Invisalign® clear aligners were a revolutionary orthodontic treatment when they hit the market in the 90’s and have remained a favorite ever since! But other clear aligner brands have joined the game and are gaining popularity too! In fact, there’s been an increase in clear aligner wear among teens and adults since 2020. With clear aligners offering a virtually invisible, comfortable, and discreet treatment, it’s no wonder there’s 1.6 million smiles being transformed by clear aligners right now – and the number keeps growing!
If you’re considering Invisalign or Clarity aligners for your smile, here’s what you can expect during your treatment – step by step.
Step 1: Scheduling a complimentary consultation with an experienced orthodontist
The first step in the Clarity or Invisalign process is to schedule a consultation with an certified orthodontist. While general dentists may offer Invisalign or other brands of clear aligner treatment too, an orthodontist has the specialized training to diagnose and treat your orthodontic condition(s) starting at the root!
Dr. Jason Battle is not only a certified Invisalign provider and orthodontist, but he’s also highly-experienced in Clarity aligners! What does that mean for you? If you’re moving to the Orlando area, you can easily switch your Invisalign treatment into his expert hands. Or if you’re still considering an invisible orthodontic treatment, you can choose Clarity aligners for your smile journey with Dr. Battle!
When you schedule a complimentary consultation at our Winter Springs or Waterford Lakes office, Dr. Battle will evaluate your teeth, jaws, and help determine whether clear aligners are the right treatment option for you. Included in your initial exam, are diagnostic photos and digital x-rays which will show our team the complete picture of your dental and orthodontic health.
Step 2: Creating a custom treatment plan
Using the images, x-rays, and notes from your orthodontic exam, Dr. Battle and our friendly team will then present to you your custom smile transformation plan! This comprehensive plan will break down your treatment details, including the length of treatment, cost, and expected results.
If you decide to move forward with Clarity aligners, our team will get started on your treatment process right away. The first part is taking some digital scans of your teeth using a 3 Shape Trios scanner. You’ll be able to see a cool 3D image of your teeth and gums being built as we take pictures using a handheld wand. This process takes about 5 minutes to complete and while your orthodontist reviews and solidifies your personalized treatment plan, we’ll be able to show you a simulated image of your expected smile results!
Step 3: Receiving your clear aligners
Once your treatment plan is finalized, your scans will be sent straight to the 3M™ labs from the 3 Shape scanner!
3M will then create a series of custom aligners that are designed just for your smile. (There’s no cookie-cutter treatments here!) Once your series of aligners come in, we’ll give you a call to come pick them up and walk you through instructions for wearing your aligners for the best possible smile results.
Treatment with clear aligners takes an average of about 12 to 18 months, depending on the complexity of your case. While everyone’s experience is unique, most people find that Clarity aligners are a comfortable and convenient way to straighten their teeth and achieve the smile they’ve always wanted!
Step 4: Wearing your clear aligners
Once you’ve got your aligners and a welcome packet filled with resources, you’re ready to rock and roll.
Wearing your Clarity aligners is easy and comfortable! Simply insert the aligners over your teeth and wear them for 20 to 22 hours a day, removing them only to eat, brush, and floss. Because the aligners are made of smooth plastic, they won’t irritate your cheeks and gums like traditional braces can. Every 2 weeks, you’ll move on to the next set of aligners in your plan. Many clear aligner wearers start seeing results within 6 weeks!
Step 5: Monitoring your progress
Throughout your treatment, you’ll have regular check-ins with Dr. Battle to monitor your progress. These checkup appointments happen every 12 weeks or so. Your orthodontist 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.)
Step 6: Finishing your treatment
Once you’ve finished your last set of aligners, your treatment is complete! And now it’s time for a very important phase – retention!
Wearing a retainer after orthodontic treatment is a must if you want to keep your beautiful new smile. Your retainer will hold your teeth in their new position while the ligaments and bone that holds your teeth heals from your smile journey. Retainer wear will be similar to your Clarity aligner wear for next 12 months – only taking them out for eating, brushing, or flossing. Then you’ll be able to switch to retainer wear for nights only!
Have more questions about the Clarity or Invisalign process?
If you still have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our team is here for you, and we want to make your experience a positive one.
If you’re looking for an Orlando orthodontist in Winter Springs or Waterford Lakes, we’d love to meet you! We’re proud to be one of the world’s first fully digital practices providing award-winning orthodontics.
Take the first step today by requesting a complimentary consultation with Dr. Battle and our experienced team at Premiere Orthodontics today.
