The first step is getting your teeth properly scanned, including x-rays or advanced 3D images. Then a customized treatment plan is established. It’s important to remember that Invisalign’s success depends on patient compliance. Wearing the aligners as prescribed (20 to 22 hours a day, except when eating or cleaning) will help you achieve your desired results faster, how long does Invisalign take depends on individual factors, but following the prescribed usage schedule can shorten the overall treatment time.
Treatment Time
Each series of clear Invisalign aligners gently presses on the teeth to shift them into the desired positions gradually. Typically, patients wear each set for one to two weeks before the next is introduced. They should also remember to stick with the 20 – 22 hours per day recommended wear time to ensure that their teeth move as quickly and consistently as possible.
Wearing the trays less than this risks a delay in treatment. Similarly, patients must remove the trays before eating and drinking, brushing and flossing.
The length of the Invisalign treatment for adults and teenagers largely depends on their goals and the complexity of their misalignment. For instance, it can take 6 months to straighten mildly crowded teeth and close small gaps. However, it may take much longer for individuals with more serious alignment issues. In such cases, the orthodontist may recommend other treatments in conjunction with Invisalign, such as headgear, to address the specific dental problems.
Adults
On average, it takes 12-18 months to straighten teeth with Invisalign. However, this can vary significantly between patients due to a number of factors.
For example, adults’ teeth do not move as quickly as teenagers because they are no longer growing. As a result, the Invisalign treatment process will take slightly longer for adults than teens.
Other factors include the severity of misalignment and gaps. For example, closing minor gaps requires less time than fixing major gaps or crowding. Also, some people are more compliant with wearing their aligners than others. This can dramatically reduce or extend your treatment time.
For best results, it is important to wear your aligners for at least 22 hours a day and only remove them when you are eating or drinking. Additionally, it is essential to switch to a new set of aligners every one to two weeks. This will help to ensure that your teeth are progressing as they should and that you’re on track to finish with a healthy, straight smile.
Teenagers
On average, the Invisalign treatment lasts 12 to 18 months. The exact timeline will depend on how complicated your misalignment is and how much work is needed to correct it. Generally, more complex issues like severe overbites and underbites take longer to correct than simple cases of minor crowding or crooked teeth.
Another factor that can affect the length of your Invisalign treatment is how consistently you wear your aligners. Patients must wear their aligners for at least 22 hours a day for them to be effective. Teenagers are often less responsible with their Invisalign trays and may forget to wear them as frequently as they should, which can prolong the treatment.
Gaps between your teeth can cause difficulty chewing and speaking, and they are also more likely to harbor bacteria that lead to tender or sore gums. Invisalign can close these gaps and leave you with a more even, seamless smile. Invisalign is preferred by many adults and teens because the retainers are virtually invisible, making them more discreet than traditional braces.
Crowded Teeth
Crowded teeth with gaps are a common misalignment that can be treated with Invisalign. Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners do not change your lifestyle and patients can continue eating, drinking, brushing their teeth and flossing normally. However, how long it takes to straighten your crowded teeth depends on several factors.
The severity of the crowding can have a significant effect on your treatment time. Minor cases can be fixed relatively quickly, whereas more severe cases can take up to a year to correct.
Your age can also affect how long it takes to straighten your teeth. Teenagers’ teeth move faster than adults’. However, it’s important to keep in mind that no matter your age, if you do not wear your aligners properly, it will 100% extend your treatment time. A good rule of thumb is to wear your clear aligners 22 – 23 hours every day, except for when you’re eating and cleaning them.