How Long Does Invisalign Take? A Realistic Timeline

The first question that many people ask themselves when getting ready for Invisalign is, “How long should I wear these aligners?” This is a valid question. No matter whether you are getting ready for your wedding day or a new work position, or just want to get a perfect smile as soon as possible, having an idea of what you will be experiencing is really important.

The good news is that Invisalign treatment takes less time than many people think. But there isn’t a single answer since everything depends on your individual case. On average, Invisalign treatments take at least 12 to 18 months. Still, some patients may be ready for their final treatment in 6 months, while others will require about 2 years. Now let us take a look at why it takes so much time and how to keep your schedule.

The Average Invisalign Timeline

Although the treatment regimen that you follow will be unique, here is how an average Invisalign treatment process typically proceeds.

Initial Consultation (Week 1)

It all starts with a consultation where your orthodontist will examine your teeth and talk about your expectations. They will scan your smile to create a precise image using modern technology rather than the old-school method. It will not take long – a matter of several minutes.

An even more important factor is that you will probably get a glimpse of how your smile will look once the treatment ends.

Treatment Planning (2–4 Weeks)

Invisalign will design a special set of aligners for your teeth. These will be moving your teeth bit by bit, making them move to the desired positions.

When your aligners arrive at your dentist’s office, your treatment can start.

Aligner Wear (6–24 Months)

This is when the magic happens.

You should wear each aligner set for about one-two weeks. To achieve the best results, you will have to wear them 20-22 hours a day, taking them off only when eating, drinking anything other than water, and brushing/flossing. Your visits to the orthodontist will generally be every 6-10 weeks.

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Retention after Treatment

After your last aligner has accomplished its task, the process is not finished yet. In order to prevent your teeth from moving back, your orthodontist will give you retainers. Wearing your retainers as directed prevents all your efforts to go down the drain.

Influence of Factors on the Speed of Invisalign Treatment

Everyone requires a different amount of time to get his/her treatment done.

How Complicated is Your Problem?

In case of a simple problem, like small gaps or slight crowding, it will take less time than a complex bite problem.

For example:

• Simple gaps in your teeth can be solved in 6-9 months.
• A moderate crowding of your teeth will need 12-18 months.
• To treat bites, you need 18-24 months.

More tooth movement means more time for the treatment process.

How Consistently You Wear Your Aligners

This is the most controllable factor among all others.

The time your aligners spend on your teeth counts. Frequent removal of aligners affects treatment since your teeth stop reacting properly to it.

In addition, Invisalign says that aligners should be worn 20 to 22 hours a day to ensure timely treatment.

Your Teeth Have Their Schedule

While some teeth start moving fast, others require more time to react.

It does not mean that age plays the main role here; teeth and gum health matter much more than age.

Refinements Increase Treatment Period

In some cases, your teeth may not respond according to plan.

Therefore, your orthodontist may prescribe additional aligners called refinements to improve your results. This will increase the treatment period by several weeks or even months.

Despite its prolongation, this process can bring excellent results.

Can Invisalign Work in Just Six Months?

Yes, But Only For Specific Cases. Some patients whose issues include minor gaps, rotations, and crowding finish their treatment in six months. It is, however, crucial to not compare your process to someone else’s over the internet. Most of the time, people share their fastest experiences on social media platforms. The dentist will give you an accurate estimate based on your oral condition.

Tips for Completing Invisalign in a Timely Manner

While there’s no way to control biological processes, you can certainly manage habits.

Here are some simple rules that will help you avoid delays in the course of your orthodontic treatment:

• Wear aligners for a minimum of 20 hours daily.
• Replace trays precisely according to your orthodontist’s recommendations.
• Keep all of your orthodontic appointments.
• Clean your teeth before placing aligners into your mouth again.
• Store aligners carefully to prevent their loss or breakage.
• If your aligner breaks or stops fitting perfectly, contact your orthodontist as soon as possible.

Even these minor changes in your habits might influence the entire process significantly.

Is Invisalign Faster than Traditional Braces?

Sometimes it is. In case of mild and moderate orthodontic problems, Invisalign can bring a desired outcome in approximately the same period of time as braces or even shorter. Still, it can happen that braces will work better with highly complicated tooth movements or serious bite correction. Therefore, it’s better not to ask which treatment is quicker, but which treatment suits your smile best.

What Does the Research Say?

The American Association of Orthodontists states that duration of treatment is mostly dependent on the difficulty of tooth movement and the level of compliance with orthodontic instructions. Compliance with wearing remains one of the most important factors.

Ready to Begin Your Invisalign Experience?

When wondering how long does Invisalign take, there is only one answer: It all depends on you and your smile. It is the professional assessment that can give the most precise prediction. With Hello Ortho, your Invisalign plan will be developed with help of the latest digital technologies right from the start, so you will have everything planned out before putting on your first aligner.

Whether your treatment period lasts for 6 or 18 months, every aligner gets you closer to having a healthier and more beautiful smile. Contact Hello Ortho today for Invisalign consultation and learn about your personalized treatment period.