When you’re thinking about straightening your teeth, are you considering using Invisalign? Millions of adults and teenagers turn to Invisalign to give them a glowing and gorgeous smile, and to set straight any other orthodontic problems.
But how long does it take for Invisalign to work? Would the time be worth it?
If you’re curious about trying Invisalign to get the smile you deserve, keep reading to understand the general time of Invisalign and how it works.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a dental treatment that’s designed to fix crooked teeth. They are similar to traditional braces but instead of using metal brackets and wires, Invisalign uses clear plastic aligners.
Every few weeks at your dental check-up, you’ll receive new aligners that will continue shifting your teeth into a straighter position. Eventually, all your teeth will move into position and you’re left with a beautiful smile.
How Long Does it Take For Invisalign to Work?
If you’re wondering, “Is Invisalign fast?” that answer is more complicated.
Generally speaking, Invisalign may take anywhere from 18-24 months to complete.
Every dental case is different. This means that one patient’s treatment might take longer than another’s due to the treatments they need.
For example, one patient’s teeth may have severely crooked teeth, while another may need less invasive treatment. This means, that one person’s time with Invisalign may be longer to achieve the desired results.
Another factoring in determining the Invisalign timeline is how dedicated you are to your treatment plan.
The Invisalign aligners are removable but must be worn 20-22 hours per day for it to work, with the remaining hours set aside for eating and drinking. If you’re forgetful about replacing your aligners, your treatment time may be extended. Always remember to wear your aligners just as the dentist prescribed.
Failure to show up to your appointments will also prolong treatment. Coming to your dental appointments is vital because this is when the orthodontist tracks your progress and when you receive your new aligners. Think of the new set of aligners as the next step in your treatment.
Skipping any of these steps will push your Invisalign timeline farther back, and could cost you more in the long run.
But if you are committed and compliant in your treatment, you could see results around a year depending on your situation.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign uses removable aligners to straighten teeth. These aligners are designed by using 3D technology by the orthodontist, who creates a treatment plan for you.
The aligners use gentle pressure to guide teeth into a correct position, so they may cause some initial pain. Your teeth will stretch and move into place. In general, the aligners are comfortable and should not cause long-term pain or discomfort.
If you’re a good candidate for Invisalign, the dentist will take x-rays and molds of your teeth to fit you for your aligners. You’ll receive your first set of aligners and schedule an appointment to come back to check your progress and get your new aligners.
Your dentist will discuss your treatment with you, so you know exactly what to expect, how to insert your aligners, and how to care for them to get the most out of your treatment.
In some cases where braces are preferred, if the patient still prefers Invisalign, these treatments may be combined.
Benefits of Invisalign
Besides the amount of time that Invisalign takes, there are several advantages as well!
Because Invisalign uses clear aligners, this makes it discreet. For this reason, many adults in a professional line of work as well as teenagers gravitate to Invisalign.
With metal braces, food particles become lodged or wedged between brackets and wires, making brushing and flossing difficult. This makes it harder to keep your teeth healthy. Since Invisalign is removable, you can brush and floss your teeth normally, so you feel confident that they’re in good health.
There are usually no foods that are off-limits with Invisalign, with regard to staying away from too many sugary foods. You can eat and drink normally, but make sure to brush well before inserting your aligners.
When you choose Invisalign, your check-ups are typically scheduled every six weeks. With braces, they’re usually every four weeks. This means you save time, while still straightening your teeth.
Metal brackets and wires tend to be abrasive and cause minor damage to the inside of your cheek. With Invisalign, you might experience some pain, but overall, the aligners are smooth and easy to wear.
Many dental problems like overbites, tooth gaps, and severe crowding can now be fixed with Invisalign due to advances in the treatment. While there are still some key factors in determining whether or not a person is a good candidate for Invisalign, your dentist will decide the course of treatment for you.
Overall, Invisalign is a fairly low-maintenance dental treatment. However, it does require you to be committed to your treatment, by coming to the appointments, wearing your aligners as prescribed, and taking care of the aligners.
With these structures in place, you can expect your timeline to be accurate.
Invisalign: Is it Right For You?
So how long does it take for Invisalign to work? That is entirely dependant on you! Following the instructions assigned to you and being proactive ensure that you’ll have a beautiful smile soon!
Do you want to learn more about Invisalign? Our professional team is available to answer all your questions. Contact us today or schedule your free consultation!