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Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that helps straighten teeth. The procedure involves wearing a series of custom-made, clear, removable aligners that are changed every two weeks. Over time, the braces shift crooked teeth into the correct position.
Invisalign aligners are clear and can be removed easily, making them less noticeable than traditional metal braces.
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On average, Invisalign treatment time takes between 12 and 18 months. However, you can expect to see straighter teeth within weeks. Some people who only need minor corrections can finish treatment in as little as 6 months.
Invisalign treatment length varies depending on how complex your case is and how often you wear your aligners. Your orthodontist will determine your treatment's length based on your specific requirements.
Below are seven primary factors contributing to how long Invisalign will take to straighten teeth:
You may have crowding if you have a small jaw or large teeth. Some minor cases of teeth crowding can be corrected in as little as 6 months. Moderate to severe cases can take 8 to 18 months.
For severe crowding, your orthodontist may suggest interproximal reduction before starting Invisalign. This is performed using a handpiece or “sandpaper strip” to remove enamel between teeth to create more space. It's not painful and is usually quick and simple.
Gaps occurring between the teeth, known as diastema, can result from tissue overgrowth or small teeth compared to the jawbone.
Like overcrowding, minor gaps will take significantly less time to adjust than severe gaps. If you have moderate or severe gaps and crowding, the treatment may take up to 18 months. This will depend on how fast your teeth adjust.
In some situations, the jaw is too large, and the teeth are too small. This makes it more challenging to close the gaps completely. Your orthodontist may suggest other types of treatment following Invisalign, such as bonding or veneers.
Invisalign works well for both teenagers and adults. However, your age can also affect how quickly it works. As teenagers are still growing, their teeth generally move faster and easier than adults do.
However, despite their age, some people’s teeth move faster than others. Some older adults may even experience faster results than their children.
The Invisalign website advises wearing the aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily. Because they can be removed (to eat, drink, brush, or floss), the treatment period depends partly on the wearer.
Some people’s teeth move faster than others. This is due to bone structure differences, which vary from person to person.
Age can also play a role: adult teeth typically move slower than children or adolescents.
Because Invisalign aligners are removable, keeping track of them is essential.
If you misplace your aligners, your dentist or orthodontist can always order new ones. However, this means the treatment time will be extended while you wait for them to arrive.
Having multiple teeth alignment issues at once greatly complicates treatment. For example, if you have an overbite and crowded teeth, you will need a tooth extraction before the overbite can be corrected.
Likewise, a large tooth gap and an overbite will increase treatment time.
To start Invisalign, an orthodontist will examine your teeth and take X-rays to determine if you are a candidate for Invisalign.
Then, they will create a 3D model of your teeth to make a custom treatment plan.
The X-rays, 3D models, and images of your teeth will be sent to a laboratory where your customized Invisalign trays are produced. The 3D model will also show how Invisalign will improve your orthodontic problems during each aligner stage.
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If you don’t wear your clear aligners as prescribed, the teeth won’t rotate into the correct position. The teeth also won’t track with the next set of aligners, potentially causing delays.
Invisalign aligners move your teeth between 0.25 to 0.3 millimeters every 2 weeks. This rate of movement is what your dentist or orthodontist uses to give you an estimate of how long treatment will take.
The aligners will only work if they are in contact with your teeth. The more time they spend outside your mouth, the longer treatment will take. They should only be removed for eating, drinking, brushing, or flossing.
You can’t necessarily speed up Invisalign treatment, but some steps can help ensure your progress stays on track. These steps include:
It is essential to wear Invisalign aligner trays at all times, aside from eating, brushing, and flossing.
Many people struggle to stay disciplined with their treatment, causing it to take longer than necessary. Wearing the aligners consistently will correct any alignment issues as quickly as possible.
During an Invisalign course of treatment, it is essential to maintain good oral health. If the teeth and gums are not healthy, the treatment is unlikely to work as efficiently.
Poor oral health can result in a delay in the straightening procedure.
It’s crucial always to attend adjustment appointments with your orthodontist. These appointments ensure that the teeth are working well with the aligners.
Skipping or extending these appointments will slow the treatment process. For quick treatment, always visit your dentist when they recommend it.
During Invisalign treatment, avoiding consuming too much sugar or acidic foods and drinks is essential. Soda or candy can damage the teeth, causing decay.
If you notice any abnormalities, report them to your orthodontist. While Invisalign is relatively straightforward, irregularities can occur. Treatment time will be a lot quicker if any issues are addressed efficiently.
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Treatment time comes down to individual patient needs. However, most of the time, Invisalign treatment is quicker than traditional braces.
People wear braces 24 hours a day for 6+ months. On the other hand, those with Invisalign wear their aligner trays between 22 and 24 hours a day. Treatment typically lasts anywhere between 6 and 18 months.
Invisalign treatment takes between 6 and 18 months. Minor issues can resolve in as little as 6 months, while moderate to severe cases can take up to 18 months.
Invisalign moves your teeth between 0.25 to 0.3 millimeters every 2 to 3 weeks
Seven primary factors contribute to treatment time, including the level of crowding or tooth gaps, your age, treatment compliance, the pace of tooth movement, aligner care, and case complexity.
Removing Invisalign aligners for extended periods will prolong treatment.
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