Traditional braces are certainly an effective solution for crooked smiles, but they’re quite the commitment and not always ideal. Luckily, Invisalign clear aligners are now an option to straighten your teeth without the hassle of metal wires and brackets. Plus, they’re nearly invisible! If you’re considering going down this route, you may be wondering how long it takes the clear braces to work. Read on to find out more about this orthodontic treatment and what you can expect from the process.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners to shift your teeth into proper alignment.
First, your orthodontist will take impressions of your smile to create aligning trays that are guaranteed to fit your mouth perfectly. Once your trays are made, you will wear each one for roughly two weeks for at least 20 to 22 hours each day. Swapping them out as instructed is a critical part of the process because it slowly moves your teeth towards the end goal.
This treatment is popular among teens and adults because you can subtly achieve your dream grin. The aligners are discreet, comfortable, and effective — no one will even notice you’re wearing them!
How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Take?
Short answer: it depends. No two smiles are the same, which means each person’s teeth move at a different pace. Factors like oral health, genetics, and even diet can affect the success of your orthodontic treatment. While the average time to complete Invisalign is about 12 months, you may require more or less time.
Why Does the Treatment Timeline Vary?
Most people start seeing results within the first few months, but the actual time needed to complete treatment depends on several factors, including:
- Severe alignment issues. Your teeth will require more in-depth changes depending on the severity of your case.
- Crowded teeth. Mild crowding can typically be fixed within six months. However, cases of severe crowding may require an indefinite number of aligners. Your orthodontist will continue providing treatment until your teeth are straight.
- Gaps in teeth. Like crowding, minor gaps take much less time to fix than severe ones. Depending on the severity, you can expect treatment to take as long as 18 months since the teeth have to move more distance.
- Patient age. Since teens are still growing, their teeth tend to move faster and easier than adults. While age is certainly a factor that affects treatment, some people’s teeth just naturally move faster than others, regardless of age. So, don’t worry — you’re never too old for Invisalign!
- Compliance. Not wearing your aligners as instructed can extend your treatment time significantly. For the best results, make sure you follow your dentist’s plan to a T.
In a nutshell, the amount of time it will take for you to complete Invisalign depends on your individual needs. Proper dental care and sticking to your treatment plan will give you a beautiful, straight smile in no time!
About the Practice
Our team at Newton Corner Dental Care combines experience, comfort, and the latest dental technology to help you achieve your dream smile. We offer a wide array of services to keep your oral health in optimal condition. If you’re wondering whether Invisalign is the right choice for you, schedule a consultation with one of our dentists via our website or call (617) 332-6232.
