What to expect from an online consultation and how to find providers offering them.
A virtual Invisalign consultation is an online appointment where a provider assesses your teeth remotely - usually via photos you submit and a video call. It lets you find out whether Invisalign is suitable for your case, get a rough treatment plan, and receive a cost estimate without visiting the practice in person.
Currently 442 practices across the UK offer virtual consultations out of 8,229 total providers in our directory. This option has become increasingly popular since 2020 and many practices now offer it as standard.
Find a provider offering virtual consultations and book through their website. Most practices have an online booking form or you can call to arrange it.
Take 5 photos of your teeth as directed: front smiling, front teeth together, right side, left side, and upper arch. Some providers have an app to guide you through this.
The provider reviews your photos and discusses your goals. They will give an initial opinion on suitability, likely treatment type (Lite, Comprehensive, etc.), estimated duration, and approximate cost.
If you want to proceed, you book an in-person appointment for 3D scanning and detailed treatment planning. If Invisalign is not suitable, the provider may suggest alternatives.
Get an initial assessment from your home or office. No need to take time off work or travel for what might be a 15-minute screening appointment.
You can easily have virtual consultations with 2-3 different providers to compare recommendations and pricing before committing to one.
Virtual consultations tend to feel lower pressure than in-person visits. You can take time to think about the provider's recommendations without being in a clinical setting.
If Invisalign turns out not to be suitable for your case, you have saved yourself an unnecessary trip to a practice. The provider can direct you to alternatives straight away.
A virtual consultation is a useful first step, but it cannot replace an in-person examination entirely. Here is what requires a practice visit:
| Factor | Virtual first | In-person first |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Exploratory stage, comparing options | Ready to start, want full assessment |
| Time commitment | 15-30 mins from home | 1-2 hours including travel |
| Assessment accuracy | Good initial screening | Complete clinical assessment |
| Cost estimate | Approximate range | Accurate, personalised quote |
| ClinCheck preview | Not available (needs 3D scan) | Can often see same-day |
| Comparing providers | Easy to book 2-3 consultations | Time-consuming to visit multiple |
Our recommendation: If you are still deciding whether to get Invisalign, start virtual. If you have already decided and want to move quickly, go straight to an in-person consultation. 1,578 practices in our directory offer free in-person consultations.
Many practices offer free virtual consultations as an initial assessment. Of the 442 providers offering virtual consultations in our directory, most do not charge for this initial online appointment. However, you will still need an in-person visit for scans and detailed treatment planning before starting Invisalign.
You will typically upload or share photos of your teeth (front, sides, and biting together). The provider reviews these and discusses your goals via video call. They will give an initial assessment of whether Invisalign is suitable, which product you might need, and an estimated cost. It usually takes 15-30 minutes.
No. While the initial consultation can be virtual, you will need at least one in-person visit for 3D scanning (iTero or impressions), attachment placement, and to collect your aligners. Most providers require check-up visits every 6-10 weeks during treatment as well, though some offer virtual monitoring between appointments.
Most providers ask for 5 photos: a front view smiling, a front view with teeth together, a right side view, a left side view, and a top-down view of your upper teeth. Some practices have an app or online form that guides you through taking these photos at the right angles.
A virtual consultation is an excellent first step for assessing suitability and getting an estimate, but it cannot replace an in-person examination. Providers cannot detect bite issues, gum problems, or tooth decay from photos alone. Think of it as a screening step - it saves you a trip if Invisalign is not suitable, and gives you useful information before committing to an in-person appointment.
442 UK practices offer virtual Invisalign consultations. Find providers near you and book online.
Find providers