Invisalign is a popular appliance many individuals use to get their teeth straighter. However, how long does it take to work?
It takes less than two years on average for people who use Invisalign to see results, but it can take as little as six months. Of course, every smile is unique, and it may take more or less time, depending on your requirements. The length of treatment is proportional to the intricacy of the problem.
Continue reading to find out what could be causing a longer wait for Invisalign results, as well as alternative teeth-straightening procedures.
How does Invisalign work?
Invisalign is an aligner that gradually realigns your teeth by using plastic trays. The trays are worn for 20 to 22 hours each day, with just eating and brushing your teeth removed.
These aligners are available from orthodontists and especially skilled dentists. During your initial visit, your doctor will take customized 3-D photographs of the mouth or plaster molds of your mouth.
These will then be utilized to make your Invisalign trays.
What types of things affect treatment time?
While some people finish their Invisalign treatments in six months, it might take up to two years for others.
Several things may lengthen your treatment time:
The type of occlusion or spacing you have
If you have any of the following conditions, Invisalign teeth straightening may be a good option for you:
- Overbite occurs when your upper teeth overlap your lower teeth.
- Underbite: your lower teeth protrude beyond your upper teeth.
- Crowding: If your jaw is too tiny, your teeth may get crowded or crooked.
- You have wider gaps between your teeth.
The type of spacing or crowding problem you have will affect how long you will need to wear Invisalign to achieve the desired results. Your orthodontist or dentist can provide you with a more accurate time estimate for your unique case.
Your age
Teeth are easier to correct when they are younger. This is why so many middle and high school children use braces.
Is this to say that adult teeth cannot be straightened? No! It means that depending on your age, it may take a little longer.
How compliant you are with your treatment plan
Another factor influencing your treatment time is how well you adhere to the treatment plan. The aligner trays used by Invisalign are designed to move one tooth at a time.
This means that when one tooth is aligned, and it's ready to go on to the next, you must switch trays. There is normally a timetable for this; if you don't stick to it, your therapy will most likely take longer.
Invisalign best practices
- Maintain your regular dentist or orthodontist appointments.
- Wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day, removing them only for eating, drinking, or for periods as needed.
- Trays are switched regularly.
- If you have any questions regarding your treatment plan, ask your dentist to review it with you.
Alternatives to Invisalign
If wearing and swapping plastic trays is inconvenient for you, or if the therapy is taking too long, you have other options.
Traditional braces, as well as lingual braces, can require less time. They may be less aesthetically beautiful, but they are frequently more efficient.
Takeaway
Invisalign is an excellent way to straighten your teeth without the hassle of traditional braces. The treatment period might be as little as six months, but everyone is different.
Invisalign treatment times might vary depending on some factors, including:
- your age and adherence to the treatment regimen
- regular check-ins with your dentist about the type of spacing or crowing issue you have
If the Invisalign treatment plan is not suited for you, traditional braces or lingual braces may be a possibility.