How Long Does Invisalign Take to Work? Different timescales for different versions
Invisalign can anywhere from three to 18 monthsDepending on your particular oral condition, Invisalign can vary in time.
With several systems from Invisalign Express to Invisalign Full, treatment lengths can take from three months to 18 months.
For example, if you want to correct some slight crowding, then you can expect to see fast results. Whereas, for more complex bite conditions, the wait time can extend past 12 months.
Below, we’ll explore the different types of Invisalign, how fast they are and who they are designed for so you can see which one is the perfect fit for you.
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Depending on your particular oral condition, Invisalign can vary in time.
With several systems from Invisalign Express to Invisalign Full, treatment lengths can take from three months to 18 months.
For example, if you want to correct some slight crowding, then you can expect to see fast results. Whereas, for more complex bite conditions, the wait time can extend past 12 months.
Below, we’ll explore the different types of Invisalign, how fast they are and who they are designed for so you can see which one is the perfect fit for you.
Invisalign is minimally invasive and doesn't take too long to work.
How long does Invisalign take?
On average it takes less than two years for people undergoing Invisalign to see results.
It’s not even unheard of for patients to say that they’ve noticed results themselves in just a few weeks.
The below table shows the type of Invisalign, what cases it’s used for and how long the treatment takes to give you a better idea of what’s most suitable for you.
Invisalign timelines:
Factors that cause variation in wear time
Pinpointing exact durations for treatment can be difficult when only some patients need minor alignment adjustments and others require more extensive work.
Therefore, here are just a few of the factors that can contribute to differences in treatment length:
- Tooth crowding: When jaws are too small, or the teeth are too large, they can become misaligned due to overcrowding. Minor cases can be fixed quickly, whereas moderate cases can take up to a year. The more crowding you have, the longer it will take.
- Gaps in teeth: Diastema can result from teeth that are too small compared to the jawbone. Minor gaps are quick fixes, whereas significant gaps need longer. If you have gaps and crowding, you can expect treatment to last 18 months.
- Your age: Teen teeth move a lot faster than adult teeth because their mouths are still developing – however, with that being said, some people’s teeth move faster than others regardless of age.
- Compliance: Even if you only need a minimal correction, if you do not wear your aligners as directed, you will 100% extend your treatment time.
How to shorten the Invisalign treatment period
You will be responsible for ensuring your treatment progresses on time – the central aspect of ensuring it’s a success is to wear your aligners for a minimum of 22 hours a day.
To ensure your treatment goes as smoothly and as short as possible, follow these rules:
- Follow the instructions that your orthodontist gives you
- Wear aligners for a minimum of 22 hours a day without fail
- Take proper care of your aligners – if there’s a crack, make sure to tell us
- Remove and brush out any food particles or plaque that hangs onto aligners
- Change your aligners on the correct date and always take them with you wherever you go
Generally speaking, what's the fastest brace system out there?
All brace systems are designed to target specific conditions and straighten teeth in various ways.
However, some systems, like Invisalign, can offer faster treatment options more discreetly.
Invisalign’s quickness can often be boiled down to the fact that it’s excellent for treating minor cases, where only 20-30 sets of aligner trays are required over a 6-8 month period.
But that does not mean that there are no faster versions of Invisalign available. It’s just that the fastest versions will not be applicable for conditions like severe overbites.
Other fixed brace options like 6 Month Braces are quicker than conventional metal braces. However, discreetness is not an advantage of these kinds of systems.
Start your aligner journey today
To learn more, we advise booking an Invisalign assessment with Platinum Elite Invisalign Dentist Dr Neera Maini, she will examine your condition to see your personal suitability and provide you with an estimate on how long your clear aligner journey will take.
