In the past few years, Invisalign treatment has become one of the most popular options for people looking for teeth straightening solutions. It has received tremendous usage for kids, teens, and adults due to its convenience, comfort, and the fact that it doesn’t make orthodontic treatment evident unlike braces. However, as with all forms of orthodontic treatments, the timeline of treatment is a point of common concern for a lot of people.
People often wonder, how long does the Invisalign treatment take? Generally, treatment duration may be between 6 months to as much as 2 years. Of course, since each smile is unique, the time itâll take to see results depends on the complexity of the issue you want to address among other factors. Read on to find out more about this.
So How Long
Typically, Invisalign treatments can last between the timeframe of 6-12 months or even more as the case may be. However, in the majority of cases, youâll start seeing results within a few months into the treatment. It is necessary to note that there isn’t a one size fits all approach as regards the timespan of Invisalign treatment. It’s all dependent on your case, and the kind of treatment your case requires.
Ideally, Invisalign trays are to be worn between 20-22 hours in 24 hours everyday. But how many months you’ll need to wear it depends largely on different factors such as:
- How much teeth shifting or straightening is needed
- How well you stick to your treatment plan
- How fast or slow your teeth respond to the Invisalign treatment.
Even after the completion of an Invisalign treatment, the orthodontist will likely recommend retainers to maintain the new positioning of the teeth and you may need to wear this for a few more months or even years after your main treatment ends.
How Quickly Can Invisalign Work?
The difference between braces and clear aligner treatment is that you begin to notice the difference within a few weeks of treatment. The results will of course be minimal at the beginning. But you should start seeing results within 4-6 weeks, as long as you stay true to recommended orthodontic treatment.
The most pertinent thing to remember is that estimating the length of treatment varies according to case. Less complex cases will probably take just about six months, while most complex cases can take up to two years.
How Quickly Do Teeth Move with Invisalign?
A lot of patients ask questions like âHow Long Does It Take to See Results From Invisalign?â
Most people notice visible changes on their smile within six weeks of getting their first set of aligners and starting treatment. Others see different changes within really short timeframes (as early as two weeks in).
It’s advisable to not be impatient. The aligners are working continuously to give you a beautiful straight smile and youâll only get desired results if you stay true to your treatment for the recommended duration.
How Long Does Invisalign Take to Close a Gap?
The answer to this depends on how much gap you have between your teeth. For a gap of about 6mm, youâll need close to 24months for Invisalign to work fully. However, if the gap is smaller, then the treatment will be completed within a shorter time duration. Invisalign may not work at all if the gap is more than 6mm or if you have multiple gaps in your teeth.
How Long Does Invisalign Take for Crowded Teeth?
Invisalign may also be used for crowded teeth. For this treatment, youâll need between 6 to 12 months before you start seeing results. The more severe the case is, the longer the treatment duration will be. When you visit our dental clinic, your orthodontists will be able to tell you if Invisalign will work for your crowded teeth or not and how long the treatment might take.
How Many Years Do You Wear Invisalign?
Average wear time for aligners is approximately one year. However, it isn’t uncommon for Invisalign trays to be regularly changed for up to two or more years if required. As always, it is more dependent on the factors surrounding the treatment in the first place.
A minor case of crowded teeth can take just about six months to complete, while gap teeth treatment can be as short as eight weeks, unless the gap is more adverse.
For teenagers, treatment may take longer periods since it is much easier for them to forget their aligners. The better alternative is for them to wear aligners made with compliance indicators that come as blue dots. Once the wearing period has passed and the wearer has worn them for the designated time, the dots fade out.
There is also the option of part time Invisalign wearing, but this means a longer period for treatment.
Can Invisalign Work Faster Than Expected?
Despite the fact that Invisalign works faster than conventional braces. Most people trying to speed up Invisalign treatment often ask questions like âwhat is the average time for Invisalignâ.
The general recommendation to ensure your aligners work as quickly as possible is to wear them as often as possible. Invisalign will not work properly or align your teeth fast enough if it does not work regularly. According to research, patients are expected to wear these aligners for a minimum of 20 or more per day for the best results.
Invisalign is easier to use and works faster than traditional braces. However, the fact that it can be removed by patients (and it has to be removed when you want to eat or drink) can slow down the treatment especially if you forget to wear it after removing it.
Patients have to be devoted to using these trays for at least 22 hours a day. Other methods to speed treatment up such as using AcceleDent- a system that can help your teeth move faster, can also be used. But you should speak to your orthodontist about these options to see if theyâll work for you.
Itâs normal to desire a fast Invisalign treatment. Despite not being visible, most people still want their treatment to be done and over with as quickly as possible. However, the most relevant thing is to ensure that your teeth are properly repaired, and they stay properly repaired.
There are ways to speed up the process, but if they aren’t approved by the orthodontist, it is better not to accommodate such options.
In Conclusion
In conclusion people with more complex cases will definitely have a longer treatment plan. Invisalign may or may not give the desired results like braces, especially for more serious cases. Therefore, it is better to consider all options to get the best fitting treatment for your smile.
Visit us at Sbenati Dentistry, our dentist office in London Ontario to speak about your case and get recommendations about your treatment options. Call us (519) 474 – 0220.
