The Process
Your Smile Journey, Step by Step
We’ve engineered every stage of the BigAlign experience to be clear, comfortable, and as effortless as possible — from your first scan to your final smile.
The Treatment Journey
Six Steps to Your New Smile
1
Free Consultation
Your journey begins with a no-obligation consultation — either online or at one of our 200+ partner clinics. Submit photos of your teeth via our app, or book an in-person appointment for a full 3D digital scan. Our orthodontists will assess your case and let you know if you're a candidate for aligner treatment — no charge, no pressure.
2
3D Digital Scan
If you proceed, a certified clinician uses an intraoral scanner to capture a precise 3D digital model of your teeth — accurate to fractions of a millimeter. This replaces the uncomfortable putty impressions of the past. The scan takes approximately 10 minutes and is completely painless. The data is encrypted and shared securely with our orthodontic design team.
3
Custom Treatment Design
Our orthodontists use AI-assisted planning software to map out every stage of your tooth movement sequence. You'll receive a 3D animation — your BigAlign SmilePreview™ — showing exactly how your teeth will move and what your final result will look like. You approve the plan before a single aligner is made. This stage typically takes 7–10 days.
4
Manufacturing Your Aligners
Once you approve your SmilePreview™, your full set of custom aligners is manufactured using our SmartFit™ medical-grade polymer in our ISO-certified facility. Each tray is precision-trimmed and individually labelled in sequence. Your complete aligner set is quality-checked, packaged, and delivered to your door — or directly to your clinic — within 3 weeks of approval.
5
Wear Your Aligners
Wear each tray for 20–22 hours per day, removing only to eat, drink (anything other than water), and brush. Every 1–2 weeks you move to the next tray in your sequence. The BigAlign app helps you track which tray you're on, reminds you when to switch, and logs your daily wear time. Virtual check-ins with your supervising orthodontist are scheduled throughout treatment.
6
Retain Your Results
Once treatment is complete and your orthodontist has confirmed your final result, you'll receive your custom retention set. Retainers are worn nightly to hold your teeth in their new position. We include a retainer refresh subscription option so you're never without protection. Your smile is now yours — for good.
The Technology
What Powers BigAlign
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SmartFit™ Polymer
Our proprietary medical-grade thermoplastic applies precise, graduated force to move teeth gently and efficiently. It's virtually invisible, BPA-free, and more resistant to staining than standard aligner materials.
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AI Bite Mapping
Our treatment planning software uses machine learning trained on over 500,000 clinical cases to optimise tooth movement sequences, predict treatment duration, and flag potential complications before they arise.
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BigAlign App
Track wear time, switch tray reminders, progress photos, orthodontist messaging, and virtual check-in scheduling — all in one place. Available on iOS and Android with optional Apple Watch integration.
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Precision Manufacturing
Each aligner is produced using stereo-lithography 3D printing from your digital model, then vacuum-formed for perfect fit. Every tray undergoes quality inspection before shipping.
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SmilePreview™ 3D Simulation
Before you commit, see your final smile in 3D — rotatable, zoomable, and shareable. Our simulation has a 96% predictive accuracy rate versus final clinical outcomes.
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Secure Patient Portal
All your clinical data, scans, treatment plan, and correspondence are stored in your encrypted HIPAA-compliant patient portal, accessible anytime from any device.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
For most mild to moderate alignment cases, clear aligners are clinically equivalent to traditional braces. For complex skeletal cases or severe rotations, traditional braces may be recommended. Your BigAlign orthodontist will advise which treatment is most appropriate for your specific case during your consultation.
For optimal results, aligners should be worn for 20–22 hours per day. They should only be removed to eat, drink anything other than water, and when brushing and flossing. Consistent wear is the single biggest factor in achieving on-time results.
Most patients experience a very brief adjustment period — typically 1–3 days — during which they may notice a slight lisp. This resolves quickly as the tongue adapts to the presence of the aligners. Many patients report no speech impact at all after the first week.
BigAlign aligners apply gentle, graduated pressure. Most patients experience mild pressure or tenderness for the first 24–48 hours after switching to a new tray — this is normal and indicates the aligners are working. Over-the-counter pain relief such as ibuprofen can be used if needed. Most patients do not find aligners painful after the first few trays.
Contact your care team immediately. In most cases, we recommend moving to the next tray in your sequence and notifying your orthodontist. Replacement trays can be ordered within 3–5 business days. Teen plan patients receive up to 3 free replacements; adult plan patients receive replacement trays at a reduced cost.
Yes — one of the key advantages of aligners over braces is that they are fully removable for eating and drinking. Simply remove your aligners before meals, eat as you normally would, brush and floss, then replace your aligners. Avoid consuming coloured beverages or food while wearing aligners, as this can cause staining.
Many dental insurance plans that include orthodontic coverage will cover clear aligner treatment up to the same benefit limit as traditional braces. Our patient team can assist you in submitting for reimbursement and will provide all necessary documentation for your insurance claim. We also offer flexible financing plans with $0 down options.
See Your Future Smile Before You Commit
Book a free consultation with our certified orthodontists — no obligation, no pressure.