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We hear a lot about braces treatment and how long it takes, but what about Invisalign? How long does orthodontic treatment take with clear aligners instead of braces? The Invisalign timeline differs for each patient, but we can give you a general idea. Treatment times vary based on individual needs and should be discussed with your orthodontist.
Surfside Smile Co. loves seeing the gorgeous smiles created from Invisalign treatment. Our patients love that Invisalign is nearly invisible on their teeth, so they can smile their way confidently through their treatment.
How long will treatment take, and what determines that Invisalign timeline?
Why do so many patients pick Invisalign as an alternative to braces? What is Invisalign and Invisalign First?
Invisalign clear aligners work like braces without all the brackets and wires. Instead, they use custom-molded, clear, medical-grade plastic trays that surround the upper and lower teeth and apply gentle pressure to move them.
Patients get several sets of Invisalign at a time. Each set (upper and lower trays) moves the teeth a certain way. The next set in the sequence continues that movement. Patients move from one set to the next until the teeth are in their proper positions.
What’s so great about Invisalign? First, they’re nearly invisible on your teeth. People may not even realize you’re working toward that healthy, gorgeous new smile.
Second, they’re removable. That means you can remove them and brush and floss normally. It also means you can take them out to eat. You don’t have the same food restrictions as you do with braces, since aligners are removed for meals. Popcorn, tortilla chips, bagels, the world is your oyster. You can even eat those too, if you want.
Finally, an Invisalign advantage is the duration you wear Invisalign compared to braces.
One of the biggest questions patients have is how long I have to wear my Invisalign?
That’s a question we can only answer after creating your personal treatment plan. There are lots of factors that determine how long you’ll wear your Invisalign. It’s more than just how crooked your crooked teeth are. Although that’s a biggie.
The average Invisalign treatment time is about 9 to 15 months, though individual results vary. Some patients may wear aligners for as little as 6 months, while others may need up to 2 years.
So, how long will you wear Invisalign? Let’s explore some of the factors involved.
How severe is your overbite? Do you have one or two crowded teeth or several? Is your crossbite causing excessive tooth wear? The severity of your dental issues is a huge factor in how long you will wear your Invisalign.
Moving teeth takes time. Too little pressure and the teeth will not move. Too much and they can move too quickly. Your orthodontist carefully plans the amount of pressure and timing needed to move your teeth safely and effectively.
To figure it out, we’ll start with a thorough examination of your mouth. This includes digital images and X-rays to evaluate your bite, alignment, and overall oral health. Then, we’ll estimate how long it may take to address those issues and work toward your ideal smile.
Do you have problems with tongue thrust? Is your jaw too narrow? You may need to wear orthodontic appliances, such as a tongue crib or a palate expander, first. These can help prepare your mouth and jaw for optimal success with your clear aligners.
What if your Invisalign needs a few extras? You may have a crossbite that requires rubber bands, also called elastics. You may need bite ramps or other attachments to prevent certain teeth from interfering as they move. These customized refinements may add a little time to your treatment, but they support better long-term results.
Your age and jaw development can also help determine how long you wear Invisalign. Younger patients’ jaws are still growing and developing, which can make tooth movement more efficient.
Adult jaws are fully developed, so tooth movement can be slightly slower. That’s not to say adults can’t wear clear aligners. Many of our adult patients prefer them. It may simply take a bit longer compared to children, depending on the complexity of the case.
Invisalign is not just for adults. Clear aligner treatment is available for children, teens, and adults, with options tailored to each age group.
Invisalign First is designed for younger children who still have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. This early orthodontic treatment can help guide jaw growth, create space for incoming teeth, and address issues such as crowding, narrow arches, or crossbites. Early treatment may reduce the need for more complex orthodontic care later.
Invisalign for teens includes features that support growing smiles and active lifestyles. Many teen aligners include compliance indicators that show whether aligners are being worn as directed. Teens often like Invisalign because it is discreet and easy to wear during school, sports, and social activities.
Invisalign for adults is a popular choice for patients who want to improve their smile without the appearance of traditional braces. Adults can successfully straighten their teeth at almost any age. While treatment may sometimes take slightly longer than it does for children or teens, Invisalign remains an effective and comfortable option for adult orthodontic care.
Your orthodontist will recommend the best type of Invisalign based on age, dental development, and treatment goals.
The Invisalign results timeline depends on one other huge factor. How well you follow the plan. Invisalign trays typically need to be worn about 20 to 22 hours a day for optimal results.
You can leave aligners in when drinking water, but it’s best to remove them for other beverages, especially dark or sugary drinks, to help prevent staining and tooth decay.
The less you wear your Invisalign, the longer it may take for your treatment to progress. That’s why wearing your aligners as directed is so important. One of the factors we consider when recommending braces or clear aligners is whether your lifestyle will make it easy to wear Invisalign consistently.
All of these factors are taken into consideration when we create your treatment plan. Only then can we give you a realistic estimate of how long your treatment may take.
Invisalign treatment can take less time than braces or about the same time. It depends on the patient and the complexity of the orthodontic issues being treated.
Orthodontic treatment can sometimes take longer in adults because their jawbones are fully developed. However, treatment time largely depends on the amount of correction needed.
Invisalign First may be recommended for some children who are still losing baby teeth and developing permanent teeth. An orthodontic evaluation can determine whether early Invisalign treatment is appropriate or if it is better to wait until more permanent teeth have erupted.
Not wearing your Invisalign as prescribed or needing replacements for lost or damaged trays can slow treatment. Contact us right away if this happens.
Most patients wear each set of trays for 1 to 2 weeks before switching to the next set. We’ll give you a specific schedule as part of your treatment plan.
We usually provide several sets of aligners at a time, so you may visit us about every 6 to 8 weeks. During these visits, we’ll check your progress and adjust your treatment as needed.
Invisalign treatment is a popular option with patients because it’s nearly invisible on the teeth, so it makes it difficult for people to see that you’re getting orthodontic treatment. In some cases, it can be faster than braces treatment, too.
The speed of your treatment will depend on your treatment plan. If you’re ready to see what Invisalign can do for you, schedule an orthodontic appointment with Surfside Smile Co.
Enjoy a Complimentary Orthodontic Consultation for anyone 7+.
Call 732-639-0011 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.