Invisalign Timeline: How Long Will Invisalign Take?
Any type of orthodontic treatment is a commitment, Invisalign included. Every potential patient wants to know: How long is this going to take? There isn’t one answer that applies to everyone, but your West Bloomfield Township certified Invisalign provider at Zoma Dental will let you know up front what to expect from your treatment.
Average Invisalign Treatment Time
Invisalign takes about 12 months to complete, on average. In many cases, it takes longer, closer to 18 months. There are some “lighter” cases that take only 6 to 8 months. The bottom line is that Invisalign is not a quick fix. If you want to alter your smile immediately, there are other types of cosmetic dentistry that can deliver speedily. Invisalign delivers a beautiful, straight smile if you’re willing to be patient and put in the work and the time.
Factors That Affect Invisalign Time
The length of your treatment will depend on three major factors:
- The complexity of your case
- Your compliance with wearing the aligners
- How well your teeth respond to treatment
Invisalign can treat just about anything that conventional metal braces can treat, but the trays shift teeth a few at a time until your entire mouth is in alignment. This takes more time for the more complex cases. Andif you don’t wear the aligners as much as you’re supposed to, or your teeth do not move as quickly as your Invisalign provider hoped they would, the effectiveness of your treatment will be altered and you won’t see the kind of quick results you want.
How Often You See Your Invisalign Provider
Wearing Invisalign does mean you’ll spend more time at the dentist’s office. Extra visits come with the territory, but they are not excessive but are considered a part of the Invisalign timeline.
- Prep appointment: X-rays, photos, and detailed scans of your teeth are taken so your Invisalign provider can develop your treatment plan from start to finish and have your aligners customized.
- Fitting appointment: Approximately two weeks after prep, you will see your West Bloomfield Township Invisalign provider and your first trays will be put in place, as well as any Invisalign attachments you may need for the trays to fit better. Your dentist will teach you how to insert and remove the aligners properly.
- Subsequent check-ups: Every six to eight weeks, you will visit your dentist again to collect your next sets of aligners and have the progress of your tooth movement checked. Compare this timeline to wearers of conventional braces who need to visit their orthodontist once a month for adjustments.
Daily Invisalign Time Commitment
The most important Invisalign time commitment is the one you dedicate yourself to daily, on your own time. Wearing these trays is a responsibility, and if you’re dedicated to getting a straight smile, you will honor the instructions your Invisalign provider has given you so you will get the very best results:
- Wear your aligners 20 to 22 hours per day. Without exceptions. The trays need to be in place to do the work.
- Wear each set of trays for 2 weeks, or as directed by your Invisalign provider. It may not seem like any movement is happening, but it’s going on under the surface of your teeth so be patient. Each set of aligners requires about 150 hours of wear to move and shift your teeth before the next trays can be implemented.
- Remove your aligners only 5 to 6 times a day, at the most, for meals, snacks, and cleaning your teeth in the morning and before bed.
You Have the Time for Invisalign
Invisalign only works when you wear your trays. It’s not time commitment that is the biggest factor in the success of your alignment – it’s you. Follow your dentist’s instructions, take care of your trays and teeth, and be patient. Remember that you have the beauty of wearing a practically invisible treatment that is designed to be discreet so you can go about your daily life without interruption.
Find out if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Jacqueline Zoma, certified Invisalign provider at Zoma Dental in West Bloomfield Township.
