65% of Americans have misaligned teeth—are you considering Invisalign to straighten yours, but wondering how long before Invisalign results will start to appear?
You’re not alone! Many people are interested in Invisalign and what results they can expect from their treatment. And there’s a good reason why 1 million people get Invisalign each year—the treatment offers a transparent, comfortable, and effective way to straighten teeth.
At the same time, seeing results from Invisalign doesn’t happen overnight. Different people experience different timeframes when it comes to achieving their desired outcomes.
In this guide, we’ll explore what you can expect when you start Invisalign and how long to see Invisalign results yourself. We’ll answer some of the most commonly-asked questions regarding Invisalign treatment, including:
- What’s the difference between traditional braces and Invisalign?
- How fast does Invisalign start working?
- How quickly does Invisalign move teeth?
- When do you start seeing results from Invisalign?
- How long before Invisalign starts to work?
First, let’s dispel some common misconceptions about Invisalign and traditional braces!
What’s The Difference Between Traditional Braces And Invisalign?
When it comes to orthodontic treatment, there are typically two main paths: traditional braces and Invisalign. Both can be used to correct various issues with the teeth and jaw, but they differ in how they’re applied and how often changes need to be made.
Traditional Braces
Traditional braces consist of metal brackets semi-permanently attached to the teeth and connected by wires. They apply constant pressure to the teeth, gradually moving them into the desired position. An orthodontist will change the wire every few weeks to continue this process.
Invisalign Aligners
Invisalign is a newer technology that uses clear, plastic aligners instead of metal brackets and wires. The aligners are custom-made for each patient. Each set fits snug over your teeth, gradually moving them into place. Patients switch out their aligners for new ones every week as their teeth shift.
So, how long before Invisalign results start to show up? Let’s answer this common question by looking at how the process works throughout its entirety.
How Long Does It Take To See Results From Invisalign?
When does Invisalign start to work? It depends on each person. What makes Invisalign such a widely used treatment is how it works to create personalized results! Every Invisalign case is unique, and the answer to “How quickly does Invisalign move teeth?” will depend on the severity of the misalignment and how well you follow your orthodontist’s instructions.
How long before Invisalign starts to work? Does the first Invisalign tray move your teeth? Your teeth start moving the first day you put your first set of aligners in your mouth, but the shifting often isn’t noticeable for months.
Generally, orthodontists average less than two years for Invisalign treatment, but here’s what can impact the timeline of your Invisalign treatment:
The Severity Of Your Misalignment
The more severe the misalignment, the longer it will take to achieve your desired results. Orthodontists typically recommend Invisalign for mild cases. However, at Bates Orthodontics, we have experience treating moderate crowding and bite issues with Invisalign. Using hybrid techniques, we’ve also been able to successfully treat severe cases.
Your Oral Health Habits
Regularly brushing and flossing helps ensure your treatment progresses as quickly as possible. The better you care for your teeth, the more successful the outcome will be!
How Often You Wear Your Aligners
The aligners need to be worn for at least 22 hours a day, every day, for the treatment to be effective. Following this guideline faithfully will help you get faster results from your Invisalign treatment.
Visiting Your Orthodontist Regularly
It’s crucial to keep up with your appointments so that your orthodontist can monitor the progress of your treatment and adjust the aligners as needed. This is the best way to ensure you get the most out of your Invisalign experience!
As you can see, knowing the answer to “How long does it take to see results from Invisalign?” depends on several factors, so always work with your orthodontist and follow their instructions to get the best outcome. With dedication and patience, you can get that perfect smile quicker than you may think!
How Can You Tell If Invisalign Is Working? Compare Before and After Images
How soon do you see Invisalign results? You may notice initial straightening as the aligners get to work. However, it’s important to compare initial images with end results to get an idea of the progress being made.
At your first appointment, your orthodontist will take images of your teeth which can be compared to the final results after completing treatment. Seeing these side-by-side comparisons of your smile before and after treatment will give you a better idea of Invisalign’s effectiveness.
The less you rush the results during the process, the longer your results will last. And remember, teeth can potentially shift back out of alignment if proper care isn’t taken.
Straighten Your Teeth With Invisalign At Bates Orthodontics
Invisalign is an excellent choice for those looking to straighten their teeth inconspicuously. While the answer to “How long to see Invisalign results?” may vary, several factors can affect treatment duration, such as oral health and compliance, which you can control.
Remember that Invisalign treatment is a long-term investment, so the closer you follow your orthodontist’s instructions, the better your results will be!
Contact Bates Orthodontics to get a personalized treatment plan for achieving the smile of your dreams!