Invisalign is one of the most popular orthodontic solutions today, as it is practically invisible in the mouth (hence the name of the appliance). But how long does Invisalign take to fix teeth? In this article, we discuss the factors that can influence the timeline of an orthodontic treatment with Invisalign clear aligners.

How Long Does Invisalign Take to Fix Teeth?

Invisalign clear aligners are sets of transparent plastic trays that work by constantly applying pressure to your teeth in the areas strategically chosen by your orthodontist. As a result, your teeth are forced to gradually move through the gums and the jawbone and occupy the desired positions. Throughout your treatment, you will change your trays for a new set approximately every one to two weeks to progress the treatment.

Invisalign aligners can be removed when eating and cleaning your teeth. This means that with this orthodontic solution, you will be able to enjoy a wide variety of foods and maintain a more efficient oral hygiene routine than if you wear traditional braces.

Invisalign can be successfully used to treat the following orthodontic issues:

Crowded teeth
Gaps between the teeth
Overbite and underbite
Crooked teeth

The timeline of Invisalign treatment can be as short as 6 months to as long as 2 years, depending on two main factors we discuss below in detail.

The Severity of the Case

It is a common misconception that Invisalign takes longer to fix teeth than traditional metal braces. In many cases, Invisalign is just as effective as traditional braces and takes the same amount of time.

The exact amount of time you will need to achieve your desired results with Invisalign will depend on the severity of the misalignment. Thus, very simple cases with just a slight misalignment of several teeth can take as little as 6 months to fix. However, more complicated cases can take up to two years. In most general cases, orthodontic treatment with Invisalign takes 12 to 18 months.

As we mentioned above, Invisalign can effectively solve a wide range of orthodontic issues. However, there are some cases when Invisalign will not be a practical choice. Complex cases with severe bite misalignment and overcrowded teeth are better treated with traditional metal braces. The reason for that is the strength of metal, which can withstand a lot of pressure and be manipulated by your dentist effectively. The clear plastic material Invisalign is made of is typically less durable.

The Consistency of Use

For your Invisalign aligners to work and produce desired results in a reasonable time, it is essential that you wear them the recommended 22 hours a day. However, it might be challenging for some people. The reason for this is that the process of constantly forcing your teeth to move through the bone and the gums can be painful at times.

Even though Invisalign is considered a more comfortable solution compared to traditional metal braces, it is still likely to cause toothache and soreness from time to time. These feelings can be exacerbated when you switch to a new set of trays every two weeks or so. Also, Invisalign can cause some rubbing of the soft tissue in the mouth, especially until you get used to your aligners.

As a result, many people feel tempted to remove their aligners more often than they should and let their mouth and teeth “rest.” However, doing so can significantly slow down your treatment or even nullify the results you already have.

Also, the less you wear your aligners at the beginning of the treatment, the longer it will take to get used to them. Unfortunately, the method of “easing into it” does not work with Invisalign. We recommend wearing your trays for 22 hours a day from the very beginning of your treatment, removing them only for eating and cleaning your teeth. Also, practice speaking as much as possible. This way, it will take much less time to start being comfortable with your new orthodontic appliances.

If you are not a disciplined person who can power through the initial discomforts, it might be better to choose traditional or lingual braces that can not be removed at will.

Get an Orthodontic Treatment at Highland Smiles

Make an appointment with an experienced dentist at Highland Smiles today and start your orthodontic treatment. Our specialists will thoroughly examine your case to establish a comprehensive approach to treatment to deliver the desired results. We are looking forward to welcoming you and your family to our office.