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How Long does Invisalign take to work? If the idea of metal braces puts you off but you’re still seeking an aligned smile, this article is for you.
Invisalign aligners are just one of many tools in orthodontic treatment. At the Invisalign consultation, the initial process will be done to determine the best course of treatment. Please be aware that there are different aligner brands available in the market, and Invisalign just happens to be one of the best and most popular ones.
If your orthodontist determines you’re a good candidate for Invisalign aligners, the custom-made aligners are designed for your mouth and your own special issue. Like braces, they can effectively address any kind of dental problems like misalignment or overcrowding and even bite issues like crossbite or underbite.
The aligners are almost invisible, and you’ll need to wear them between 20-22 hours per day.
How Long for Invisalign to Work?
Before answering this question, “How long will Invisalign take?”, it’s a good idea to take a short review of the treatment process and your role in it.
Read More: What to Do if Invisalign Attachment Fell Off?
The treatment process
The procedure involves a set of clear, removable plastic aligners that you’ll need to wear in an incremental sequence.
To create aligners that fit your mouth and dental issue, your orthodontist, after determining you’re a good candidate and examining your dental X-ray:
- Takes photographs of your face, smile, profile, and teeth.
- Takes a 3D scan of your teeth to create custom-made aligners.
- Writing up recommendations.
A 3D scan helps your orthodontist figure out where your teeth should move and estimate the treatment timeframe.
Depending on the severity of your issue, you may need 6-30 aligners—or even more, affecting the total price.
Each aligner will move your teeth by a small amount, up to one-third millimeter, which typically takes around 2 weeks. After that, you’ll need to switch to the new set of aligners.
Read More: How Can I Get Invisalign?
Your role in the treatment
For optimal results, your commitment to the treatment is essential. Each day, you should wear aligners for 20-22 hours, and only remove them when eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.
Failure to commit to your treatment and your orthodontist’s guidance can negatively affect how long do aligners take to work.
How Long Do You Have to Wear Invisalign?
Now, it’s time to response the question: “How long do you have to wear invisalign?”
The length of the treatment depends on the complexity of the issue and your goal. Typically, minor problems may take around 6 months to fully treat, while more complicated cases may need around 2 years or even more to fully fix.
Note 1: One of the great points about Invisalign aligners is that you’ll start noticing the difference after just a few weeks of wearing them—usually around 4 or 6 weeks. However, you need to understand that every patient is different; you may see the changes a bit sooner or later.
Note 2: Right after receiving the first set of aligners, your teeth and gums feel might feel a little bit tender. But it’s entirely normal, and usually, the discomfort will subside after a short while, and you’ll get used to it sooner than you think. Resist temptation to take the aligners out if you want to achieve the optimal results.
Read More: Invisalign Cost
Invisalign timelines:
|
Version |
Fixes |
Length |
|---|---|---|
|
Invisalign Go |
Minor imperfections |
4 months |
|
Invisalign i7 |
Mild crowding |
3 months |
|
Invisalign Express |
Crooked front teeth |
3-4 months |
|
Invisalign First |
Development |
4-6 months |
|
Invisalign Teen |
Mild to severe |
12-18 months |
|
Invisalign Full |
Mild to severe |
12-18 months |
How Long Is Invisalign Treatment-Factors Affect the Treatment?
- Tooth crowding: overcrowding occurs when the jaws are too small or teeth are too large, leading to misalignment. Minor cases fix quickly, whereas more complicated ones take more time to treat. In another words, the more crowding you have, the longer it will take.
- Gapped teeth: The main reason for gapped teeth is often due to this fact that teeth are too small compared to the jawbone. Minor gaps take a few time to treat, whereas larger one need longer. If you have crowding and gapped teeth, you can expect at least 18 months to treat.
- Age: Teeth in teenagers can move faster than adults because they’re still at their developing age.
- Compliance: Even if you have only a minor correction, procrastinating on wearing your aligners as prescribed can significantly extend your treatment time.
Read More: 5 Easy Tips on How to Clean Invisalign Trays
How Can You Shorten Your Treatment Time?
There are a number of things you can do to help you shorten your treatment time:
- Commit to your treatment and your orthodontist’s recommendation.
- Take a proper care of your aligners, as damaged or lost aligners can delay your treatment.
- Maintain good oral hygiene and schedule regular check-ups, as issues like cavities can significantly postpone the results.
- Remember to switch your aligners to the new set on the correct date and ensure you take them with you when planning a travel.
Read More: Different Types of Invisalign
Conclusion
While getting Invisalign aligners seems easier than braces, your commitment plays a prime role in the final success.
Wondering how long does invisalign take? The average time is about 12 months; however, minor issues might take only a few weeks, while more complicated problems may take 2 years or even more to treat.
To learn more, book a free Invisalign consultation at York Orthodontics to find out your personal suitability and an estimated treatment time.