Invisalign or removable aligners are a great option for those who want to achieve straighter teeth and a beautiful smile without the use of braces. You are probably considering this treatment if you have crooked or crowded teeth, tooth gaps, and misaligned teeth. However, knowing beforehand how long you can expect Invisalign treatment to last is a good idea.
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What Is The Duration Of Invisalign Treatment?
The average treatment time to complete Invisalign treatment is 12 to 18 months. However, the number of aligners you need and the length of time required to achieve your desired results will depend on the severity of your case. In some patients with less complicated dental issues, their treatment time may only last for six months.
The average patient wears 20 to 30 sets of aligners during treatment. As mentioned, the duration of treatment depends on the treatment plan your dentist or orthodontist has set for you.
Below is a typical timeline of the Invisalign treatment process:
- Two weeks after wearing aligners
While it’s very rare, a few patients may see slight teeth changes. - Four weeks after wearing aligners
At this point, you may be scheduled for a dental visit to check if the treatment is going as planned. - Three months after wearing aligners
You will notice a significant change in your teeth alignment. - Six months after wearing aligners
You are now halfway through your treatment. Some patients with minor misalignments can achieve their desired results within this time frame. - Twelve months after wearing aligners
Many people have completed their treatment by this time. Patients with more complex dental issues may have to extend for a few more months. - Wearing a retainer
All patients who wore clear aligners should follow up with wearing a retainer after their treatment. This prevents your newly straightened teeth from returning to their original position. Your dentist will determine if you must wear them for 22 hours daily or only at night. Again, this depends on your treatment plan based on your specific case. But typically, patients should wear them for at least 22 hours per day for six months, then every night for the next six months before finally getting rid of them. In some cases, patients have to wear a retainer for many years.
What Factors Contribute To Treatment Duration?
Here are a few factors that can contribute to the length of your treatment:
- The severity of your dental issues
As expected, patients with more complex dental problems will require more time to achieve their desired results.
- Your age
Children and teens tend to respond faster to treatment than adults. This is because their bones are still growing, making them more flexible.
- Your compliance
Following the instructions of your dentist is crucial to achieving successful treatment results. Remember that you must wear your aligners throughout the entire day for the entire duration of your treatment. But if you don’t follow it religiously, you will only lengthen the process.
- Your oral health
Patients with good oral hygiene tend to respond faster to this dental treatment than those who don’t. It’s because plaque and tartar can build up quickly on your teeth, which might require necessary dental procedures. So, this only lengthens the duration of your treatment.
How Long Does Invisalign Need To Be Worn Daily?
You should wear your aligners for at least 22 hours a day until the end of your treatment. Remember to change them every two weeks because they will become loose and ineffective over time. You may take them out when eating or drinking, but you must brush your teeth before putting them back. Also, it’s important to wear them again as soon as possible to prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original position.
It’s important to follow your dentist’s instructions carefully to achieve your desired results and to avoid prolonging the treatment.
How Long Does It Take For Invisalign To Move Teeth?
This is a common question among patients. And unfortunately, there’s no definite answer because each case differs from person to person. As mentioned previously, the severity of your dental issues will affect how fast your teeth move. But on average, you can see results within three to six months, which still depends on how well you follow your dentist’s instructions.
Final Thoughts
Invisalign is a great alternative to metal braces to achieve straight teeth, and it’s becoming more popular among patients because of its many advantages. While the average treatment duration is 12 to 18 months, it’s important to remember that this depends on several factors, such as the complexity of your case. Following your dentist’s instructions also affects how fast you’ll see results.
If you want to learn more about Invisalign and its benefits, we suggest you consult with us to book an appointment.
AP Dental is a state-of-the-art dental clinic with a team of dentists who have been performing Invisalign treatment for years. They are knowledgeable and experienced in handling different kinds of cases—from mild to complex. During your consultation, they will assess your oral health to see if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign. Based on their gathered records, they will create a custom treatment plan for you. They may also recommend other treatment options if Invisalign is not viable for you for some reason.
Frequently Asked Questions
The average Invisalign cost may range between $6,000 to $9,000 for full treatments, while it starts from $4,500 for minor treatments. However, this varies depending on some factors, such as the severity of your case, the length of your treatment, and your location. Ask your dentist during your consultation for a more accurate estimated price.
Usually, the results of this orthodontic treatment should last forever if you take good care of your teeth and gums. But there are some cases where patients experience a relapse, which is why it’s essential to wear your retainers as instructed by your dentist.
If you lose or damage your tray, make sure to call your dentist right away. They will tell you what to do next, and they might even provide you with a replacement tray. In the meantime, they may advise you to return to the previous set or start immediately with the next one. That’s why keeping your aligner trays is important even if you’re not using them anymore.
A few benefits of Invisalign make them a better option than traditional metal braces, such as their clear and virtually invisible appearance. This benefits adult patients who don’t want to wear visible metals and wires. They’re more comfortable to wear since they don’t have wires or metal brackets that can rub against the inside of your mouth.
This means that it’s easier for you to brush your teeth to maintain good oral health. You can also take them out when eating or drinking, which is not possible with metal braces. This also means you can eat your favourite foods without worrying about metals and wires getting in the way. Lastly, Invisalign treatment has a shorter treatment time than traditional braces.