How Long Does Invisalign Take?
How long does Invisalign take? Determining this can be difficult without an orthodontic examination. In cases where only minor alignment is necessary, Invisalign® treatment can be as short as three to six months. The average treatment period is between 12 and 18 months but can be 24 to 36 months in complex cases.
When considering all the variables, it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact amount of time it will take to correct your alignment problems with Invisalign. However, many patients complete treatment in less than two years.
Factors Affecting Invisalign Treatment
The length of time it takes to straighten teeth with Invisalign will vary from person to person. Factors that affect how long Invisalign takes include:
- The severity of your crowding and spacing.
- The number of teeth involved in your treatment.
- Your motivation to have a straighter smile.
- How well you follow your treatment plan
The rate you progress through treatment is entirely up to you. Following your treatment plan, maintaining your oral health, and wearing your trays appropriately will help. Although it might sound like hard work, achieving perfect oral health doesn’t have to feel like a chore.
Does Invisalign Take Longer to Straighten Adults’ Teeth?
Adults and children have different growth factors. Because children are still actively growing, they may respond to treatment faster than adults. This is because orthodontic treatment uses a child’s existing natural growth patterns. Adults tend to respond slower to adjustments.
Whether using traditional metal braces or Invisalign, adult treatment periods may be more extended than a child or teen with similar alignment issues. Although not impossible, straightening adult teeth usually takes more time than straightening a child’s teeth. To get started on straightening your smile, regardless of your age, schedule a consultation with the professionals at Guzman Orthodontics.
Which Treatment is the Right Choice for Me?
The first step in determining if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign is a consultation with our orthodontist. Invisalign is effective in treating minor to complex alignment problems. That means that most people are good candidates for this treatment method. The best way to be sure is to have an orthodontic examination.
When you schedule your initial consultation with Guzman Orthodontics, Dr. Guzman will look at your X-Rays, a digital image of your mouth created with a 3D scanner, and conduct an oral examination. He will use the results of those procedures to create a custom treatment plan for you.
If Invisalign is right for you, your treatment recommendation will outline the length of treatment, how many sets of tray aligners you will need, and the complete treatment cost. You may also receive an outline for treatment with traditional braces. The doctor will allow you to ask questions and compare the treatment options to determine which will best fit into your lifestyle.
What Is the Shortest Time for Invisalign?
Many people ask us how long it does take for Invisalign. The short answer is it varies. There are many factors that go into how long it takes for Invisalign, whether you have teeth that need straightening and how severe they are, and of course, how quickly you can complete your treatment plan.
For example, if your teeth only need slight movement, you might be able to finish in as little as three to six months. On average, however, most cases end up taking somewhere between 12 to 18 months.
Of course, there are exceptions. Some patients move through treatment faster than planned, while others will progress at a slower pace. If you don’t wear the trays as prescribed for 20 to 22 hours each day, it may prolong your treatment.
What Is the Average Time for Invisalign?
Invisalign and traditional braces have similar treatment plan lengths. In some cases, Invisalign will work faster than braces. Conversely, in some instances, braces will work faster than Invisalign. Speak with your orthodontist to determine which treatment plan will offer you the quickest treatment period.
How Quickly Can Invisalign Work?
Invisalign moves teeth gently by slowly pushing them into alignment using constant pressure. Although the process may seem slow, many patients begin seeing results within the first couple of weeks. As you progress through each sequential set of tray aligners, your teeth continue shifting closer to the final alignment positions.
Proper oral hygiene and maintaining overall healthy habits will help your treatment stay on schedule. Our Orthodontics Team will develop a plan based on your needs and goals for optimal results.
Is Invisalign Painful?
No, Invisalign is not painful. Patients report a feeling of mild discomfort when they begin treatment and when shifting to a new set of tray aligners in their sequence. Using over-the-counter pain relief medications usually takes care of the discomfort. If you experience more severe pain, you should advise your orthodontist immediately.
The trays fit right over your teeth and rest against your gums, so they often seem like they are hardly there. Initially, you may have a slight speech impairment as your mouth becomes accustomed to the feel of the trays, but that generally only lasts for a few days.
A Quick Recap
Invisalign treatment can be as quick as three to six months, but the average treatment period is 12 to 18 months. Treatment can take as long as 24 to 36 months in severe cases. Trays should be worn for 20 to 22 hours each day. Approximately every two weeks, you will shift into a new set of tray aligners as your treatment progresses. Each sequential tray set will move your teeth closer to perfect alignment.
In the Tampa, FL, area, Dr. Ulises A. Guzman offers a wide range of orthodontic treatments, including traditional braces and Invisalign. Contact Us if you’d like to discuss the orthodontic treatment options available at Guzman Orthodontics. You can call (636) 251-4494 or use our appointment request form.