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 Spark™ 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 Spark aligners or getting Invisalign in Gardendale or Alabaster, 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.
TL;DR: Clear Aligner Process Step-by-Step
- First, schedule a complimentary consultation with our Board-Certified orthodontists in Alabaster or Gardendale, Dr. Angie and Dr. Chris are the providers 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 12–16 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 your dream smile with Spark/Invisalign in Gardendale or Alabaster? 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 Spark/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. Angie and Dr. Chris are both board-certified orthodontists who have successfully treated thousands of Invisalign and clear aligner cases right here in Shelby and Jefferson County.
When you schedule a complimentary consultation at our orthodontic office in Gardendale or Alabaster, our orthodontists 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, your orthodontist 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 iTero® 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 Ormco 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 Gardendale or Alabaster 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 at least 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 12-16 weeks. Dr. Angie or Dr. Chris 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 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.
To further help protect your new smile for years to come, we offer our Retainer Bundle Program. This convenient option includes backup retainers, digital models of your smile for easy future replacements, and savings on replacement retainers down the road. It’s added peace of mind knowing you’ll have a plan if a retainer is ever lost, damaged, or worn out.
Your smile is an investment and our Retainer Bundle Program helps you protect it long after treatment ends.
Want to know more about the Spark or Invisalign process?
Our team at Canales 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 Gardendale or Alabaster, 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/Spark 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/Spark?
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 at least 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 12–16 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 Spark/Invisalign in Gardendale or Alabaster? Book your free consultation today!
