If you are thinking of investing in Invisalign to straighten your teeth or fix other dental concerns, you might be wondering how quickly you will start to see results from this treatment. Invisalign clear aligners have become very popular in recent years, thanks to the great results and discreet aligners used to improve your smile’s appearance. Here we will discover more about the Invisalign treatment duration and the factors which will impact the number of months it takes for you to see results. Our team will be here to support you every step of the way, learn more about Invisalign treatments.
Invisalign Timeline Explained
For most patients, Invisalign braces take between six and 18 months to complete the whole treatment plan. In cases where just minor adjustments are required, the answer to the question of how quickly Invisalign works can drop down to three to six months. For more severe dental realignment cases, such as bite issues and rotated teeth, you may need clear aligners for two years to get your final results. In almost all mild to moderate misalignment cases, Invisalign provides quicker results than traditional braces. This is thanks to the advanced digital planning system the treatment uses and the pressure that is consistently applied to your teeth by the aligners.
Factors That Influence Invisalign Treatment Time
As you can see, there isn’t one simple answer to the question of how long does Invisalign take to straighten teeth. Many different factors about your unique dental concerns will impact how long the treatment plan will take. These are the most common factors that will impact the length of time you need to account for when investing in Invisalign treatment.
The Complexity of Your Case
The more complex the dental issues you are facing, the longer the treatment time will be. Cases involving major tooth movement, overbite, underbite, or crossbite will typically take longer to correct than simple adjustments. Your dentist should be able to discuss roughly how long your treatment will take from your first appointment when you start to review your dental concerns and discuss your goals for this treatment. The age at which you decide to invest in Invisalign will also impact the length of time the overall treatment takes. Invisalign is a good option for both teenagers and adults, but younger patients often see quicker results as their bone structures are more responsive.
Diligence in Following Your Treatment Plan
One of the most critical factors in the success and speed of Invisalign treatment is how often the aligners are worn. Dentists recommend wearing Invisalign aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day. Removing them for extended periods of time can slow down your treatment progress and lengthen the overall treatment time. You also need to ensure you are changing the aligners as scheduled so that you are sticking to the timeline created by your dentist and Invisalign technology. Invisalign patients typically switch out aligners every one to two weeks, but you’ll need to follow your dentist’s recommendation. Following this schedule ensures that your teeth continue to move as planned, so make sure you speak to your dentist if you are facing any challenges with your schedule.
The Invisalign Process Explained
As with any major dental treatment, there are various stages to your treatment process that will give you the results you desire. You’ll start with an initial consultation, during which your dentist or orthodontist will assess your teeth and determine if Invisalign is appropriate for you. Digital scans or impressions can then be taken if you opt to go for the treatment to create your personal treatment plan. Once your aligners are created, you’ll need to start wearing them consistently. Only remove your aligners for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing, then put them back in to ensure you stay on track with your treatment plan.
Patients usually have check-ups every one to two months, depending on your dentist and your unique plan. This helps to monitor your progress, and during this appointment, you will also receive new aligners. These visits help ensure that the teeth are moving according to plan, and adjustments can be made if necessary. Once the Invisalign treatment is complete, patients are usually fitted with retainers to maintain their new smile. Retainers should be worn as directed to stop your teeth from shifting back to their original position.
With many different factors impacting the length of time it takes for Invisalign to work, you’ll want to discuss your treatment options with your dentist. Each patient will receive a customised Invisalign treatment plan designed to give you the smile you’ve always dreamed of. Contact us today to learn more about Invisalign treatment options or to book your initial consultation with our team.