How Long Does Invisalign Take: What To Expect When Getting Invisalign

Invisalign is a popular option for straightening teeth, but many people wonder how long it will take to see results.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss what you can expect from your Invisalign treatment and how long the entire treatment will take. Keep reading to learn more information on the Invisalign treatment process!

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a clear aligner that is used to gradually straighten teeth. It is an alternative to metal braces.

Invisalign is made of a smooth, comfortable, BPA-free plastic that does not irritate your gums like traditional metal braces can. Invisalign is virtually invisible and can be removed for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.

Invisalign is often used to manage the following dental issues:

• Overbite
• Underbite
• Crooked teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Crowded teeth

The benefits of Invisalign include the following:

• Invisalign is practically invisible, so people won’t even know you’re straightening your teeth unless you tell them.
• You can remove Invisalign anytime, making eating and cleaning your teeth much easier than with traditional braces.
• Invisalign is more comfortable to wear because there are no wires or metal brackets that can rub against your gums and mouth.

Overall, Invisalign is a great option for those who want to straighten their teeth discreetly and without the hassle of braces with metal wires and brackets.

How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Take?

Invisalign treatment can typically last anywhere from 12 to 18 months, though the exact duration of treatment varies and will depend on several factors. These include:

Severity of Misalignment
One of the most important factors is the severity of the patient’s misalignment. Invisalign can be used to address a wide range of orthodontic issues, but more complex cases will usually take longer to correct.

Patient’s Age
The age of the patient can also play a role in treatment duration. In general, Invisalign is most effective for patients who are still growing, as their teeth are more responsive to movement. For adults, Invisalign can still be effective, but it may take longer to achieve the desired results.

Patient’s Compliance with Treatment
Compliance with the Invisalign treatment plan is also critical. Invisalign is most effective when worn as per the dentist’s recommendation, so patients who are diligent about wearing their removable aligners will see results more quickly.

How Long Should I Wear My Invisalign Each Day?

Invisalign plastic aligners should be worn for at least 20 hours daily to achieve optimal results. In some cases, patients may need to wear their Invisalign aligners the entire day, but this is typically only necessary for a short time during the treatment process.

This may seem like a lot of time, but it is important to keep the aligners in place as much as possible to ensure they are effective. At first, it may take some time to get used to wearing Invisalign aligners, but you will soon adapt to them.

Invisalign aligners work by gradually shifting the teeth into the desired position, and this process can only occur if the aligners are worn for an extended period of time each day. However, you should take them out when eating or drinking so that you don’t damage them.

Overall, Invisalign clear aligners should be worn for at least 20 hours each day to achieve optimal results.

How Can You Shorten Your Treatment Period?

The average Invisalign treatment takes about 12-18 months, but several factors can affect how long treatment takes.

One important factor is how often the aligners are worn. Invisalign aligners must be worn for at least 20 hours per day to be effective, so patients who wear their aligners as prescribed will typically see faster results.

Another factor that can influence Invisalign wear time is the severity of the patient’s dental condition. Patients with more extensive dental issues may need to wear Invisalign for a longer period of time than those with milder conditions.

However, there are several ways to shorten Invisalign treatment.

1. Wear an elastic band on the aligner to apply additional force to the teeth your dentist prescribes it.
2. Wear your aligners for at least 20 hours per day: This may seem like a lot, but it’s important to keep your aligners in as much as possible if you want to see results quickly. Try to only take them out for meals and when brushing and flossing your teeth.
3. Follow your dentist’s instructions. It’s important to follow all of your dentist’s instructions if you want to achieve the ideal results.
4. Make sure to attend all of your scheduled Invisalign appointments. These appointments are essential for ensuring that your treatment is progressing as planned.

Patients who are committed to achieving their goals in a timely manner may want to consider these options to shorten Invisalign treatment times.

What Can I Expect During The Invisalign Treatment?

Invisalign is a tooth straightening treatment that uses clear aligners to gradually move misaligned teeth into the correct position.

The Invisalign treatment process involves several steps. Here’s what you can expect during the treatment period:

Step 1: Initial Assessment

The first step in getting Invisalign is to consult your dentist. They will conduct a patient interview, including your medical and dental history, and a thorough examination of your mouth. They will assess these to decide if Invisalign is the right option for you.

Step 2: Moulding Process

If you’re considered a suitable candidate for Invisalign, your dentist will take moulds of your teeth, which will be used to create your custom aligners. A 3D scan, photographs, and x-rays generate an accurate representation of your mouth and teeth. These are sent to the Invisalign lab, where the clear, custom-fit aligner trays are created for you.

You will also be given a set of temporary aligners to wear during this process.

Step 3: Wearing The Aligners

You will start wearing your first set of aligners for around two weeks. You will need to wear them all the time, except when eating or drinking. Aligners should be removed for brushing and flossing.

After two weeks, you will switch to the next set of aligners in the series. This process will continue until your teeth are in the correct position.

The average treatment time is around 12-18 months, but every case is different. Treatment time can vary depending on your situation. You will need to visit your dentist every four to six weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned.

Step 4: Refinement Period

A refinement period is an important stage in the Invisalign procedure that can help improve the outcome of your treatment. This period follows the initial alignment phase and precedes the final retainer stage.

The refinement period generally lasts a few to several months. The duration varies and depends on how well you have responded to treatment thus far. During this period, your dentist will continue to modify the aligners to guide your teeth into their final position.

Refinement periods are critical since they allow for small adjustments to be made that may enhance the results of the therapy. It’s possible for little dental alignment issues to linger if they aren’t taken care of, which can lead to a lower-quality result.

Step 5: Retainers

Once your teeth are in the correct position, you will be given a set of retainers to wear. These help to keep your teeth from shifting back into their original positions. You will need to wear them all the time for the first few months, then just at night after that or depending on your dentist’s recommendations.

Step 6: Follow-Up Appointment

You will need to schedule a follow-up appointment with your dentist to ensure everything is going well. At this appointment, they will check to see how your teeth are doing and whether or not the retainers are effective. If everything looks good, then you will be all done!

How Quickly Do My Teeth Move With Invisalign?

The speed at which teeth move with Invisalign varies from person to person. Most people find that their teeth move at a rate of about 0.25 to 0.33 millimetres per tray while undergoing Invisalign treatment.

It is important to keep in mind that this rate can vary depending on individual factors. These include how well you follow the treatment plan, how often you wear your aligners, and the severity of your dental condition.

Most people see a noticeable change in their teeth within 4-6 months. However, it can take up to a year for some people to see the desired results.

Can I Leave My Invisalign Out For A Day?

Patients often wonder whether leaving the aligners out for extended periods is okay. In general, forgetting to wear them for a day or two is fine, but as expected, this is not without consequences.

Short-Term Effects of Not Wearing Invisalign

If you are not wearing your Invisalign for a short-term period, you may experience some discomfort. Your teeth may start to move back to their original position, and your treatment progress may be delayed.

Long-Term Effects of Not Wearing Invisalign

If you are not wearing your Invisalign for a long-term period, you may experience more serious consequences. Your current tray may no longer fit properly. Because of this, you may need to wear your previous set for a longer period of time, and your treatment may take much longer.

To achieve optimum results from your Invisalign aligners, follow your dentist’s instructions and wear your Invisalign trays as prescribed.

How Do I Know If Invisalign Is Right For Me?

The best way to find out is to schedule a consultation with an Invisalign-certified dentist. During your consultation, your dentist will examine your teeth and discuss your treatment goals. If Invisalign is right for you, they will create a customised treatment plan. This allows you to see what your new smile will look like once the procedure is completed.

Invisalign is a good option for patients with minor issues such as mild to moderate crowding or spacing problems. Invisalign may also be an option for patients who have relapsed following previous orthodontic treatment.

While Invisalign is the go-to choice for people who want straighter teeth but do not want to go through the hassle of traditional braces, it is not right for every patient. For example, patients with severe crowding or complex issues, or those needing major bite corrections, may require traditional braces instead.

Final Thoughts

Orthodontic treatment is a big commitment, but it is one that can have a profound positive impact on your life. With Invisalign, you can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing you are undergoing treatment, and that is just one of the many reasons why this option is so popular. Still, you play an important role in the success of your treatment, and it is important to be sure that you are prepared before you begin.

If you are ready to take the next step towards achieving straight teeth and a straighter smile, get in touch with us. To book an appointment to start your journey to a beautiful smile transformation or learn more about Invisalign, call Maylands Dental Centre at (08) 9370 5464 today or visit our website. We would be happy to answer any of your questions and help you get started on the path to a beautiful smile.