Want to straighten your teeth without the metal mouth of traditional braces? Invisalign may be right for you! For more than 20 years, Invisalign has been renowned for its discreet appearance, convenient removability, unrivaled comfort, and shorter treatment time. But, how long does treatment actually take? Read on to find out more about the process and some of the factors that may affect the length of your treatment.
What Can Invisalign Fix?
Invisalign involves a series of clear orthodontic braces designed to gently and gradually shift crowded teeth into proper alignment without metal brackets and wires. The trays are custom-fit to your mouth.
Orthodontic issues Invisalign can treat include crooked teeth, overbite, underbite, crossbite, gaps, open bite, and crowded teeth.
Your treatment typically will take anywhere from 12 to 18 months, but some people have finished in as few as 6 months! There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how long it’ll take, as your clear braces are catered entirely to your specific dental needs, and every person’s teeth shift at a different pace.
Factors That Affect Your Treatment Timeline
Arguably the most important factor that influences your treatment timeline is the severity of your orthodontic issues. Severe alignment issues and crowding may require more in-depth changes that involve correcting the teeth and jaw, which can increase the length of your treatment.
Another factor to consider is how many trays you need. You’ll have to wear each set of trays for a period of time before switching to the next set, typically for about two weeks. So, the more trays you need, the longer the treatment will take.
Lastly, yet another crucial factor to your treatment timeline is patient compliance. Basically, you’ll need to dedicatedly wear your trays for the prescribed amount of time to stay on track. Additionally, you need to regularly attend your progress checks. Following instructions to a T will help you avoid potential bumps in the road as well.
How You Can Help Shorten Your Invisalign Treatment
You play a significant role in your treatment timeline. It’s important that you stay on track and:
- Maintain a good oral hygiene routine. This means brushing and flossing thoroughly after every meal and twice a day at morning and night.
- Wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day.
- Carefully handle and clean your aligners according to your dentist’s recommendations.
- Switch to the next set of trays on the right date.
- Regularly see your dentist when you’re due for a progress checkup.
Ultimately, regardless of how long your treatment takes, Invisalign will help you get your dream smile. Soon, you’ll be showing off your pearly whites all the time!
About the Author
Dr. Maryam Bemani provides a comprehensive menu of high-quality dental services in a calm, nurturing environment. She is passionate about helping patients achieve their smile goals. Her practice uses enhanced imaging with digital dental X-rays to ensure your Invisalign is discreet and custom-fit to your teeth. If you’re ready to begin your Invisalign journey, contact Dr. Bemani through her website or by phone at (443) 251-5580.