Patiently Waiting: Does Invisalign Take a Long Time to Complete?

Are you ready to get a straighter smile? As you look into orthodontics, Invisalign might’ve shot out as a reliable choice that’s more convenient and comfortable than traditional braces. They don’t use a wire and bracket system, but rather plastic trays to shift your teeth into their desired positions. That said, how long do these aligners take to give you the results you want? Here’s what you should know.

What Exactly Is Invisalign?

As was mentioned above, Invisalign uses thin sets of plastic trays to move your smile. You’ll wear them for 20 to 22 hours every day to apply constant pressure. Many people also need attachments, or buttons, in specific places on their teeth to allow for more directed force and minute adjustments. As you progress with your treatment, you’ll need to swap to a new pair of aligners every week or two. These will keep your grin moving as expected.

How Long Can Invisalign Take?

With that said, on average, it can take about 12 to 18 months to finish an Invisalign treatment. There’s quite a range because it depends on your unique misalignment and malocclusion. If it’s minor, your time with your trays might be shorter, but it may be longer if they are more moderate. That said, severe cases may need you to explore other routes; that way, you can get the results you love without any problems.

What Factors Can Change My Timeline?

The best way to know how long your time with Invisalign will be is by having a consultation with your dentist. They will be able to explain the process a bit more and do an oral examination to see what movements are needed. These are a few things that your provider will look at that influence your timeline:

• Your specific orthodontic issues will be accounted for. Minor crowding and gaps can be treated faster on average, but some teeth are more stubborn than others. You’ll need to have progress checks throughout your treatment to ensure everything is going smoothly.
• Your age might be a factor to consider, as teens don’t have a fully formed jawbone like adults. They might have a shorter time with their trays, but a few older patients have had relatively speedy treatments before. It just depends on your smile.
• You’ll need to be compliant with your aligner routine, as not getting the 22-hour wear time or poor oral hygiene can lead to delays.

Simply put, the only true way to know how long Invisalign will take for you is by talking to your dentist. They will be able to look at your unique case to give you the accurate estimation you want to know for your straighter grin.

About the Author

Dr. Philip A. Lisk earned his dental degree from the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry in Chapel Hill. He has over 20 years of experience that he uses to give the Raleigh community the high-quality care they deserve. Dr. Lisk is proud to offer Invisalign as an effective solution to misaligned teeth. By staying at your side throughout, you can trust that you know how to avoid delays. If you have any questions, schedule an appointment or call his office at 919-870-6892.