How far in advance should you start?
Treatment time depends on the type and extent of the problem. Mild crowding may need a few months, while comprehensive cases usually take 12–24 months. So if you have an important date, it is advisable to plan an orthodontic examination as early as possible. If you mention your target date at the examination, the orthodontist can discuss treatment options with that date in mind.
Every treatment's duration is individual; no assurance can be given that a result will be reached by a particular date. A realistic timeline is discussed after the examination and digital planning.
What can be planned as the date approaches?
| Topic | What can be considered in planning |
|---|---|
| Attachments | Small tooth-coloured bumps bonded to the teeth; they can be noticed in close-up photos |
| Aligner changes | The pressure of a new aligner's first days can be scheduled away from the days just before the event |
| Check-up | The last check-up before the date can be planned to leave some time |
| Cleaning and whitening | Suitability and timing should be discussed with your dentist |
Will the aligners be in on the day?
Aligners can be taken out for short periods such as meals and photos. However, wearing them for most of the day matters for treatment progress. You can ask your orthodontist in advance how long you can take them out on the day.
- Keep your aligner case with you; do not wrap aligners in a napkin.
- If you cannot brush after eating, rinse your mouth with water.
- Keep your previous aligner as a spare.
- Do not drink sugary or coloured drinks with the aligners in.
Clear aligners in photos
Because clear aligners are thin, they are hard to notice in most photos; however, they can reflect light in flash and very close-up shots. Taking the aligners out briefly during a photo shoot and putting them back in afterwards is a practical solution for many patients. Attachments, being bonded to the teeth, stay in place during the shoot; if you have concerns about how they look, you can discuss this with your orthodontist at the planning stage.
The last weeks before the date
As the date approaches, keeping your current routine is usually more comfortable than starting something new. In the last weeks, the following can help:
- Plan your last check-up some time before the important day.
- Review your aligner change schedule with your orthodontist.
- Keep your previous aligner in case one breaks or gets lost.
- Keep up your oral care; gum inflammation can also affect how your smile looks.
If you are travelling for a wedding or ceremony in another city or abroad, it is useful to take the tips in the wear and care guide with you.
If treatment is not finished by the date
Some treatments may not be complete by the important date. In that case treatment is not stopped halfway; the day is spent with aligners and attachments, and treatment continues as planned. Even mid-treatment, progress in tooth alignment is often noticeable. When the target date matters, your orthodontist will openly discuss treatment options and a realistic timeline with you, so your expectations are clear from the start.
After treatment: retention
If treatment ends before the important date, the retention phase begins to keep the teeth in their new position. Wearing retainers regularly is important for the long-term result. For details, see the retention page.
Appointments and contact
The clinic is in the Park Oran Office building in Oran (Shop No. 70, Kudüs Street, Çankaya) and is open Monday–Saturday 09:00–20:00. Mentioning your target date when booking makes planning easier. You can find the general steps of treatment on the clear aligner treatment process page.