How Long Does Invisalign Take? Everything You Need to Know

If you’re exploring teeth straightening options, you may be asking, how long does Invisalign take? This guide provides a comprehensive look at Invisalign timelines, factors that affect them, and what to expect from your local dental clinic.

Invisalign has transformed the world of orthodontics with its discreet, removable clear aligners. But while it offers many advantages, patients are often curious about the duration—how long before they see a straighter, more confident smile?

Let’s dive into the factors that influence Invisalign treatment time and what you can anticipate from start to finish.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an advanced method of teeth straightening that uses a series of custom-made, clear aligners to gradually move your teeth into their ideal positions. Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign aligners are discreet and removable, making them an attractive option for both adults and teenagers. Invisalign aligners are made from a smooth, comfortable, BPA-free plastic that won’t irritate your gums or cheeks like metal braces sometimes can.

But one of the most common questions people have before committing to Invisalign treatment is, how long does Invisalign take to work?

How Long Does Invisalign Take on Average?

Invisalign treatment typically takes between 12 to 18 months, but this can vary depending on the individual case. For patients with mild misalignment, treatment may be completed in as little as 6 months, while more complex cases can take longer. The length of treatment depends largely on how much movement is needed to achieve the desired results.

In general, how long Invisalign takes will be influenced by several factors, which we’ll discuss in more detail in the following sections. However, for most patients, the 12-18 month timeline is the average, making Invisalign a much quicker solution than traditional braces, which often take 2-3 years for full treatment.

Factors That Influence the Duration of Your Invisalign Treatment

There are several factors that can impact how long it will take for your teeth to be straightened with Invisalign. It’s important to understand these factors, as they can help set expectations for the length of your treatment.

1. Severity of Misalignment

One of the primary factors that will determine how long Invisalign takes is the severity of your misalignment. If your teeth are mildly crooked, it may take less time for Invisalign to correct them. On the other hand, if you have more severe misalignment issues, such as an overbite, underbite, or crossbite, the treatment may take longer to ensure that your teeth and bite are properly aligned.

In many cases, severe misalignment will require additional movements and adjustments, which can extend the overall treatment time.

2. Age and Bone Health

Age can play a role in how quickly your teeth move. Younger patients tend to experience faster results because their bones are more flexible. As we age, the bones in our mouth become denser, and it may take a little longer for the aligners to shift the teeth into place.

That said, Invisalign is a suitable option for both teenagers and adults. The treatment duration may just vary depending on the patient’s age and overall dental health.

3. Treatment Goals

Some patients opt for Invisalign purely for cosmetic reasons, aiming to improve the appearance of their smile. Others may require more comprehensive adjustments to their bite, jaw, and overall dental health. The goals of treatment will influence the timeline. For example, functional corrections like bite alignment typically require longer treatment than simple cosmetic improvements.

4. Compliance with Treatment Plan

To achieve the best results in the shortest time, it is essential to wear your Invisalign aligners for the recommended 20-22 hours per day. Missing this recommendation or failing to wear your aligners regularly can delay your treatment.

Additionally, it’s crucial to follow your dentist’s instructions for changing your aligners every 1-2 weeks, depending on the prescribed schedule. Regular check-ups with your dentist in Ilford will help ensure you’re on track and allow for any necessary adjustments.

5. The Complexity of Your Treatment Plan

Every patient’s Invisalign treatment is customised based on their unique needs. For complex cases, such as teeth that need significant shifting or aligning the bite in addition to straightening the teeth, the treatment time may be longer.

In some cases, attachments or buttons may be added to the aligners to help achieve certain tooth movements more effectively. These attachments can slightly increase the overall treatment time, as they require careful planning and monitoring.

What to Expect During Your Invisalign Treatment at Longwood House Dental Care

At Longwood House Dental Care in Ilford, we offer a personalised Invisalign treatment experience, ensuring that every patient receives the care they deserve. The process typically follows these steps:

1. Initial Consultation

Your Invisalign journey begins with an initial consultation where we will assess your teeth and determine whether Invisalign is the right treatment for you. We will take 3D scans of your teeth, allowing us to create a detailed, customised treatment plan. This also helps us estimate the treatment timeline specific to your needs.

2. Custom-Made Aligners

Based on your treatment plan, we will design your custom Invisalign aligners. These aligners are made to fit your teeth and gradually shift them into position. You will be given a set of aligners to wear for a specific period, usually 1-2 weeks.

3. Regular Check-Ups

Throughout your Invisalign treatment, you will need to visit us periodically for check-ups. These visits allow us to monitor your progress and provide you with your next set of aligners. Typically, these check-ups occur every 6-8 weeks. Adjustments or attachments may be added during these visits to help accelerate the process.

4. Retainers

Once your Invisalign treatment is complete, you will need to wear a retainer to ensure your teeth remain in their new positions. Without a retainer, your teeth may shift back to their original positions, negating the benefits of your Invisalign treatment. Your dentist will guide you on how long to wear the retainer and will schedule follow-up visits to monitor your results.

How to Speed Up Your Invisalign Treatment

While Invisalign is already a faster option compared to traditional braces, there are several ways you can accelerate your treatment:

1. Accelerated Orthodontics

There are treatments available that can speed up the Invisalign process, such as Propel or AcceleDent. These systems use micro-pulses or vibrations to help your teeth move more quickly and efficiently, potentially reducing treatment time by several months.

2. Follow Your Dentist’s Instructions

One of the most important things you can do to ensure your treatment stays on track is to wear your aligners consistently. Only remove them when eating, drinking (other than water), or brushing your teeth. The more you adhere to the instructions, the faster your results will appear.

3. Take Care of Your Aligners

Proper care of your aligners is essential for their effectiveness. Clean them regularly, keep them safe when not in use, and avoid leaving them in hot places, which could warp the plastic.

What Happens After Invisalign Treatment?

After your Invisalign treatment is complete, your teeth will likely be much straighter, and your smile will look fantastic. However, to maintain those results, retainers are necessary. Retainers help keep your teeth from shifting back to their original positions. The exact amount of time you’ll need to wear a retainer will depend on your dentist’s recommendations, but typically you’ll wear them for a few months, then only at night for long-term maintenance.

Regular follow-up visits with your dentist in Ilford will help ensure that your results are maintained and that you’re satisfied with your new smile.

Conclusion

Now that you have a better understanding of how long Invisalign takes, it’s clear that treatment times can vary depending on your individual needs. At Longwood House Dental Care in Ilford, Essex IG5 0BE we’re committed to providing you with a treatment plan that fits your goals and timeline. Ready to begin your Invisalign journey? Contact us today or visit our dental clinic in Ilford, Essex to schedule your consultation and start your path to a straighter, more confident smile!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long does Invisalign treatment take on average?

Invisalign treatment typically takes 12-18 months, but this can vary depending on the complexity of your case.

2. Can I speed up my Invisalign treatment?

Yes! You can speed up the process by wearing your aligners as prescribed and considering treatments like Propel or AcceleDent.

3. How often do I need to visit the dentist during Invisalign treatment?

You’ll visit the dentist every 6-8 weeks to monitor your progress and receive your next set of aligners.

4. Will my teeth stay straight after Invisalign?

To maintain your results, you will need to wear a retainer after treatment to prevent your teeth from shifting back.

5. Is Invisalign suitable for everyone?

Invisalign is suitable for most people, but it depends on the severity of your dental issues. Your dentist will evaluate whether it’s right for you.