Invisalign is an extraordinarily popular alternative to traditional braces that are bonded to the teeth. With myriad benefits such as being able to eat what you want, greater discretion while undergoing orthodontic treatment, and enhanced comfort, it’s no surprise that millions of adults and teens have chosen to perfect their smiles and correct bite issues with Invisalign. Even better? It doesn’t take any longer to straighten teeth with Invisalign than it does with braces in most cases. Read on to learn more about how long it will take to straighten your teeth with Invisalign.
Invisalign Treatment: It May Be Faster than You Think
All patients are different, so the length of treatment will vary. However, most patients will complete Invisalign treatment within 12-18 months. Some patients with significant bite issues or alignment issues may require treatment for up to two years. On the other hand, patients who have minor alignment issues, or adults who had braces as a teen, but have experienced shifting teeth as they age, may only need to wear Invisalign for six months.
When you visit your orthodontist, they will be able to provide you with an accurate timeline for completing treatment.
Patient Compliance Plays a Significant Role in Invisalign Treatment Time Invisalign
One of the key differences between Invisalign and traditional braces is that the patient is in control of their treatment. Instead of brackets that are bonded to the teeth, Invisalign trays are removed every time you eat or drink anything other than water. This means that it is up to each patient to wear their alignment trays as prescribed by their orthodontist.
Failing to wear the alignment trays for 20-22 hours each day will result in prolonged treatment. For parents concerned that their teen may be bending the rules and failing to wear their trays as prescribed, Invisalign introduced compliance indicators on Invisalign Teen alignment trays. The compliance indicators are tiny blue colored dots on the trays that can’t be seen when the trays are being worn. When your teen is wearing their alignment trays as indicated, the blue dots will slowly fade.
If your teen is not wearing the trays as prescribed, parents and the orthodontist will be able to tell as the blue dots will remain.
Other Factors Affecting Length of Treatment with Invisalign
There are other factors, unique to each patient that will determine the length of Invisalign treatment.
Severity of Malocclusion
A problem with your bite (underbite, overbite, crossbite, open bite) is called a malocclusion. There are varying degrees of malocclusions that will determine the length of your treatment with Invisalign. A severe overbite, for example, will take longer to correct than a mild overbite.
Gaps in Teeth
If you have large gaps between teeth, your treatment time will be longer than patients with minor gaps, or those without gaps.
Current Alignment of Teeth
If your teeth are only a bit crooked, or a bit crowded, your treatment time will be shorter than patients who have significantly slanted or crowded teeth.
Book a Consultation for Invisalign Treatment in Conover, NC
The most reliable way to learn how long your treatment or your teen’s treatment with Invisalign will take is to book a consultation with a leading Invisalign provider. r. Andrew Hass is highly experienced in successfully treating adults and teens from Conover, Hickory, Newton, and Boone with Invisalign. To book your consultation, call 828-464-5300, or send us a message. To best accommodate busy patients, Hass Family Orthodontics begins seeing patients as early as 7:40 am Monday- Thursday.