Do you want straighter teeth? As you look into orthodontics, you might see that braces aren’t the only option anymore. Clear aligners have become a popular choice among teens and adults for their discreet and comfortable treatment experience. That said, a big question many patients have is, how long does Invisalign take? Here’s what you should know about the timeline.
As a Refresher, What’s Invisalign?
Invisalign is a set of aligners that you wear for 20 to 22 hours every day. They put pressure on your teeth to move them into their desired positions. You will need to swap to a new set every week or two to keep your treatment on track. People who undergo this treatment often need attachments to allow for precise adjustments. That said, these allow trays to effectively correct a wide range of misalignment and malocclusions.
So, How Long Does Invisalign Take?
In all, it can take about 12 to 18 months on average to complete Invisalign. There’s a large range because it depends on your unique orthodontic issues. Your time with them may be shorter or longer, but your dentist will let you know what you can expect. It’s important to keep in mind that these trays are best for mild or moderate cases. More severe instances may need another route to get the results you want.
What Can Affect My Invisalign Timeline?
Since your time with Invisalign can vary, you might wonder about what factors come into play. Here are a few that you should know:
- Specific Orthodontic Issues: As mentioned above, your treatment depends on your crowding and crookedness. If it’s minor, it may be corrected quicker than moderate cases. Some teeth are naturally more stubborn to movement, so progress checks will ensure everything is moving as planned.
- Your Age: Adults have fully formed jawbones, so shifting a smile may take longer compared to a teen. However, a few older patients have had a relatively short time with their trays.
- Compliance: A big part of Invisalign is sticking to your tray routine. If you don’t get the full wear time or have poor oral hygiene, then you will be more likely to experience delays to your results.
The best way to know how long you will have clear aligners is to talk with your dentist. They will perform an oral examination to see what movements are necessary and let you know more about what’s ahead.
About the Author
Dr. Tracy Morales earned her dental degree from the Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry. She has over 12 years of experience that she uses to give patients in Fort Worth the high-quality care they deserve. Dr. Morales is here to correct misalignment and malocclusion with Invisalign. By staying at your side throughout your treatment, you can avoid delays while you get settled into your trays. If you have any questions, schedule an appointment or call Dr. Morales’ office at 817-214-3333.
