Millions of people in the U.S. are working on straightening their teeth at any moment. Traditional braces were the most common way to fix misaligned teeth for a long time. However, Invisalign has become an exciting and popular alternative. These clear aligners are a modern solution for those who are looking to achieve a straighter smile without the wires and brackets.
However, many people ask, “How long does Invisalign treatment take?” In this blog post, we’ll explore the timeline for Invisalign and what factors might affect it. If you’re considering this option, keep reading to learn more about how Invisalign works and how it might fit into your journey to a beautiful, confident smile.
Factors That Affect Invisalign Treatment Time
Well, that depends upon various factors like:
- How severe is the problem (malocclusion)?
- What correction do you desire?
- What correction is feasible?
- How regular are you at wearing them?
- Your age
- Consistency in Wearing Aligners
- After Invisalign treatment, like correction or adjustment of bite
With the recent advances in Invisalign, it takes almost the same or a little less time than regular braces.
Why Invisalign Treatment Duration Differs for Everyone
Since the Invisalign process is highly personalized, your treatment time could be as short as one year, while someone else might need two years. Let’s explore some of the reasons your timeline could be a little different.
1. Crowded Teeth
If your teeth are slightly crowded, Invisalign might fix the issue in as little as six months. However, for more severe crowding, the process can take much longer.
In some cases, your orthodontist may even suggest additional treatments, like headgear or tooth extractions, to create enough space for proper alignment. This is why it’s so important to have a detailed consultation. Your orthodontist will evaluate your case and let you know if Invisalign is the right choice for you.
2. Gaps Between Teeth
Similar to crowded teeth, the time it takes to close gaps with Invisalign can vary. A small gap might only need around eight weeks to fix, while larger gaps could require a longer treatment period.
It’s also important to stick to your orthodontist’s plan to keep gaps from reopening. After your treatment is complete, wearing your retainer as instructed will help ensure the gaps don’t return.
3. Teenagers vs. Adults
The difference in Invisalign timelines for teenagers and adults isn’t always huge, but there are some things to consider. Most of the time, how responsible the person is with wearing the aligners plays a big role.
For aligners to work, they need to be worn for at least 22 hours a day. While adults usually stick to this schedule, teenagers might be less consistent. To help with this, Invisalign has special trays for teens that come with compliance indicators.
These trays have blue dots that fade as the aligners are worn. If the teen wears them for the full two weeks (or 336 hours), the dots will disappear. If they don’t, the treatment will take much longer than expected.
What is the Average Treatment Time for Invisalign?
Now you know about the factors that can affect treatment time for Invisalign. Usually, Invisalign treatments last between 12 to 18 months, but here’s an average time for various cases:
- Mild Alignment Issues: 6 to 9 months
- Moderate Alignment Issues: 12 to 18 months
- Severe Alignment Issues: 18 to 24 months
Your dentist can provide you with a better estimate depending on your teeth misalignment situation. Remember, these are just averages, and your experience might be faster or slower depending on how well you follow the plan.
What is the Shortest Time for Invisalign Treatment?
If you have mild alignment problems and take proper care according to your dentist’s recommendation, your treatment can be shorter. The shortest time for Invisalign treatment can be around 6 months.
How quickly do your teeth move with Invisalign?
On average, the time can be around 6 to 12 months. You need to change the aligners set every week or two. Most patients start noticing the results within the first two months.
Can Invisalign be done in 3 months?
You may see betterment in alignment within 3 months after placing the first aligner tray. However, for complete alignment correction, 3 months is not enough. You must take this treatment at least 6 months.
Is Invisalign Show Faster Results Than Braces?
Yes, the usual time for the braces to show results is around 18 to 24 months. However, Invisalign’s maximum time is 18 months, which can also be reduced to 6 months for minor issues.
Why Dietrich & Kelso Orthodontics is the Best Treatment Centre for Invisalign?
Invisalign is a consistent process that requires proper treatment and care to show results. To get fast and long-lasting results, it is essential to prefer only a trusted clinic for treatment. After detailed research, we found Dietrich & Kelso Orthodontics is the best clinic for misaligned teeth.
We recommend Dietrich & Kelso Orthodontists because they have over 40 years of experience in the field. During this time, their best dentists have dealt with thousands of Invisalign cases of every age and severity.
Their advanced tools, modern techniques, and excellent care for their patients are what sets them apart. Every case is important to them, and they remain with you until you are satisfied. The best thing is that they charge very reasonably without compromising service excellence.
Final Thoughts
Invisalign treatment time varies for everyone, but most people can expect it to last between 12 and 18 months. However, most of the cases can be solved within 12 months. You can further reduce the treatment time with proper care and strictly follow recommendations.
You may start seeing results within 2 or 3 months of taking your first aligner tray. However, the shortest time for treatment is at least 6 months.
Your dentist’s expertise also affects the time for Invisalign treatment. So, always prefer a reliable and well-reputed dentist clinic like Dietrich & Kelso Orthodontist. They promise excellent services and long-lasting results.