Are you wondering how long does Invisalign take? Or if Invisalign is the right orthodontic treatment for you? Read on to have all your questions answered!
If you have crooked teeth or gaps in between your teeth, orthodontics is definitely the answer to your oral health problem. And you’ll be pleased to know that long gone are the days of using unsightly metal to give you a confident straight smile.
Invisalign aligners are the alternative to traditional dental braces, and they offer a more discreet way to straighten teeth. The treatment involves a virtually invisible mouthguard-like tray worn over a period of time, and the result is a brand new, beautiful smile.
So how long does Invisalign take to straighten teeth?
The average treatment time with Invisalign is 12 months, but everyone and every case is different. Some patients with minor issues can see results in as little as 6 months, whereas others with more complex issues may need to wear their aligners for as long as 18 months.
How does Invisalign work?
Just like any orthodontic treatment, your Invisalign journey starts with a consultation and once cleared as a candidate, your dentist will personalise a treatment plan. This includes factors like the number of aligners you will need to wear, how long treatment will take and the overall cost.
Your clear Invisalign aligners are custom-made and engineered to fit snugly and comfortably. This perfect fit is the source of the force needed to support gentle tooth movement.
Each aligner is worn in sequential order and will move the teeth in tiny increments until they achieve their desired position. Typically, each aligner is worn for around 14 days before being switched out for the next aligner in the series. This process is repeated until the patient has achieved a straighter, healthier smile.
For best long term results, however, you will need to wear your aligners for around 22 hours each day
So, how long will it take to see any results?
Provided that aligners are worn for the prescribed time, you can expect to see noticeable changes in 2 to 3 months. Invisalign tends to straighten teeth faster in teens, but ultimately, the results depend on how long a person wears their aligners each day.
How long does Invisalign take to work, and what may affect the process?
For you to finally have a beautiful smile through Invisalign, several factors need to be considered.
Each smile is unique. Some people have severely misaligned teeth or bigger teeth gaps than others. Difficult cases like these will take longer to correct, and as a result, you will need several aligners to reach your goal.
Meanwhile, although you are never too old to consider Invisalign aligners, age is also a relevant factor. Older patients tend to have stronger bone structures, so straightening teeth takes longer when compared to teens. Younger people respond quicker to tooth movement as their supporting bone structure is still developing.
Do Invisalign aligners take as long as metal braces?
While both orthodontic treatments achieve the same outcome, Invisalign is generally faster. Metal braces may take up to 3 years to achieve what Invisalign typically takes an average of 1 to 1.5 years to do.
Of course, there are some severe alignment problems that Invisalign aligners cannot solve, and you may have to resign yourself to traditional braces. To know more about this, arrange for an initial consultation with your trusted orthodontist or dentist.
Ready to start your Invisalign journey? Don’t wait too long. Contact us now to find out if this is a suitable orthodontic treatment for you! Schedule an appointment today by calling us today and take the first step to your beautiful new smile.