Those who are looking for a discreet way to address mild to moderate orthodontic issues have found success with Invisalign. With invisible aligners that are able to be removed when needed, this treatment offers flexibility that can’t be found with traditional braces.
Invisalign may be convenient, but how long does it take to straighten teeth? Believe it or not, the patient plays a big role in determining the treatment time.
Invisalign’s Timeline
Simply put, the amount of time it takes for Invisalign to transform a smile successfully will vary from patient to patient based on their treatment needs. The average treatment time is about 12 to 18 months. Though those with very mild orthodontic needs may require a shorter treatment time - maybe even as little as 9 months! Patients with moderate treatment needs may require the full 18 months.
Before deciding if Invisalign is right for you, your dentist should be able to give you an idea of how quickly you can see the results so you know what to expect.
Factors that Can Affect Treatment Time
As mentioned, there is no set time frame for Invisalign to work for everyone. Two patients can start treatment at the same time and finish in very different timeframes. And that is because everyone is different. Let’s take a look at a few factors that can affect treatment time.
Consistent use. In order for Invisalign aligners to do their job and stay within the treatment timeline, it is necessary to wear them for a minimum of 20 to 22 hours every day. Without doing so, you will find that treatment will take longer.
Age of the patient. Younger patients, including adolescents, tend to see faster response times when using Invisalign. Their teeth tend to be much more responsive which leads to shorter treatment times. Older adults can achieve the same end result - it just takes a little longer to get there.
Treatment needs/adjustments. Your dentist will give you a tentative treatment timeline so you will have an idea of how you can expect it to take. However, if your follow-ups don’t reflect the desired level of change, adjustments could be made and your length of treatment could be extended.
In addition to the things that can delay treatment, there are a few things you can do to ensure you get the most efficient and timely results. For instance, listening to your dentist is crucial. You will be given a box of aligners, instructions on how often you should change them, and follow-up appointments that you should never disregard. It is important to stay in contact with your dentist throughout treatment just in case there are any adjustments that need to be made.
Wearing your aligners as much as you can is always beneficial, too. This ensures that your treatment is working. And when you do have to take them out, investing in an aligner case is a great way to keep it from getting lost or damaged.
The more determined you are to get through your Invisalign treatment in a timely manner, the greater the chance you will do so successfully.
Learn More About Invisalign
Invisalign can transform smiles and boost your overall oral health in a matter of months under the supervision of Ryan Senft, DDS.
To learn more or to schedule an appointment, contact us at 408-996-8595.