There are many people who have been told they need braces, but have cringed at the idea of wearing metal brackets and wires in their mouth. It is understandable. Regardless of how well they work, traditional braces are not something that all people jump for joy when they want straight teeth - especially those who are seeking orthodontic treatment later in life.
Traditional braces have a solid history of doing a really good job of straightening teeth in a timely predictable manner. But what about Invisalign? How long does it take Invisalign to straighten teeth?
How Invisalign Works
Understanding how Invisalign works can help you understand how you can and can’t impact the timeline to having a beautiful smile. Your initial orthodontic appointments will involve taking 3D images of your teeth along with creating a plan for straightening them. With this information your orthodontist will have your Invisalign aligners created.
Every two weeks or so, you will put in a new aligner. It will be slightly tighter than the one before it in a way that it will allow your teeth to be repositioned over time.
Many people find Invisalign convenient because you don’t have to go to the orthodontist for tightening appointments. You don’t have to follow any special Do’s and Don’ts of eating because you can take out the aligners during mealtime. And, if you are getting your picture taken for your job’s website, you can remove the aligners for the photoshoot.
Invisalign is a convenient way to straighten your teeth. But, with this added convenience comes some responsibility on your part - keeping them in.
Wearing Invisalign: A Timeline
It is recommended that you wear your aligners between 20 to 22 hours every day, removing them only to eat.
Traditional braces have always been the go-to because they are permanently attached to your teeth - which means they are always working toward straightening your teeth. Invisalign, on the other hand, will only work successfully if you wear your aligners. In fact, the more you take them out - and leave them out - the longer you are extending your treatment time.
So, how long does it take to straighten your teeth with Invisalign? On average, about one to two years, if worn properly. For some, it could be less - for others, treatment time could last longer.
What Impacts Treatment Time?
It is important to keep in mind that not all teeth are created equal. There are certain things that can impact your Invisalign treatment timeline, including:
The Complexity of Treatment. For individuals who require complex treatment, it may take a little longer. For instance, mild overcrowding may take less than a year to treat while severe crowding and an overbite may take two years.
Age. Adolescents and teens who are treated with Invisalign respond more quickly than adults. Young people are still growing and their teeth are much easier to shift. That does not mean adults can’t successfully achieve a stunning, straight smile with this clear option. It simply means it may just take a little longer.
Patient Compliance. Because of their convenience, there is a lot of reliance placed on the patient. Wearing the aligners at least 20-22 hours every day, adhering to appointments and follow-ups with the orthodontist, and switching to new aligners at the appropriate interval are all detrimental to successful treatment. Without it, everything may take longer.
Interested in Learning More About Invisalign?
Regardless of your stage of life, if you are ready to get the beautifully straight smile you have always dreamed of, then let our team of specialists at Demko Orthodontics help you get started.
We understand how important a smile is to achieving a quality life.
Schedule an appointment with one of our three convenient locations today!
Chesterfield Office 314-576-4955
St Charles Office 636-946-6503
Washington Office 636-239-2272