If you’re considering Invisalign, you’ve probably wondered, “How fast does Invisalign work?” With over 12 million successful cases and counting, Invisalign is one of the most popular orthodontic treatments available.
The popularity of Invisalign is no surprise as there are several Invisalign benefits, including:
- The ability to remove the aligners to eat, drink, and care for your teeth
- A faster average treatment time than most traditional braces
- Fewer in-office visits to your orthodontist
- Clear, comfortable aligners that are nearly undetectable
It’s easy to see why Invisalign is such a popular treatment for adults and teens who want a simple yet effective way to improve their smile. But how fast does Invisalign work? Let’s look at the typical treatment process, what you can expect, and the average Invisalign treatment time.
How Fast Does Invisalign Work?
The answer to “how long to straighten teeth with Invisalign” varies from patient to patient, but orthodontists will tell you the average time for Invisalign ranges from 6 months to 2 years.
We’ll get into more detail about things that could affect your Invisalign treatment time, but you should know that mild misalignments can take as little as six months to correct. Severe alignment issues, on the other hand, may require two years of treatment.
The good news is Invisalign often works faster than traditional metal braces, which usually take 18 months to 3 years. And you can expect faster results if you follow your orthodontist’s instructions closely.
Factors That May Affect Your Invisalign Treatment Time
How long is the average Invisalign treatment time from start to finish? Here are a few things that could impact your Invisalign treatment time.
Severity of Your Dental Misalignment
The biggest factor impacting the average Invisalign treatment time is the severity of your dental misalignment. Misalignment issues that could lengthen your treatment include:
- Overbites and underbites
- Crowding of teeth
- Gaps or spaces between teeth
- Severe dental or jaw issues
Initial Prescribed Treatment Timeline
So, how long does Invisalign take? Well, you also have to consider the initial prescribed treatment plan.
Your orthodontist will create a treatment plan that includes a specific number of aligner trays, affecting your Invisalign treatment time. And your orthodontist might add additional time as your treatment progresses, especially if your teeth aren’t moving as planned or if there’s been a lapse in compliance.
Your Compliance With Treatment Instructions
One of the things people love about Invisalign is that you can remove your aligners. But that temptation can easily make people stray from their prescribed treatment plan. If you want to shorten your Invisalign treatment time, you must follow your orthodontist’s instructions so your treatment works as efficiently as possible.
So, how much time does Invisalign take? Within that 6- to 24-month window, it really depends on the above factors, but there are things you can do to ensure a smooth experience.
How to Ensure the Fastest Invisalign Treatment Time
If you’re wondering how long to straighten teeth with Invisalign and want to make your Invisalign treatment time as short as possible, some key things will help the process.
1. Maintain Good Oral Health Habits
Take extra care of your teeth and gums during your Invisalign treatment. Brush at least twice a day, floss daily, and use a mouth rinse to keep your mouth clean and healthy.
2. Keep Your Routine Appointments
Keep up with your regular dentist and orthodontist appointments throughout your treatment. Your dental providers will help ensure you maintain your oral health and stay on track.
3. Stick to Your Prescribed Tray Schedule
Changing your Invisalign trays as prescribed will help you get the most out of your Invisalign treatment and keep everything moving in the right direction.
4. Wear Your Aligners As Much As Possible
Wear your Invisalign aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours a day for the best results. The more you wear them, the more effective your treatment will be!
5. Avoid Harmful Foods And Drinks
Like traditional braces, you should be careful about what you eat and drink while wearing Invisalign. Steer clear of hard, sticky, or chewy foods and beverages like coffee, soda, and wine while your trays are in.
Remember, your Invisalign treatment time will vary depending on the severity of your misalignment and other factors, such as compliance. Still, these tips can help keep your treatment on track!
Ask About Invisalign Treatment at Bates Orthodontics
If you’re considering Invisalign treatment, it’s time to schedule a consultation with an experienced orthodontist.
At Bates Orthodontics, we offer complimentary consultations to answer your questions about Invisalign, such as “How much time does Invisalign take to see results?” Plus, we offer a flat rate for all treatments, so you pay the same amount whether Dr. Bates decides Invisalign is best for you or not.
Contact Bates to schedule a complimentary consultation today!
