Invisalign is a treatment option for people who want straight teeth without wearing traditional metal braces. While Invisalign is much more discreet than braces, many patients are curious about how quickly their teeth will move with this treatment.
In this blog post, we will learn how quickly teeth move with Invisalign and answer common questions about the treatment. We hope this information helps you make an informed decision about whether Invisalign is the right choice for you.
Keep reading to learn more!
Contents Navigation
- How Many Months Does Invisalign Treatment Take?
- How Fast Do Teeth Shift With Invisalign?
- What Factors Contribute to the Length of Invisalign Treatment?
- What Can I Eat With Invisalign During the First Week?
- What Moves Teeth Faster Braces or Invisalign?
- What Happens After I Finish Invisalign Treatment?
- Final Thoughts
- Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Months Does Invisalign Treatment Take?
Invisalign treatment involves gradually moving your teeth into the correct position over a period of time. The length of treatment will vary depending on how complex your case is.
In general, Invisalign can take anywhere from 9 to 18 months. In some cases, the treatment process may even be completed in as little as six months. During your treatment, you must wear Invisalign aligners for 20 to 22 hours each day. You will also need to visit your dentist every 4 to 6 weeks so they can monitor your progress and give you new aligners.
While Invisalign treatment takes some time, it is a much more convenient and comfortable alternative to traditional braces.
How Fast Do Teeth Shift With Invisalign?
Invisalign clear aligners are made with patented SmartTrack® material that gradually and gently shifts your teeth into place over time.
In the first few weeks of Invisalign treatment, you may not see much change in your teeth. However, as treatment progresses, you will start to see your teeth shifting into place. The speed at which your teeth move with these removable aligners depends on several factors. In general, Invisalign is an effective way to straighten teeth, and most people see significant results within a year.
What Factors Contribute to the Length of Invisalign Treatment?
Invisalign treatment is usually quicker and more comfortable than traditional braces, but the length of Invisalign treatment can vary from person to person depending on several factors, including:
- The severity of your misalignment:
In general, patients with milder cases of misalignment will require shorter courses of treatment than those with more severe issues. - The patient’s age:
Invisalign works well on patients who are still growing and whose teeth are not yet fully developed. As a result, teenagers and young adults usually require shorter courses of treatment than older patients. - Oral hygiene:
Keeping your teeth and aligners clean is essential for successful Invisalign treatment. Patients who do not practice good oral hygiene habits may find that their treatment takes longer than expected. - Compliance with the Invisalign treatment plan:
How well a patient follows the Invisalign treatment plan can affect the length of treatment. If you wear your aligners as prescribed and attend your scheduled appointments, you will likely see results more quickly.
Ask your dentist if you have questions about how long your Invisalign treatment will take. They will be able to give you a more specific estimate based on your case.
What Can I Eat With Invisalign During the First Week?
Here are four tips on how to make Invisalign work faster so you can get the smile you’ve always wanted:
- Wear your aligners for 20-22 hours per day:
The more you wear your aligners, the sooner your teeth will move into the desired position. When you take them out for meals or brush your teeth, put them back in as soon as possible. - Do not eat with your aligners.
Eating with your aligners can cause them to break, which can delay your treatment. One of the ways to make your treatment proceed as fast as possible is to take care of your aligners. - Practice good oral hygiene:
Brush and floss regularly when you have Invisalign so that your aligners don’t trap bacteria and food particles in your mouth. This will also help keep your breath smelling fresh. - Attend all scheduled appointments:
This will help the dentist monitor progress and make necessary adjustments.
By following these tips, you can expect results from your Invisalign treatment more quickly.
What Moves Teeth Faster Braces or Invisalign?
If you’re considering orthodontic treatment to achieve straighter teeth, you may be wondering which option is more effective. Both braces and Invisalign can effectively move teeth into the correct position over time. But which one moves teeth faster?
The answer may depend on the severity of your dental alignment issues. In general, braces are more effective for more complex cases. That’s because they can provide targeted pressure to specific teeth that need to be moved. Alternatively, Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners to gradually and continuously move teeth in position. This is a gentler process, but the continuous application of low force can help achieve the desired results faster.
Both braces and Invisalign have their pros and cons. Ultimately, the right option for you will depend on your individual needs and goals. If you’re unsure which treatment is right for you, consult an orthodontist or dentist who can help you make the right decision for your smile.
What Happens After I Finish Invisalign Treatment?
After you have finished wearing your aligners, you will need to wear a retainer to help keep your teeth in their new position. At first, you’ll need to wear it full-time, but after a few months, with your dentist’s instruction, you can transition to wearing it at night.
Wearing a retainer is important because it helps to keep your newly aligned teeth in place. After a few weeks of wearing a retainer, you should start to notice that your teeth feel more stable and that your bite feels more comfortable.
Final Thoughts
Unfortunately, there is no single answer regarding how quickly teeth move with Invisalign. Every patient is different, and every smile is unique. The answer, of course, varies from patient to patient.
We usually tell patients that they can expect to see noticeable results within a few months. Of course, everyone’s mouth is different, so some patients may see results even sooner, while others may need a bit more time. The important thing is to be patient and follow your orthodontist’s instructions. If you do, you’ll be on your way to a straight smile in no time.
Now that you know how long Invisalign takes to work, it’s time to take the next step. Visit our website or call Karrinyup Dental Centre to book an appointment. We’ll be happy to answer any questions and help get you started on your way to a straighter, more beautiful smile. Thanks for reading!
Frequently Asked Questions
Invisalign is quickly becoming the preferred orthodontic treatment for patients of all ages – and for a good reason. Here are four advantages of Invisalign:
- Invisalign’s treatment time is shorter than traditional braces, on average.
Dentists can often complete treatment in as little as 12-18 months, whereas braces usually require 24-36 months. - Invisalign is virtually undetectable.
These invisible braces are made of transparent plastic, so most people won’t even know you’re undergoing treatment. - Invisalign allows you to eat whatever you want.
With conventional braces, patients must be careful about what they eat to avoid damaging the brackets and wires. With Invisalign, you remove the plastic aligners before eating and then brush your teeth afterwards. There are no food restrictions! - Invisalign is more comfortable than metal braces.
The aligners are made of smooth plastic, so they won’t irritate your gums or cheeks the way metal brackets can.
There are some limitations to Invisalign that potential patients should be aware of before they begin treatment.
- Invisalign is not suitable for everyone. If you have severe misalignment or have difficulty following the required wearing time, Invisalign may not be the right option for you.
- Treatment time can take up to a year or more, so patience is important.
- Invisalign can be expensive, so check with your insurance provider to see if treatment is covered.
- Invisalign aligners must be worn for at least 20 hours each day to be effective, so patients must be disciplined in their wear.
It is important to keep your Invisalign clean and free of plaque build-up.
Brush the aligners with a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water using non-abrasive toothpaste. Soaking your aligners in denture cleaner or a specialised cleaning product for Invisalign is also recommended.