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consultation

What Actually Happens at Your First Smila Consultation

Free, no-obligation, around 30 minutes. Here's a step-by-step walk-through of what to expect at your Smila clear aligner consultation.

29 April 2026 4 min read Smila Editorial Team
A Smila clinician at the consultation

The free Smila consultation is the moment most patients realise the clear aligner journey is more practical than they expected. There’s no sales pressure, no signed form at the end, and you’ll leave with a personalised plan whether you proceed or not. Here’s what actually happens.

Step 1 — A short conversation (about 10 minutes)

Your treatment coordinator will ask three things: what you’d like to change about your smile, whether you’ve had any orthodontic work before, and any medical or dental history we should know about. This is where you can ask the questions you’ve been holding on to — about cost, timeline, whether you’re suitable, whether aligners will affect your speech, anything.

Step 2 — A 3D intraoral scan (about 5 minutes)

We use a small handheld scanner to build a digital model of your teeth. No moulds. No goop. The scan takes a few minutes and the model appears on screen in front of you in real time.

Step 3 — Treatment preview (about 10 minutes)

The clinician walks you through your scan, points out the areas your teeth would move during treatment, and shows you a predicted finished smile. This is the part most patients remember — seeing the outcome before committing.

Step 4 — Your written quote (sent before you leave)

You’ll receive a written treatment plan including:

  • Expected treatment length (in months)
  • Number of aligners required
  • Total cost (with finance options breakdown)
  • Aftercare and retainer details

There’s no expectation to decide on the day. We’d rather you go home, think about it, talk to whoever you talk to, and come back when you’re ready.

What to bring

  • Photo ID (for your patient record)
  • A list of medications, if any
  • Any previous dental records or x-rays you have on hand (optional — we can request them)

How long does the whole thing take?

About 30 minutes, end to end. We schedule a buffer so you’re never rushed and there’s time for questions.

Ready to book?

Book your free consultation now. Online or in-clinic. Your written plan arrives the same day.