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, Invisalign use has skyrocketed among teens and adults since 2020.
With clear aligners offering a virtually invisible, comfortable, and discreet treatment, it’s no wonder over 1.6 million smiles are being transformed by Invisalign—and the number keeps growing every day.
If you’re considering Invisalign in St. Petersburg or Seminole FL, you may be wondering what the process actually looks like. Who better to learn from than the most experienced Invisalign providers in Pinellas and Manatee Counties? We’re here to walk you through each step of your journey to a confident new smile.
TL;DR: Invisalign Process Step-by-Step
- First, schedule a complimentary consultation with our Top 1% Invisalign providers in St. Pete & Seminole.
- 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 bring your smile to life with Invisalign in St. Pete or Seminole? Claim your free consultation today and let’s get started!
Step 1: Scheduling a Consultation with a Top 1% Invisalign Provider
The first step in the Invisalign process is scheduling a consultation with an experienced Invisalign specialist. While some general dentists offer Invisalign, an orthodontist has the advanced training to diagnose and treat orthodontic issues at the root for the most effective, long-term results.
Dr. Insoft and Dr. Hurst are not only certified Invisalign providers—they hold the highest Invisalign status available: Blue Diamond Plus. That means you’ll receive expert care from orthodontists who have successfully treated thousands of Invisalign cases right here in Pinellas and Manatee County.
When you schedule a complimentary Invisalign consultation at our orthodontic office in St. Pete or Seminole, Dr. Insoft or Dr. Hurst will evaluate your teeth and jaw to determine whether Invisalign is 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, our orthodontists 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® intraoral scanner. 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 Invisalign Aligners
Once your treatment plan is finalized, your scans are sent directly to Invisalign 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 Seminole or St. Pete 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, Invisalign 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 Invisalign Aligners
Wearing your Invisalign 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 Invisalign 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 check in with Dr. Insoft or Dr. Hurst every 12 weeks or so. These quick visits allow us to ensure your teeth are moving according to plan. We may take additional scans or make adjustments to keep everything on track.
Our goal is to make your Invisalign journey as seamless as possible, so you’ll always know you’re in expert hands.
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. This way, your hard-earned results will last for years to come.
Want to know more about the Invisalign process?
Our team at Insoft & Hurst Orthodontics is here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you’re beginning your Invisalign 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 St. Pete or Seminole, request your complimentary Invisalign exam today and discover the difference personalized, high-quality orthodontic care can make.
Invisalign FAQs (Things to Know Before Starting)
How long does Invisalign take?
Most patients complete treatment in 12 to 24 months, though some may finish faster depending on the case.
Does Invisalign 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?
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 Invisalign a convenient choice for busy teens and adults.
Is Invisalign right for everyone?
Invisalign 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 Invisalign in St. Pete or Seminole? Book your free consultation today with our Top 1% Invisalign providers!
