exam. We check your teeth and gums and talk about your date.
2. 3D iTero® scan. A digital scan replaces traditional impressions.
3. ClinCheck plan. You review the planned movements and your estimated timeline.
4. Aligners arrive. Treatment begins with your first set.
5. Treatment and check-ins. You wear aligners 20–22 hours a day, as Align advises, and switch sets weekly or every two weeks, as your dentist directs.
6. Refinements, if needed. Some cases need extra aligners to fine-tune the result.
7. Retainers. A retainer helps hold your new smile in place.
8. Whitening (optional). Brighten your smile once aligner treatment is complete.
9. Your event.

Dental Arts of Boston is a general dental practice; Invisalign care is led by our general dentist Dr. Michelle Stevens, together with Dr. George Stevens.

Many people are, and it’s manageable. Aligners are removable, so you can take them out for photos and the ceremony.

Some treatment plans use attachments, which are small tooth-colored shapes bonded to certain teeth to help the aligners move them. Attachments stay on your teeth even when your aligners are out. They’re hard to notice, but tell your dentist your date early so the plan can account for it.

On the day itself:

• Pack your aligner case and a travel toothbrush.
• Take aligners out to eat and drink, then clean your teeth before putting them back.
• Ask your dentist how to handle wear on the day, and put your aligners back in between meals and drinks when you can.

Keep your aligners in as much as possible, even when your calendar fills up. Aligners only move teeth while they’re worn, and missed hours can slow your progress.

A few habits help during planning season:

• Tastings and dinners. Take aligners out to eat, store them in their case, and brush or rinse before putting them back in.
• Drinks. The AAO says to drink only tap water with aligners in. Take them out for coffee, wine or cocktails.
• Travel and parties. Pack your aligner case and a travel toothbrush.
• Check-ins. Keep your scheduled visits, and tell us about any trips so we can plan around them.
• Lost aligner. Call our office. The AAO notes that a lost aligner can extend treatment, so call as soon as you notice.

After your aligner treatment is complete. Your dentist will recommend the right timing for your case.

Whitening works on natural teeth. Learn more about professional teeth whitening.

If your date is close, aligners may not be the right fit before the event. Your dentist will be honest about what can be done in the time you have.

• Teeth whitening brightens natural teeth.
• Dental bonding can reshape small chips and uneven edges.
• Porcelain veneers can change the shape and color of front teeth.

You can also start Invisalign after the event instead.

No. Grooms, wedding parties, parents of the couple, graduates and anyone facing a big photo day plan Invisalign the same way. Adults can read more on our Invisalign for adults page, and parents of teens can see Invisalign for teens.

Insurance, HSA/FSA and financing can help; see Invisalign cost and payment options.

The earlier you start, the more options you have. Schedule Online or call 857-376-6559 to book a consultation at Dental Arts of Boston.

See also: Invisalign vs. braces · Living with Invisalign

Sources: AAO aligner FAQ · Align: wear time and change interval · Align FY2025 10-K (attachments) · Align: retainers