Are you considering Invisalign® treatment? Invisalign® is an orthodontic treatment that is designed to straighten your smile with a series of plastic aligners that are worn over the teeth, gently shifting them into proper alignment.
Invisalign® is still relatively new when compared to traditional treatments like braces, which leads to a lot of questions from potential patients. One of the most common questions is: How long does Invisalign® take to straighten teeth?
The answer to this question will be different for everyone. But here’s a general idea of what you can expect in terms of the length of your treatment.
Average Invisalign® Treatment Duration is 12-18 Months
Some patients will only need Invisalign® treatment for one year, while others might be closer to a year and a half. Most patients will achieve their desired results in under 2 years.
How Does Invisalign® Work?
The complete course of treatment is determined at the start. Impressions are made of the teeth, from which the Invisalign® software is used to create a set of aligners that will gradually move the teeth into the desired positions. Each aligner is typically worn for about 2 weeks before switching to the next one in the recommended order. You’ll have occasional consultations with your dentist to check your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment. You will most likely have a pretty accurate idea of how long your treatment will take from the start.
Factors Affecting Length of Treatment
The amount of time your Invisalign® treatment will take depends on a variety of factors, such as:
- Extent of corrections you need. Not all patients will have the same treatment duration because not all patients need the same corrections. Some patients may need some mild straightening, meaning their treatment will take less time. Other patients may need extensive corrections and shifting of the teeth, which will take longer to accomplish.
- How much you wear your aligners. It is recommended that you wear your aligners for at least 22 hours each day, only removing them to eat and brush your teeth. The more you wear them, the faster your teeth will reach the desired positions. If you take them out often and forget to put them back in for hours at a time, you may find that your treatment will take longer.
- Your age. Children and teens can achieve results faster than adults because their jaws are still growing. Growth spurts make the jaw more malleable to allow for reshaping and the shifting of teeth. Adults’ jaws are done growing and the teeth are more set in place, making it more difficult for Invisalign® to shift the teeth.
Which Takes Longer, Invisalign® or Braces?
Invisalign® is often compared to braces by a variety of criteria, because the two treatments are designed to achieve similar results. Treatment time between braces and Invisalign® is comparable. The average treatment time for braces is 1-3 years, meaning it could take longer. But braces are often used to treat complex orthodontic issues that Invisalign® can’t, and that added complexity is typically the reason for the longer treatment time.
One of the advantages of Invisalign® is that it shifts the teeth more gradually than braces, making it a more comfortable treatment option. This can sometimes cause Invisalign® to take longer than braces to achieve the same results.
Why Choose Invisalign® Over Braces?
Patients often choose Invisalign® over braces for a variety of reasons, including:
- Invisibility. Many patients prefer the way they look in Invisalign® than in braces.
- No eating restrictions. You can remove your aligners when you eat, meaning you are free to eat what you want.
- Easier dental care. You can also remove your aligners to brush and floss your teeth.
Invisalign® Treatment at Gold Coast Smiles
If you’re looking for an Invisalign® provider, you don’t have to find an orthodontist. Many dentists offer Invisalign®, and Gold Coast Smiles is one of them. We have successfully treated many satisfied patients with Invisalign® clear aligners. If you’re interested in a consultation, we can give you a general idea of your estimated treatment duration.
Call 516-676-0250 today to schedule a consultation or request an appointment. We look forward to helping you transform your smile.