Invisalign® clear aligners were a revolutionary orthodontic treatment when they first hit the market in the 90’s—and they’ve only grown in popularity since! In fact, clear aligner treatment overall has skyrocketed among teens and adults since 2020.
With clear aligners like Invisalign and 3M offering a virtually invisible, comfortable, and discreet treatment, it’s no wonder over 1.6 million smiles are being transformed by clear aligners—and the number keeps growing every day.
If you’re considering Clarity™ 3M™ aligners or getting Invisalign in Winter Springs, Oviedo, or Waterford Lakes, Orlando, you may be wondering what the process actually looks like. We’re here to walk you through each step of your journey to a confident new smile—with the peace of mind of our Lifetime Guarantee.
TL;DR: Clear Aligner Process Step-by-Step
- First, schedule a complimentary consultation with our Board-Certified orthodontist in Orlando—from Winter Springs to Waterford Lakes, Dr. Battle is the provider to see for clear aligner treatment.
- Once you get your custom treatment plan and your first set of aligners—your smile journey begins!
- Visit us every 10–12 weeks for quick progress check-ins and adjustments.
- Finally, finish strong with retainers to keep your new smile in place for life.
Ready to see the premiere of your dream smile with 3M/Invisalign in Waterford Lakes, Oviedo, or Winter Springs? Book your free consultation today and let’s get started!
Step 1: Scheduling a Consultation with a Board-Certified Orthodontist
The first step in the 3M/Invisalign process is scheduling a consultation with an experienced clear aligner specialist. While some general dentists offer clear aligners, an orthodontist has the advanced training to diagnose and treat orthodontic issues at the root for the most effective, long-term results.
Dr. Battle is a board-certified orthodontist who has successfully treated thousands of Invisalign and clear aligner cases right here in Central Florida. Patients appreciate not only his expertise, but also knowing their smile is protected for life through our Lifetime Guarantee.
When you schedule a complimentary consultation at our orthodontic office in Winter Springs(Oviedo) or Waterford Lakes, Dr. Battle will evaluate your teeth and jaw to determine whether clear aligners are right for you. Your initial exam includes diagnostic photos, a digital scan and digital x-rays, giving us a complete picture of your orthodontic health.
Step 2: Creating a Custom Treatment Plan
Using the images, scans, and notes from your orthodontic exam, Dr. Battle will create your personalized smile transformation plan. This plan outlines everything—your estimated treatment time, cost, and your expected results—so you’ll know exactly what to expect.
The process begins with a digital 3D scan of your teeth using our TRIOS digital scanning system. This scan captures every angle of your smile and builds a 3D model of your teeth and gums in just about 5 minutes. Many patients love seeing a preview of how their smile will transform before treatment even begins!
Step 3: Receiving Your Clear Aligners
Once your treatment plan is finalized, your scans are sent directly to Invisalign or 3M labs. There, your series of custom aligners are created to fit your teeth and your teeth only.
When your aligners are ready, you’ll visit our orthodontic office in Winter Springs/Oviedo or Waterford Lakes to pick them up. On this day, we’ll place any necessary attachments and review detailed instructions to help you get the best results from your treatment.
On average, clear aligner treatment takes 12 to 24 months, depending on your case complexity. While everyone’s experience is unique, many patients begin noticing changes in as little as 6 weeks!
Step 4: Wearing Your Clear Aligners
Wearing your clear aligners is simple: just insert them over your teeth and wear them 20 to 22 hours a day, removing them only to eat, drink anything other than water, brush, and floss.
Because clear aligners are made of smooth, BPA-free plastic, they won’t irritate your cheeks and gums the way traditional braces sometimes can. You’ll switch to a new set of aligners about once a week, each one bringing you closer to your radiant new smile.
Step 5: Monitoring Your Progress
Throughout your treatment, you’ll have regular check-ins with your orthodontist to monitor your progress. These checkup appointments happen every 10-12 weeks. Dr. Battle will complete a fit check to see if your teeth are progressing as they projected. And our team may take additional scans or make any necessary treatment adjustments.
If you’ve got a busy lifestyle and prefer virtual appointments, we offer virtual check-ins via the Dental Monitoring app!
How does it work? You’ll get a notification when your progress photos are due, set up your dental scan box with your phone, snap a few teeth selfies with your aligners in, and upload them to the app. Voilà !
You can also use this app to communicate with our team if you have any questions or concerns about your aligners or treatment. Check out this blog here to prepare for your first virtual appointment!
Step 6: Finishing Your Treatment
Once you’ve completed your final set of aligners and we remove your attachments, it’s time to celebrate—you’ve reached the finish line! Whoop whoop! But your journey doesn’t quite stop there.
Retention is the final (and very important) phase of your treatment. Wearing your custom retainer at night will keep your teeth in their new positions while your gums, ligaments, and bone fully stabilize.
Thanks to our Lifetime Guarantee, if you ever experience teeth shifting after treatment, you’re covered. That’s our promise to protect your smile for life—something you won’t find anywhere else in Orlando. Learn more about what that means for you!
Want to know more about the Clarity 3M or Invisalign process?
Our team at Premiere Orthodontics is here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you’re beginning your clear aligner journey or simply curious about how it works, we’ll make sure you feel informed and confident about your treatment.
If you’re looking for a trusted orthodontist in Waterford Lakes or Winter Springs (Oviedo), request your complimentary exam today and discover the difference personalized, high-quality orthodontic care can make.
Clear Aligner FAQs (Things to Know Before Starting)
How long does clear aligner treatment take?
Most patients complete treatment in 12 to 24 months, though some may finish faster depending on the case.
Does Invisalign/3M hurt?
You may feel slight pressure when switching to a new set of aligners, but it’s generally less discomfort than braces.
Can I eat and drink with Invisalign/3M?
Yes! Simply remove your aligners before meals and snacks. Water is the only drink you can have with aligners in.
How often do I need to wear my aligners?
For best results, wear them 20–22 hours a day, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss.
Do I need to visit the orthodontist often?
Checkups usually happen every 10–12 weeks, making clear aligners a convenient choice for busy teens and adults.
Are clear aligners right for everyone?
Clear aligners can treat most orthodontic cases, from mild crowding to more complex bite issues. During your consultation, we’ll let you know if you’re a candidate.
Ready to start your smile journey with Clarity 3M/Invisalign in Winter Springs (Oviedo) or Waterford Lakes? Book your free consultation today!
