Metal braces have continued to stand the test of time. While this is the primary orthodontic treatment, a lot has evolved in terms of new methods and inventions. One such is Invisalign. It’s a brilliant alternative to traditional braces. You can take them out any time, they are clear and discreet. As Invisalign continues to gain traction, one of the most common questions that people ask orthodontists is:
How long does it take for an Invisalign to work?
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
When you seek the Invisalign treatment, your orthodontist will assess your situation and create the treatment plan. It will consist of all the steps needed to straighten your teeth. This will highlight the number of visits, how many aligners you will need, and the time duration of the treatment. Each set of aligners will be worn for two weeks followed by replacing it with the next one.
The duration required for every set of aligners will vary from one to the other. It depends largely on the amount and direction of movement of the teeth. Some movements will be small and achieved within a span of two weeks. Others may continue from six months to a year or more. Throughout the treatment process, your orthodontist will be there to guide you.
Factors Affecting Treatment Duration
The Severity of Dental Issue
If you have a severe case of crooked or crowded teeth then it will take around 24 months or more for them to straighten.
Patient Compliance
This is another factor that plays an essential role. Just because these clear aligners are removable does not discourage you from removing them frequently. Ideally, it’s recommended to wear the Invisalign for at least 22-23 hours daily. Failing to do so will halt the entire process.
Type of Invisalign
Invisalign and Treatment Stages with the Timeline
Initial consultation
- The first step that your orthodontist will take is to perform a dental examination and assessment of teeth alignment.
- Upon the analysis, they will discuss treatment. Understand your goals and expectations.
- Once the analysis is completed, digital impressions or scans of teeth are conducted to understand the position of your teeth and jaw.
Treatment plan
- The next step is to create a customized plan after the dental scans.
- After the treatment plan, your orthodontist will make a digital development of a series of clear aligners to gradually shift teeth.
- Then they will share the treatment timeline and costs regarding the same.
Wearing aligners
- It is ideally suggested to wear aligners for an average of 20-22 hours per day. Go for regular check-ups with the orthodontist every 4-6 weeks to monitor progress and receive new aligners
Refinement stage (if necessary)
- If your teeth are straight but require minor changes then creation of additional aligners to address minor imperfections.
How Long Does it Take to Get Used to Invisalign?
For How Long does it take to see Results with Invisalign?
Invisalign and Specific Dental Issues
How long does it take Invisalign to close a Gap?
If the gap between the teeth is less than three millimeters, then it would take around 6 months for Invisalign. But if it is greater than three millimeters then Invisalign might not be a suitable option for you. Here’s where consulting with an orthodontist will help you in exploring further options.
How long does it take for Invisalign to straighten teeth - Estimated Time
Usually for adults the treatment finishes within 12-18 months resulting in straightened teeth. In some scenarios, the results are visible within weeks of wearing the Invisalign. It depends largely from one severity to the other.
How Does Invisalign Take to Fix OverBIte?
Invisalign can fix the overbite by moving the teeth in the correct direction. Depending upon the situation, it can take around 12 to 24 months to recover from it.
How long does it take to Fix an Underbite with Invisalign?
Minor underbites can be fixed with Invisalign within 3-4 months. But if it’s a complex underbite that involves misalignment of the jaw then it may require longer duration.
How Long Can you Wear a Retainer after Invisalign?
As per orthodontists, you should wear the retainer every day for 22-23 hours for six to 12 months.
Final Thoughts
Every individual has a unique dental condition. The best way to treat them is by consulting an orthodontist. Invisalign treatment is a brilliant initiative to align your teeth. But there are certain factors like the complexity of your teeth and dedication to wearing aligners that will decide the influence. To achieve a straighter and healthier smile, consult an Invisalign-trained orthodontist for the next steps. They will adhere to the specific needs and offer you a personalized treatment meant for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Any individual should wear the Invisalign for 20 hours every day consistently for 12-18 months to get the desired results.
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