You want to straighten out your crooked teeth, and you know you have two options for doing so: traditional braces or Invisalign. Many patients find Invisalign to be the more comfortable and convenient treatment, but how long will it take for you to complete it? Weeks? Months? Years?
Truthfully, the exact amount of time you could end up wearing Invisalign aligners varies. Don’t worry, though – this post will tell you what factors could affect your timetable!
What is Invisalign and How Does it Work?
One thing’s for sure: your treatment probably won’t be completed in a matter of days. Teeth are one of the hardest substances in your body, so moving them into different positions takes time. Orthodontics accomplish this by gradually applying increasing degrees of pressure – clear aligners like Invisalign simply do it with clear, plastic trays, while braces use metal wires and brackets.
The Average Treatment Timeframe
All told, Invisalign treatments tend to take between 6 and 12 months. As you progress through the process, you’ll “upgrade” to a series of next-step trays. Each is fitted to apply more pressure to your teeth than the last, but their slim, smooth profile makes wearing them as comfortable as possible. Which is good news, because you’ll have to wear the trays for at least 22 hours every day!
Why Your Invisalign Treatment May Take Longer
Not wearing your Invisalign for 22 hours per day could prolong your treatment. The trays can only apply the pressure necessary to move your teeth when they’re in your mouth, so it’s essential to follow this recommendation for timely completion. Other reasons your treatment might take longer than average are:
- You have severe alignment issues that simply need more time to correct.
- You have extremely crowded teeth that need to be moved precisely and delicately.
- You have gaps in your smile due to your gum structure, which is more complex to fix.
Is Invisalign Worth It?
You might have to be patient to get the results you want, but straightening your teeth with Invisalign can definitely be worth it! For one thing, Invisalign tends to work faster than traditional braces (which have an average treatment time of 12 to 18 months!). For another, you’ll walk away with a beautiful smile that you’ll be able to enjoy for years to come. Well, as long as you wear your retainer, that is!
About the Author
Dr. Vincenzo Artino earned his dental degree from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine and has worked hard to expand his skillset ever since! He has advanced training in orthodontics, for example, which isn’t something that every general dentist sets out to achieve. If you’d like more information about Invisalign and a more precise estimate of how long your treatment could take, feel free to contact Dr. Vinnie’s office at 303-238-2800.