More and more adults and teens alike are embracing clear plastic aligners because they like that it is clear and nearly invisible. The most popular aligner which is Invisalign, has numerous benefits. However, the question on most people’s minds when trying to decide between traditional braces and Invisalign is the treatment time. Invisalign treatment is the process of wearing a series of clear, removable aligners that gradually straighten your teeth without brackets and wires.
How long does Invisalign take to straighten teeth?
Just like each person is different, so is every mouth. The treatment length for Invisalign will vary from person to person.
The main factors that affect how much time Invisalign will take include:
- How much your teeth need to move to achieve the desired orthodontic outcome.
- Gaps in the teeth – Minor gaps will take much less time to fix than severe gaps.
- Patient age – Your age also affects how quickly it works. Teens are still growing; therefore, their teeth tend to move faster and easier than adults.
- Teeth crowding – The more dental crowding you have, the more distance your teeth will have to move and the longer the treatment will take.
- How often you wear your aligners
Your orthodontist will determine exactly how long your Invisalign treatment will take based on your specific needs. The full duration of Invisalign treatment takes an average of 12 months, however, most patients begin to see results after the first few weeks.
Also note that even if your teeth only need minimal correction from the start, not wearing your aligners according to your orthodontist’s plan can extend your treatment time by a significant amount.
For best results, it is advised that you wear your Invisalign trays for at least 20 – 22 hours per day. You can take them out just for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.
If you do not wear your aligners for the recommended time, you might find yourself regressing in treatment as your teeth may shift back to their original positions.
How do I know if Invisalign is right for me?
The best way to know if Invisalign is the right choice for you is to visit a qualified Orthodontist. At The Orthodontic Centre at Northland, we can help you make the right choice. Contact us for your FREE consultation to help you decide.