If you are unhappy with the alignment of your smile, Invisalign is the best way to straighten your smile without the discomfort and disadvantages that come with traditional metal braces.Â
While Invisalign treatment offers the same effective straightening as traditional braces, you may be wondering how long it takes for Invisalign to straighten teeth.
Keep reading to learn more about Invisalign and how long it will take for you to have straight teeth!
How Long Can I Expect to Wear Invisalign?
The length of time it takes for Invisalign to straighten teeth varies based on each person’s alignment issues and straightening goals. For some people, results can be seen within six months, while for others, desired results require longer treatment times.
When wearing the aligners as recommended and switching out the aligners on schedule, treatment with Invisalign usually takes twelve to eighteen months. This treatment time is often shorter than treatment with traditional metal braces, which might require patients to wear their braces for twenty-four months or more in order to see results.
Can Certain Issues Cause Invisalign to Take Longer?
For patients with specific alignment issues, it can take longer than the average treatment time to achieve a beautifully straightened smile.
These alignment issues include:
Crowded Teeth
If you have teeth that are very overcrowded, it could take longer to bring them into alignment. Since Invisalign works to straighten crowded teeth gently, it can take more time to properly align teeth with pronounced overlapping.
Severe Misalignment
Severe misalignment of teeth can be caused by gum disease or tooth loss. Additional treatments may be required before alignment with Invisalign.
Large Gaps
Depending on the size of the tooth gap, it can take Invisalign longer to slowly bring teeth into alignment.
Why Should I Choose Invisalign?
Alignment issues can lead to serious dental problems, like increased tooth decay and a higher likelihood of developing gum disease. If you have alignment issues that require longer treatment times with Invisalign, the end results can not only improve the appearance of your smile, but also the health of your teeth!
One of the most significant advantages of straightening your smile with Invisalign is that the clear aligners are practically unnoticeable. Unlike obvious metal braces that can cause self-consciousness or embarrassment, Invisalign discretely straightens your smile over the length of your treatment time.
Another advantage is that there are no food restrictions during your Invisalign treatment. Because you can remove the aligners to eat and drink, you can have whatever you like, from the stickiest BBQ sauce to the crunchiest popcorn, throughout your treatment.
How to Make Sure Your Invisalign Treatment Stays on Schedule
The best way to ensure that your Invisalign treatment time stays on schedule is by being diligent about wearing your aligners for the recommended twenty-two hours a day. Because Invisalign aligners are made of a smooth plastic that is custom fit to your mouth, they are comfortable to wear throughout the day and as you sleep at night.
It is equally important to schedule regular appointments with your Invisalign provider at Merry Dental during treatment. During these visits, your provider can monitor your progress and address any issues you may be having that would otherwise affect your recommended treatment schedule.
While you may be eager to see results, the time commitment you make to straighten your teeth gently and effectively with Invisalign is well worth it! During treatment, the comfortable, clear aligners mean that only you know you are on your way to a beautiful, straighter smile!
Would you like to learn more about how Invisalign clear aligners can transform your smile? Schedule an appointment at Merry Dental in Billerica, MA, today!