Many people are eager to straighten their teeth into healthier alignments, but some of them may be hesitant to commit to irremovable and conspicuous traditional metal braces that require a range of frustrating dietary restrictions. Thankfully, Invisalign is a modern alternative to conventional orthodontic methods that realigns teeth using a series of removable and virtually invisible clear aligner trays. Here’s a brief overview of how long Invisalign treatment can take as well as some information on a few factors that can affect this timeframe.
How Does Invisalign Straighten Teeth?
At the beginning of your Invisalign treatment, your dentist will measure your teeth using a specialized device to create a 3D map of your smile. This information will be used to manufacture a series of customized aligner trays designed to gradually shift your teeth into better positions. You’ll need to wear each set of aligners for at least twenty hours each day for about two weeks before switching to the next pair in the sequence. Each set will move your teeth a little closer to their ideal alignment, and you’ll be left with a healthier and more beautiful smile when the process is over.
How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Last?
Since each orthodontic patient is different, the length of one Invisalign treatment can differ considerably from that of another. However, it typically takes six to eighteen months for a patient to complete Invisalign, and the average treatment time is about twelve months. While patients with milder alignment issues can usually expect to have shorter treatment times than those with severe malocclusions, there are a number of factors that can help the process go smoothly or cause inconvenient delays.
What Factors Can Affect Invisalign Treatment Time?
There are a number of factors that can affect how long your Invisalign treatment will take, and a few of them are:
- Compliance: Consistently meeting the twenty-hour minimum wear time requirement is a key part of ensuring that your treatment goes smoothly while preventing complications and delays. Ideally, you will only remove your aligners when eating, performing oral hygiene, or drinking anything but water.
- Oral hygiene: Invisalign clear aligners can shelter food debris trapped between them and the teeth from the mouth’s natural cleaning process, leading to oral infections. To avoid needing restorative treatments that can delay the Invisalign process, make sure to brush, floss, and use antibacterial mouthwash daily as instructed.
- Damaged or lost aligners: While Invisalign aligners are incredibly durable, they are not designed to withstand the pressures of chewing. Remember to remove your aligners before meals so they don’t get damaged and store them in a protective case when not wearing them so they don’t get lost.
Invisalign can deliver magnificent results without the discomfort and eating restrictions that come with traditional braces. By complying with your dentist’s instructions, you can stay on the quickest and smoothest path to a beautifully realigned smile.
About the Practice
Grateful Dentists offers the finest oral health services available in the Billerica area. Led by Dr. Adam Danzig and Rachel Snook, the staff ensures that each patient receives genuine compassion and exemplary care in a warm and welcoming environment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as Invisalign treatments. To schedule your Invisalign consultation, contact the office online or dial (978) 667-2741.