How Long Does Invisalign Take? 5 Key Factors to Know
Are you conscious about your smile? Thinking of getting straighter teeth but looking for options other than traditional braces? Invisalign is your go-to option, but you may need to figure out how long it takes to straighten your teeth.
Palm Valley Orthodontics offers Invisalign services to fix bite-size issues and gaps for adults.
We provide professional services to our patients to improve their speech development, treat eating difficulties, and help them get a brighter smile.
Consult our professionals today for a quote, time frame, and treatment plan for Invisalign.
What is Invisalign?
It is an excellent alternative to the traditional braces for teeth straightening. It involves using clear aligner trays that slowly reposition your teeth and fix malocclusions.
Researchers show that almost 4 million Americans wear braces for dental issues, and the number of braces is growing daily.
From crooked to overcrowded teeth, this technique has many benefits. It depends on several factors, so you may wonder how long it will take. Now, let’s discuss in detail how long this process takes to give the perfect results.
How Long Does the First Invisalign Appointment Take?
For the first appointment, you can expect a 30-minute meeting with an orthodontist who will examine your teeth, ask about your concerns, and discuss the specifics of the treatment plan.
An orthodontist will explain all the basic steps of this treatment to help you achieve your dental goals.
Moreover, you will receive professional advice about putting on the aligners and the time required to remove the attachments.
Additionally, they will guide you about how long it takes to stop hurting teeth, how to care for aligners, how to keep them safe, and the total cost and timeframe of Invisalign treatment.
How Long Does Invisalign Take To Straighten Teeth?
If you have been advised to use Invisalign over all other treatment options, it means that your teeth are misaligned and need to be straightened, which is possible with this treatment.
This treatment has a different timeline for different individuals depending on the severity of the case and additional factors. You can expect 1 to 1.5 years to straighten teeth with mild issues.
However, the results are evident after using a few pairs of aligners for almost 2 to 3 months. The time frame varies for crowded teeth to close the gaps and other cases.
1- For Crowded Teeth:
It is one of the best treatments for individuals with crowded teeth, but the time it takes still needs to be determined.
The process may vary depending on the condition of your teeth and how crowded they are. If crowded teeth require inclination, jaw enlargement, or rotation, it can take a long time with Invisalign, such as almost 18 months.
On the other hand, for minor cases, it takes only 3 to 6 months to show the best results. So, if you have less crowded teeth, take this treatment, or if you can bear the long-term process, it is still worth it.
2- Gap in Teeth:
Individuals wondering how long Invisalign takes to close a gap between teeth can expect as little as eight weeks.
Having gaps between the teeth can reduce your confidence and destroy your smile. So, the best way is to treat it with this modern braces alternative.
If you have a complex teeth structure with severe gaps, it takes almost 18 months to realign your teeth.
3- To Fix Overbite:
An overbite, or overjet, is where the upper teeth stick past the lower teeth when the mouth is closed. It is challenging for patients as it causes swelling issues, speaking problems, and messes up with their smiles.
In such cases, Invisalign can fix this issue within 12 to 24 months. While Invisalign is an effective treatment, it applies less force, making it ideal for addressing mild dental issues.
How Long Does it Take to Make Invisalign Trays?
Starting with an Invisalign process is time-consuming as it has several steps that a dentist needs to follow.
If your dentist has taken the teeth impression, you are close to getting the aligners. Aligner making and shipping take almost two to three weeks.
Once the trays arrive, the dentist will fit the first set in your teeth and schedule a follow-up appointment to track the results.
If you are thinking about how long it takes to work, it depends on the patient’s teeth and their oral goals. Meet our dentist today and get answers to all your concerns.
Does Invisalign Take Longer in Adults to See Results?
There is no considerable difference between adults and teenagers when talking about the visible results of this process.
There is a chance that the treatment may take a little longer for teenagers as they are not very responsible. The process requires them to wear aligners for 22 hours straight for better results.
On the other hand, adults are more mindful of their acts and consequences, so the results are evident in adults rapidly.
However, everyone is different, and each case is different. Some people can get a bright smile earlier than others, but it’s clear that age is not a determining factor.
Invisalign Vs. Traditional Braces Treatment Timeline
As mentioned earlier, Invisalign is a modern technique after braces. When comparing the treatment time of Invisalign with braces, the complete process takes almost 1 to 1.5 years.
However, traditional braces take longer in this regard, usually between 1 to 3 years and five years in exceptional cases.
Furthermore, the invisalign trays don’t break easily and dont need tightening every few weeks. As the invisible trays don’t break often, the process goes smoothly without delay.
However, with aligners, it’s a challenging task to keep them safe and clean.
Invisalign is more beneficial than braces because it is a quick process, is more convenient, and brings other benefits such as oral hygiene, less pain, more comfort, and a personalized approach.
5 Factors that Affect Invisalign Treatment Time
This is a highly personalized treatment, which means that the time frame of this process varies from person to person.
However, the process can sometimes take longer than the determined time, which can be problematic for the patients.
Here, we share about the primary reasons which can affect your timeline:
- Patient adherence to appointment
- Treatment adjustments
- Damaged or broken aligners
- The severity of your case
- Desired oral goals
FAQs
How long does Invisalign take from start to finish?
It takes almost 12 to 18 months from the beginning to the last appointment. This time is comparatively less than the braces, which take over 36 months to fix bit issues and gaps.
What is the shortest time for Invisalign?
If you adhere to the process, the shortest time to get visible Invisalign results is around six months. But, you must change your aligners every two weeks to reach your oral goals.
Is Invisalign faster than braces?
Yes, it is faster than braces, which takes lots of time and brings inconvenience. If you are looking for a quick solution, Invisalign must be your choice.
Can Invisalign work in 3 months?
Invisalign can straighten teeth in only three months for milder cases without complications such as gaps and overbite issues.
