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Children’s DentistAs one of the most popular devices used in orthodontics today, Invisalign is a viable choice for many dental patients who want to improve their smiles. This clear aligner system is ideal for those who want straight teeth but don’t want to commit to standard metal braces.
Understandably, there’s one burning question that everyone wants to know and answer. How long does it take to straighten teeth with Invisalign?
We understand your curiosity. We created this blog post to answer your questions about using Invisalign for a beautiful smile transformation.
Read on and find out exactly what you can expect from this revolutionary clear aligner system!
Contents Navigation
- How Does Invisalign Work to Straighten Teeth?
- How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Take?
- Why Does the Duration of Invisalign Treatment Vary?
- How Long Should Invisalign Trays Be Worn?
- How Many Trays Does It Take To Close Gaps and Straighten Teeth?
- Are There Ways to Shorten Invisalign Treatment Time?
- Final Thoughts
- Frequently Asked Questions
How Does Invisalign Work to Straighten Teeth?
Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment used to straighten teeth as an alternative to metal braces. It is often used to address mild to moderate cases of the following orthodontic issues:
- Crooked teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Crossbites
- Misaligned teeth
- Open bites
- Overbites
- Gaps between teeth
- Underbites
It uses advanced 3D scans to create a series of customised, clear aligners. These aligner trays incrementally move the teeth into their desired position over time.
The Invisalign aligners fit snugly over your teeth. They should be worn for 20-22 hours every day for optimal results. Each set of aligners is intended to be worn for about two weeks before being replaced with the next in the series. As you progress through each set of aligners, your teeth will gradually shift until they reach their proper position.
How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Take?
Invisalign treatment can vary depending on the severity of each case. If you have complicated orthodontic issues, such as an overbite or deep bite, your treatment duration may be longer than those with minor orthodontic problems.
Additionally, the duration of treatment varies depending on the type of Invisalign system that you have. Invisalign Full takes 12-24 months. Invisalign Lite’s average treatment time is 6-9 months, while Invisalign Express is between 3 and 6 months. Invisalign Teen ranges from 6 to 24 months, and Invisalign First can last up to 18 months.
You’ll likely notice some differences or subtle changes after the first month. It can take up to 6 months for others. You’ll be able to observe more intense shifts after about 7-12 months. During this process, you’ll periodically receive new aligner trays. This will continue until you achieve your treatment goal of a straighter smile.
Why Does the Duration of Invisalign Treatment Vary?
The duration of Invisalign treatment varies because every patient is different. Here are some factors that can affect Invisalign treatment duration.
- The severity of the patient’s dental condition:
More serious conditions will take longer to address than less serious ones. - How well the patient follows the custom treatment plan:
This includes wearing the removable aligners for 20-22 hours per day and coming in for regular check-ups and cleanings. - Whether or not the patient experiences any setbacks:
This could be anything from losing an aligner to developing cavities or gum disease. - The type of Invisalign system the patient uses:
There are several different types of Invisalign systems, each with its average duration of treatment. - The patient’s age:
Younger patients respond to treatment faster than older patients simply because their teeth and bones are still growing and can be more easily.
As you can see, several factors that can affect the duration of Invisalign treatment. After your assessment, your dentist will be able to provide you with a rough estimate of your treatment duration.
How Long Should Invisalign Trays Be Worn?
Generally, it is recommended that Invisalign trays be worn for 20-22 hours each day. This is so that they have time to gradually reposition and adjust the teeth toward their proper places.
Wearing the trays for less than 20 hours could result in longer treatment times, and not wearing them at all will cause delays in treatment.
How Many Trays Does It Take To Close Gaps and Straighten Teeth?
The number of trays you need to close gaps and straighten your teeth will depend on your case’s severity.
In mild cases with few small gaps in teeth, it may only take a few weeks with aligners to completely close them up and achieve the desired results. On the other hand, more severe cases may require more trays, meaning that it could take anywhere from 6 months to a year for the aligners to shift your teeth into the proper place.
Of course, this all depends on how closely you adhere to the instructions given by your dentist. If you wear them as instructed, practice good oral hygiene habits, and wear them for the prescribed number of hours, you can be well on your way to that beautiful smile!
Are There Ways to Shorten Invisalign Treatment Time?
Many people want to know ways to shorten Invisalign treatment time and speed up the treatment process. Fortunately, there are a few ways to do this without undermining the success of your treatment. Here are five tips that can help you shorten Invisalign treatment time:
- Follow your dentist’s instructions to the letter. This means wearing them for a full 22 hours per day, removing them only for eating and brushing.
- Follow food restrictions. Avoid hard and crunchy foods such as candies and acidic beverages. These can damage the aligners and prevent them from working efficiently.
- Don’t rush switching from one set of aligners to another; use each as prescribed.
- Monitor wear and tear on your aligners as you would with any other orthodontic appliance.
- Make regular appointments with your dentist so they can monitor your treatment progress.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to maximise the effectiveness of your Invisalign treatments and significantly reduce your overall treatment time.
Final Thoughts
Invisalign treatment is the ideal choice for those seeking to get their smile in order without having to endure metal brackets and wires. But there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how long Invisalign treatment takes. The length of treatment usually depends on several factors.
Naturally, those who commit to daily wear will see quicker results, so follow instructions closely. To get an individualised timeline, talk to a qualified Invisalign provider.
If you need help reaching your teeth goals quickly and safely, get in touch with our dental team at Karrinyup Dental Centre. We are proud to offer Invisalign solutions that enable our patients to achieve the beautiful smile they desire while improving their quality of life.
So why wait? Invest in yourself and book an appointment through our website or call us today!
Frequently Asked Questions
In assessing the painfulness of Invisalign, it’s important to keep in mind that pain differs from person to person. What may be painful for some won’t necessarily be painful for you.
In general, Invisalign may cause some mild discomfort during treatment with the aligners. This can range from light soreness and gentle pressure in your jaw area to feeling slight tension when you first put on a new set of aligners. However, this should subside quickly as your mouth gets used to it.
Most people find Invisalign much more comfortable than traditional metal braces. This is because the clear plastic aligners gently move your teeth into place instead of brackets and wires that can cause uncomfortable pressure on the teeth and gums.
Invisalign won’t damage your teeth if you use it as directed by your dentist. In fact, it has been proven to be just as effective as traditional braces in realigning teeth.
However, since Invisalign work to move teeth, any movement comes with risks. So even though Invisalign has been designed to minimise any potential contact with the gums and cheeks, the possibility still exists if Invisalign is not kept clean.
Invisalign isn’t known to cause any harm or damage to teeth directly. Following your dentist’s instructions is important for a safe and successful treatment.
Aligners must be changed around every two weeks of treatment. However, this isn’t always the case. Patients should consult their dentist to get a personalised plan based on their individualised treatment needs. This will help your treatment go as planned and will help maximise the effectiveness of your clear aligners.
Different factors can affect when you should switch to the next set of aligners and when your treatment is completed. It is better to talk to your dentist and follow their advice.
Invisalign is a viable treatment option for straightening teeth, but it’s important to understand that it will not keep your teeth straight forever. To sustain the result of your treatment, Invisalign requires consistent maintenance.
Wearing a retainer after treatment is highly recommended to prevent your teeth from going back to their original position (or what is known as orthodontic relapse). Vivera retainers should be worn daily or consistently several nights a week. In addition to retainers, practising proper oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing regularly, is essential for keeping teeth healthy and straight.
With regular visits to the dentist and following proper oral care practices, Invisalign will help create beautiful smiles that last for many years.
