How Long Does Invisalign Take to Straighten Your Teeth?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that straightens teeth and aligns the bite. It is a newer alternative to braces treatment, providing a more discreet option for orthodontic treatment. The aligners that you wear over your teeth are made of clear plastic that is virtually invisible. The smooth, flexible plastic is comfortable and won’t irritate your mouth. And because they are removable, there aren’t any food restrictions with Invisalign.
Are you interested in Invisalign treatment? If so, you may have some questions about the process, such as how long it takes. Here’s what you can expect in terms of treatment duration with Invisalign.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign treatment begins with impressions. Digital images are made of the teeth that the Invisalign software uses to design your treatment. The computer plans out the course of movement your teeth will need to make and how to achieve those movements. Then a set of aligners is created to shift your teeth into the desired position gradually. You wear each aligner for about 2 weeks before switching to the next aligner in order. Once you have worn all of your aligners, your teeth should be straight and your bite should be in proper alignment.
Average Length of Invisalign Treatment
On average, Invisalign treatment will take anywhere from 9 to 15 months. Some patients may finish in as little as 6 months and others may need closer to 18 months. Treatment duration is almost always under 2 years, but it varies from one patient to another.
How Long Will My Treatment Take?
If you want to know more specifically how long your treatment will take, you’ll need to have an evaluation. This will determine whether or not you are an ideal candidate for Invisalign. If so, your dentist can give you an estimate for the length of your treatment. But until your treatment plan is created, you won’t have a definite time frame.
What Affects the Length of My Treatment?
The biggest factor in length of treatment is your individual orthodontic needs. Some patients may only need slight adjustments to their teeth and bite. Others may need significant corrections, which can take longer. The number of aligners you will need depends on the movements your teeth need to make. Once the computer system designs your treatment plan, you will know how many aligners you’ll need and how long your treatment should take.
Another important factor in the length of your treatment is compliance, which means how well you follow your dentist’s instructions for wearing your aligners. You will need to wear them as much as you can, preferably up to 22 hours a day. You should only take your aligners out to eat and clean your teeth. The rest of the day and night they should be in your mouth doing their job. As long as you wear them long enough and in the right order, your treatment should follow the expected timeline. Your dentist will monitor your progress along the way and make any necessary adjustments.
Does Invisalign Take More or Less Time Than Braces?
On average, Invisalign takes less time to straighten teeth than braces. Invisalign takes 9-15 months and braces take an average of 1-3 years. This is in part because of the effectiveness of the Invisalign method. But another factor is that patients with complex orthodontic cases may not be candidates for Invisalign, as braces can do some things Invisalign can’t.
Where Can I Go for Invisalign Treatment?
Another advantage of Invisalign is that you can get this treatment from your dentist. Invisalign treatment is designed with computer software and doesn’t require the same level of expertise as braces and other orthodontic treatments. Doctor’s Lake Family Dental provides Invisalign treatment for patients who are ideal candidates so that you don’t need a referral to an orthodontist. We have successfully transformed many of our patients’ smiles with Invisalign.
Call 904-264-6700 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.