How Long Does Invisalign Take? Factors That Affect Your Treatment Timeline

We all want that glowing and fresh smile.  And maybe, you’ve probably always wanted a straighter smile, of course, without those braces and wires.  Well, you’re not alone.  If you’re preparing for a wedding or a new job interview, or you just probably want to boost your confidence, then Invisalign is one of your go-tos, as it’s actually popular nowadays.  But of course, you might be wondering, how long does this treatment–Invisalign actually take?

But before we answer that, let’s talk about Invisalign first. Invisalign treatment is actually a modern and nearly invisible orthodontic option that would gently straighten your teeth.  And what’s more, it’s actually using custom-made clear aligners.  Unlike those traditional braces that we are all used to, Invisalign doesn’t use brackets or wires.  Instead, your teeth are going to be guided into place by using a series of plastic trays that are changed every one or two weeks.  Don’t worry, these aligners are comfortable and removable.  They are discreet; that’s why no one may actually even notice you’re wearing them.

Well, most Invisalign treatment plans may take some time between six to eighteen months.  Well, that depends on several personal factors.  Some people with minor crowding or spacing may even finish in just three to six months!  But for some complex scenarios, it may take over a year.  But don’t worry, time flies so fast; next thing you know, you’re done!

The Starting Point

The more your teeth would actually need to move, the longer it will really take to get them into place.  So if you only need to correct a few mildly crooked front teeth, you could be easily done in half a year.  But, if your case is dealing with severe crowding, big gaps, or probable bite misalignment, then you should really expect a longer timeline.  It’s always best to get your consultation to know more.

So, How Often Will You Wear Your Aligners?

Well, to be honest, Invisalign would actually only work if you wear it, so wear it.  This means that for about twenty to twenty-two hours every single day, you should keep your aligners in for best results.  That doesn’t exclude the weekends.  Don’t worry, they’re not very visible. Taking them out too often may make you forget to wear them again, and it might really slow down your progress.  Worse, it might even reverse it.

Age Matters

Well, some younger patients tend to see faster results if you observe previous users of Invisalign. That’s because their bones and teeth are still developing.  And this makes them more responsive to movement.  Adults, on the other hand, can still achieve such amazing results.  So don’t worry.  It will just take a little bit longer, but that’s just normal.

Orthodontist’s Plan

Every Invisalign treatment is actually customised per user or patient.  Well, of course, we’re all unique.  Your orthodontist may actually use special techniques to speed things up.  Like using tools like attachments, those little tooth-coloured bumps that can actually help guide your teeth more efficiently.  There’s also IPR, or interproximal reduction, that can make space between your crowded teeth by gently reshaping the enamel.  These extras could actually make a huge difference in shortening your treatment timeline.

Checkups

Consistently attending your appointments is very important.  This will ensure that everything is on track.  If you miss too many appointments, then you might end up delaying your progress, as these are all in your orthodontist’s plans.  So make sure you regularly visit your orthodontist, as they may allow you small adjustments if needed.

Response

As mentioned before, everyone is unique!  Some people may respond quickly to aligners, but in some cases, they may take a little bit more time.  There are factors like bone density, gum health, and even overall dental hygiene.  All of such can impact how fast your teeth would move.

Results

In just a few weeks, you might actually see visible improvements.  Though it might take several months to complete your plan, the transformation is so worth it.  Actually, many famous smiles that you might have seen on red carpets have been crafted with Invisalign!

After Invisalign

There’s always an end to such treatment.  And once you’re finished with your Invisalign journey, you would now wear a retainer.  You’d only need to wear them at night to keep your teeth in their new positions.  But think of it like insurance for your new smile.  Skipping such retainers could undo all that hard work, so don’t forget it.