There are so many reasons why you might be excited to use Invisalign. Perhaps you’re eager to flash your new-and-improved smile in photos. Maybe you’re focused on how much easier it will be to brush and floss afterward. Or, perhaps you’re just dreaming about running your tongue along your well-aligned teeth. No matter what you’re most excited about, we’re quite confident it involves the completion of your Invisalign journey. That is to say, you’re excited to finish using Invisalign, but you’re not necessarily jazzed about wearing the aligners every day. And chances are, you would prefer the speediest treatment process possible. Though Invisalign aligners are very comfortable and delightfully inconspicuous, this is perfectly understandable. So, how long does Invisalign take?
Factors That Influence Your Treatment Timeline
How long does Invisalign take? It’s a simple question to ask but a tricky one to answer. Many different factors will influence the length of your Invisalign treatment.
The Complexity of Your Misalignment
Invisalign has the power to transform all sorts of misalignment issues, including teeth that are crooked, crowded, or gapped. They can also assist with underbites, overbites, and open bites. Because this innovative technology can treat a wide range of orthodontic issues and every mouth is unique, it’s impossible to state with certainty how long Invisalign will take when it comes to your specific situation. How many of your teeth need to shift? How far do your teeth need to move? Do you have a complicated bite issue? All of these factors and more will influence the timeline of your treatment.
How Well You Follow the Treatment Plan
Your progress will also depend on how well you follow the instructions given by your dental or orthodontic team. You will be told to wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours every day, only taking them out when cleaning your teeth, eating, and drinking anything other than water. If you fail to wear your aligners as often as you should, you might disrupt the treatment process. This could make your treatment last far longer than originally estimated. If you want to increase the likelihood you’ll finish your treatment on time, wear your aligners as often as you’re directed to.
Your Age and Specific Mouth
Did you know that young people’s teeth tend to move faster and easier than adults’ teeth? This means that people in their teens and 20s will likely have a shorter treatment plan than older adults. In addition, some people’s teeth simply move faster than others! You might have good luck . . . or you might need to be patient.
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
Enough hemming and hawing! Let’s dig into some details. Typically, Invisalign takes about 12 to 18 months. If your misalignment isn’t very significant, however, you might finish the treatment in as little as 6 months. And if your case is quite complex, you could be waiting 24 months or more. Keep in mind that after your treatment has ended, you will need to wear a retainer to ensure that your new smile doesn’t shift out of place.
One to two years may sound like a long time, but the time will fly by. Plus, most people experience noticeable results just a few weeks after starting treatment! The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll be able to show off a new-and-improved smile.
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If you want to straighten your teeth with Invisalign, contact Keen Smiles Family Dental if you live in or near Springfield, MO. We use Invisalign to correct overcrowded teeth, misaligned teeth, gapped teeth, and bite problems, including overbite, open bite, crossbite, and underbite. Check out these before-and-after photos. Finally, to schedule your complimentary consultation, please give us a call at 417-708-0556 or contact us online. We look forward to hearing from you!
