How Long Does It Take Invisalign Aligners to Straighten Teeth?

Invisalign® is fast becoming a popular orthodontic treatment because people like that the aligner trays are transparent and removable. One question many patients are quick to ask during their consultation is how long it takes for the aligners to straighten the teeth. There is no definite answer to that question, but this article explains the expected duration and the determining factors.

The treatment duration for Invisalign®

The duration of the treatment depends mostly on the patient and the condition of the teeth. For simple malocclusion, treatment time with these aligners can be as fast as six months. Generally, Invisalign takes between 12 to 18 months to straighten the teeth.

For advanced cases like crowded teeth, the treatment time could be 24 months or longer. Some crowding cases may be too complicated for Invisalign®, which means the dentist may suggest traditional braces instead. Since no two patients have identical treatment requirements due to differences in dental structure, the treatment time will vary considerably.

Differences in treatment time

Every mouth's condition is unique, so the dentist has the responsibility of explaining the patient’s requirements and providing an estimate of how long Invisalign® treatment will take. These factors can affect treatment duration:

• The extent of teeth movement required to achieve desired teeth straightening goals (the farther the distance, the longer the treatment duration)
• The speed of teeth movement, which varies with each patient
• The severity of the patient’s condition
• Patient’s level of compliance with wearing the aligners (a required minimum of 22 hours daily)

During the initial consultation, the dentist will give the patient an estimate of treatment duration, creating a treatment plan that includes recommended options and estimated treatment time. As long as patients wear the aligners as directed, the treatment time should be close to the dentist’s estimate.

Invisalign® treatment duration for adults

Treatment should not take more time for adults compared to teenagers. Everyone is unique, and some people's teeth move easily while some have teeth that take slightly more force and time to move. Age is not a determining factor for treatment duration.

Most patients who opt for Invisalign® like that they are removable, as this is not possible with traditional braces. However, many patients forget that the treatment's effectiveness lies in wearing the aligner trays for at least 20-22 hours daily. This means the patient must take off the aligners only when brushing or eating. One question every patient must be ready to answer is their willingness to commit to wearing the retainers for the minimum hours. People who cannot comply may want to consider other teeth-straightening treatments.

In conclusion

The results achievable by aligners may be slightly different from that of braces, but this largely depends on the patient’s condition. To see if you are eligible for Invisalign®, book an appointment with a dentist. A general dentist can evaluate your teeth and develop an effective treatment plan to restore alignment.

Request an appointment here: https://jacksonheightdental.com or call 82nd St. Dental at (718) 709-3883 for an appointment in our Jackson Heights office.

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