How Long Does Invisalign Take to Straighten Teeth on Average?

Have you worn braces in your life? Do you think you may need braces?

Over 4 million Americans wear braces. Adults make up 25% of these individuals. Orthodontists help to correct teeth that are out of place and correct jaw problems.

Crooked or crowded teeth can cause many problems with the mouth and jaw. They may also decrease your self-esteem. Fixing your teeth can bring back your smile.

A new option available for correcting crowded and crooked teeth is Invisalign. For many people, this provides a great alternative to traditional braces.

Continue reading this article to learn more about Invisalign. Get answers to common questions like, “how long does Invisalign take?”

Invisalign is a type of orthodontic aligner. Its purpose is to gently shift crowded teeth into proper alignment. This allows your teeth to move without the use of wires.

An Invisalign technician will make a series of numbered acrylic aligners. These aligners are custom-fit to your mouth. You wear a clear, smooth plastic tray that's molded to fit your teeth.

You will receive instructions about how to change them out every couple of weeks. It’s important that you change them in number order. This allows the gradual movement of crowded teeth toward the end goal.

It’s important to remember that every person is different. Each person’s teeth move at a different pace. The condition of your jaw, gums, genetics, and even your diet can impact your orthodontic treatment.

The average time needed for Invisalign to straighten your teeth is about 12 months. You may require more or less time. Your orthodontist will discuss your progress during your regular visits.

Many people begin seeing initial results in two to three months. Yet, the actual time for wearing Invisalign depends on several factors.

Example of causes for this time variation may involve:

1. Severe Alignment Issues

Some individuals require more in-depth changes to achieve the final goal. When problems involve the teeth and jaw, your orthodontist may use several approaches.

2. Crowded Teeth

If you have very mild crowding of your teeth, your correction may only take 6 months. But, in situations with severe crowding, your orthodontist will continue providing aligners until your teeth are straight.

This will probably extend your treatment time. In the end, though, you will have the beautiful smile you desire.

3. Gaps in Teeth

If you have gaps between your teeth, treatment may take longer. Gaps can occur due to the structure of your gum. This also happens with tooth loss or if your teeth grew in spaced apart.

Increased time may be needed because some teeth have to move farther.

Traditional braces require some type of bracket on the teeth. Interconnecting wires are then bent and tightened at orthodontic visits. This forces the teeth to shift into toward their final position.

As with Invisalign, the time needed to align your teeth varies among individuals. Adults may need more time since their teeth have stopped growing. The orthodontist may need to apply more pressure to move the teeth.

Depending on your personal situation, traditional braces are often worn from 18 months to three years.

With all things, there are positives and negatives. The same is true with braces.

The following describes a list of benefits of Invisalign over traditional braces:

• All abnormal teeth move toward their final destination throughout the treatment
  
• You avoid “round-tripping” where normal teeth are moved out of position and then back
  
• Each aligner plans the movement for each tooth without moving normal teeth
  
• Invisalign is almost invisible so it’s not as obvious when you smile
  
• You can remove the Invisalign when you eat and brush your teeth
  
• Invisalign wearers may not have to see the orthodontist as often
  
• Aligners are often less painful

Many patients describe increased satisfaction with Invisalign.

Invisalign requires full patient cooperation. When traditional braces are put on and the wires tightened, the patient can’t easily make changes. If a patient does not follow the orthodontist’s instructions for using the aligners, they will not work.

Here are 3 tips to ensure you get the most out of your Invisalign treatment plan:

1. Wear Your Aligners for the Prescribed Time Each Day

Most orthodontists instruct you to wear the Invisalign 20 to 22 hours every day. This allows your teeth to move toward alignment in the shortest amount of time.

2. Change Your Aligner Trays on the Prescribed Schedule

If you don’t change to the next tray on time, it is like not getting your braces tightened. This stops the progression toward straight teeth.

You must also be careful to follow the correct sequence of trays. If you get the trays out of order, this may alter the movement of the teeth.

3. Be Patient

You may not see dramatic results at first. Remember that all movements are taking place at the same time in small increments. Don’t give up.

Invisalign provides an innovative way to correct crowded and crooked teeth. Adults like them because they are nearly invisible. Most people really don’t want to be a “brace face” for the first or second time in their life.

Did this article about the Invisalign option answer your question about, “how long does Invisalign take?” Continue exploring our site for more answers.

Our office treats all patients as if they were their own family. We strive to optimize your health and comfort. We also want you to understand the treatment and all the options available.

We want you to look forward to each visit. Our office staff's goal is to help you feel confident, positive, and relaxed during visits. Contact us today to ask questions and schedule an appointment.