One of the first questions people ask about clear aligners is: “How long before I see results?”
The good news is that most patients start noticing changes within the first 6–12 weeks of clear aligner treatment. But the exact timeline depends on several factors, including:
- Your Smile needs – Mild crowding or spacing may show quicker results, while more complex movements like bite corrections or rotations take longer.
- Wear time – Clear Aligners need to be worn 20–22 hours per day. The more consistent you are, the faster you’ll see progress.
- Your Treatment plan – Urban Smile clear treatment plans range from 6 to 24 months, but some minor adjustments may be done in as little as 3–6 months.
- Regular monitoring – With Urban Smile, you’ll check in weekly using our Dental Monitoring app. Our Specialist Orthodontists and Oral Health Therapists track your progress in real time and make refinements when needed to keep your treatment on track.
Many Urban Smile patients notice a difference in their smile around the 2–3 month mark, but your final results depend on completing the full series of aligners as part of your treatment plan designed by our Specialist Orthodontists, Dr Igor Lavrin and Dr Sarah Lawrence.
Your Month-by-Month Clear Aligner Journey
Month 1
- Getting used to aligners and the routine of wearing them for 22 hours per day
- Mild soreness or pressure when switching to your next set of aligner trays.
- Teeth may feel slightly “loose” as they begin shifting.
- Subtle changes in your smile (usually not noticeable to others yet).
Month 2–3
- Early movements become visible: small gaps may appear or close, crooked teeth start to look straighter.
- You might notice changes in your bite or how your teeth meet.
- Excitement builds as you can see the treatment working.
Month 4–6
- Visible differences in your smile. Your friends or family will notice your smile changing.
- Crowding or spacing in the front teeth often starts to improve.
- Confidence boost as you see progress photos compared to your starting point.
Month 6–12
- Midway point for many treatments.
- Bigger movements like bite alignment, tooth rotations, and more complex corrections happen here.
- Refinement scans ensure your smile is on track and fine-tuned.
- Your smile is now not just straighter, but also functionally aligned.
12 Months+
- Final refinements: additional aligners may be used to polish small details.
- Your teeth are looking close to the finished result.
Treatment length depends on complexity — some patients finish in as little as 6–9 months, while others may take 18–24 months.
Why Choose Urban Smile for Clear Aligners in Melbourne?
Clear aligners work step by step, tray by tray. Progress may feel slow at times, but every new aligner brings you closer to your dream smile. Stick with it and your future self will thank you.
At Urban Smile, all treatment plans are designed by Specialist Orthodontists who have transformed over 5,000 smiles with clear aligners across Melbourne. With flexible payment plans, remote monitoring, and no waitlists, we make orthodontic treatment simple, affordable, and effective.
Ready to start your smile journey? Book your free consultation today and see how quickly you can start noticing results.