For most people, the Invisalign consultation is the moment everything becomes real.
Up until that point, it’s research, reviews, and rough price estimates found online.
But sitting in the chair, having your teeth scanned, and seeing a simulation of your future smile for the first time – that’s when the decision stops feeling abstract and starts feeling possible.
If you’ve been putting off booking because you’re not sure what to expect, or because you’re worried about being pressured into committing before you’re ready, this guide is for you.
Here’s exactly what happens at a free Invisalign consultation at Chatham Dental in Dublin, from the moment you walk in to the moment you leave.
No two Invisalign cases are the same. The treatment that’s right for your teeth – for instance, the type of aligners, the duration, and the cost – depends entirely on your individual starting point.
That’s why a consultation isn’t just a formality. It’s an essential step before any other decision can be made.
At your free Invisalign consultation at Chatham Dental, four things happen that can’t be replicated by browsing online.
First, your clinician assesses whether Invisalign is actually suitable for your case, because while it treats a wide range of issues, it isn’t the right solution for everyone.
For example, a patient with mild crowding on their front teeth is likely an excellent candidate for Invisalign. But someone with a more complex skeletal bite issue may be better served by traditional orthodontics or a combined approach. Your clinician will tell you that honestly from the start.
Second, your alignment concerns are examined in detail, giving both you and your clinician a precise understanding of what treatment would involve.
For example, if you have crowding on your upper arch but your lower teeth are well aligned, your clinician may recommend a one-arch treatment rather than full dual-arch correction, saving you both time and money without compromising your result.
Third, you get to see a preview of your projected results before committing to anything.
And fourth, you receive accurate, personalised pricing – not a ballpark figure from a website, but a real number based on your teeth.
Coming in for a consultation costs and obligates you to nothing. What it does give you is the information you need to make an informed decision.
The good news is that very little preparation is needed before your Invisalign consultation.
You don’t need to follow any special instructions, avoid certain foods, or do anything out of the ordinary beforehand. That said, a little thought in advance will help you get more out of the appointment.
Write down your questions. It’s easy to forget what you wanted to ask once you’re in the room. Jot down anything on your mind because no question is too basic. We’ve included a full list of suggested questions further in this guide.
Think about what bothers you about your smile. The more specific you can be, the better. Is it crowding on your front teeth? A gap you’ve always been self-conscious about? Does an overbite affect how you chew? Your clinician will conduct their own assessment, but knowing what concerns you the most helps shape the conversation from the start.
Have your dental history in mind. If you’ve had orthodontic treatment before – like braces as a teenager, a retainer you stopped wearing, or any previous dental work – mention this at your appointment. It’s relevant to how your clinician assesses your current situation and plans treatment.
Check your dental insurance. Some private health insurance plans in Ireland include partial orthodontic cover. It’s worth contacting your provider before your consultation to understand what your plan contributes, as this can be factored into your finance options on the day.
Your consultation at Chatham Dental follows a clear, structured process. Here’s what each stage looks like in practice.
The appointment begins with a conversation.
Your clinician will ask what brought you in, what you’d like to change about your smile, and whether you have any concerns or hesitations about treatment.
This isn’t a sales pitch. It’s a clinical conversation designed to understand your starting point and make sure your expectations are realistic and achievable.
This is also a good moment to mention your timeline. If you have a wedding, a big birthday, or another milestone on the horizon, say so. It helps your clinician structure a treatment plan around your life, not just around your teeth.
Before any scan or simulation takes place, your clinician will carry out a thorough visual examination of your teeth, bite, and gum health.
This step matters because Invisalign works best when your oral health is in good shape. If there are any underlying issues – such as cavities, gum inflammation, or other concerns – these will need to be addressed before treatment begins.
This is a sign of a practice that takes your long-term oral health seriously. Treating alignment issues on top of unresolved dental problems would compromise both the process and the result.
This is one of the most impressive parts of the consultation and is frequently praised by patients.
The iTero scanner is a handheld wand that captures a precise, detailed 3D model of your teeth in just a few minutes.
There are no messy impression moulds or uncomfortable putty trays. You simply open your mouth, and the scanner does the rest.
The resulting model is extraordinarily accurate and forms the foundation of your entire treatment plan. It’s also the data that feeds directly into your smile simulation, which comes next.
Using the 3D scan, your clinician will generate a digital simulation showing how your teeth are projected to move throughout treatment and what your smile could look like at the end.
You’ll see this on screen during your appointment, and in many cases, you can view it from multiple angles.
For most patients, this is the moment the decision becomes clear.
Seeing a realistic projection of your own teeth makes the investment feel tangible in a way that no amount of online research can achieve.
It’s also a useful conversation starter. If there’s an aspect of the projected result you’d like to discuss or adjust, this is the time to do it.
By the end of the consultation, your clinician will present a recommended treatment plan: which Invisalign product is most appropriate for your case, how long treatment is estimated to take, and what the full cost will be.
You’ll receive this in writing before you leave, so there’s nothing vague or provisional about the figure you’re given.
Your clinician will also walk you through the payment options, including 0% interest-free finance through Humm, so you have a complete picture of both the clinical and financial side of treatment before making any decision.
A good consultation is a two-way conversation. Don’t leave without getting clear answers to what matters most to you. Here are the questions worth asking:
Am I a good candidate for Invisalign?
If there are any limitations or alternative treatments worth considering, you want to know upfront.
How long will my Invisalign treatment take?
Get an estimated timeline based on your case, not a generic range.
What’s the total cost for my case?
Confirm what’s included and whether there are any additional costs – such as retainers – to factor in.
What payment plans are available?
Ask about deposit amounts, monthly repayments, and finance terms.
How often will I need appointments?
Understanding the time commitment helps you plan ahead.
What happens if I’m not happy with the results?
Ask about refinements and what the process looks like if adjustments are needed at the end of treatment.
Will I need attachments or elastics?
Some cases require small tooth-coloured attachments to help aligners grip and move teeth more precisely. It’s worth knowing whether your Invisalign treatment is likely to involve these.
What about retainers after Invisalign treatment?
Ask whether retainers are included in your price or separate, and what the long-term retention plan looks like.
When your consultation wraps up, there is absolutely no expectation that you’ll make a decision on the spot.
You’re welcome to take your written quote home, think it over, talk it through with a partner or family member, and come back with more questions if you need to.
If you do decide to go ahead, the next steps move quickly. Your deposit is taken to confirm your treatment, and your custom aligners are ordered directly from Invisalign’s manufacturing facility.
Aligners are typically ready within two to four weeks, at which point your first fitting appointment is scheduled. At that appointment, your clinician will fit your first set of aligners, make sure they’re comfortable, and walk you through everything you need to know to get started.
Yes, completely. There is no charge for your initial Invisalign consultation at Chatham Dental and no obligation to proceed with treatment afterwards.
Most consultations at Chatham Dental take between 15 and 30 minutes, including the iTero scan and smile simulation. It’s worth allowing a little extra time so you don’t feel rushed when asking questions.
No. You can book your Invisalign consultation at Chatham Dental directly, without a referral from your own dentist or GP.
Absolutely. Many patients find it helpful to bring a partner, friend, or family member – especially if they’re helping weigh up the decision or simply want moral support. You’re very welcome to bring someone along.
If your case isn’t suited to Invisalign – whether due to the complexity of your alignment issues or an underlying dental concern – your clinician will explain why and discuss what alternatives might be appropriate. You’ll never leave without a clear understanding of your options.
Treatment cannot begin on the same day as your consultation because your custom aligners need to be manufactured after your scan and treatment plan. The process typically takes two to four weeks from the point your order is confirmed.
Not all Invisalign providers are equal, and the quality of your consultation is the clearest indicator of the quality of care you’ll receive throughout treatment. Here’s what sets Chatham Dental apart.
Platinum Invisalign Provider status. Chatham Dental holds Platinum Provider status with Invisalign, which reflects the volume and consistency of cases completed to a high clinical standard. This isn’t a marketing label. It’s an indicator of experience and expertise.
A team with extensive Invisalign experience. Our clinicians, including Dr. Aleena Bhatti and Dr. Kate Frawley, have completed a large number of Invisalign cases across a wide range of complexity levels. You’re in experienced hands.
State-of-the-art iTero scanning technology. Our iTero Element scanner produces some of the most accurate digital impressions available, which means your treatment plan is built on precise data from day one, and your smile simulation is as accurate a projection as current technology allows.
Dublin city centre location. Chatham Dental is centrally located in Dublin, easily accessible from across the city and surrounding areas, including Dundrum, Blackrock, Clontarf, Ranelagh, Swords, and beyond. Most patients find the location straightforward to reach by public transport or car.
Transparent pricing and 0% finance. From your first appointment, you’ll know exactly what treatment costs and exactly how payment plans work. No vague estimates and no surprises.
You’ve done the research. You’ve read the reviews. And you have a sense of what you want. You just need someone to tell you what’s actually possible for your teeth, at a price that works for your budget.
That’s exactly what a free consultation at Chatham Dental gives you.
In 30 to 45 minutes, you’ll go from wondering to knowing. You’ll leave with a 3D scan of your teeth, a simulation of your projected results, a personalised treatment plan, and a clear written quote.
The team at Chatham Dental has helped hundreds of patients across Dublin take that first step – and the most common thing we hear afterwards is “I wish I’d come in sooner.“
If Invisalign is right for you, we’ll show you exactly what’s possible. If it isn’t, we’ll tell you that honestly and point you in the right direction. Either way, you leave better informed than when you walked in.
Your future smile is one conversation away. Make it today.
Call us to book | Book your free consultation online | Chatham Dental, Dublin City Centre
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