Invisalign has gained well-deserved popularity as an orthodontic solution since it is almost invisible in the mouth and is generally considered more comfortable to wear than traditional braces. However, before starting the treatment, you probably want to know: how long will I need to wear my Invisalign aligners? In this article, we address this question and discuss the factors that can influence the duration of your treatment.
How Long Will I Need to Wear My Invisalign Aligners?
The amount of time you will need to wear your Invisalign aligners depends on two main factors:
- The complexity of your orthodontic issues
- How well you are able to stick to the regimen of wearing your aligners
Thus, cases of minor teeth misalignment can be corrected in as little as 6 months, while more complex cases with severe misalignment and bite issues can take up to 2 years. However, in the majority of cases, Invisalign treatment takes between 12 and 18 months. Your orthodontic dentist will be able to provide a more accurate estimate of the expected treatment duration after conducting a thorough examination.
For your teeth to move through the gums and jawbone, constant pressure has to be applied to them. This means that if you do not wear your aligners all the time (at least 22 hours a day) and do not change the sets in time (typically every two weeks), the treatment will be significantly prolonged or even completely ineffective. It can be tempting to remove your trays every time they cause you discomfort or when you go out. However, constantly removing your aligners can cause your teeth to move back to their original position. As a result, you may need to take a few steps back in your treatment, which can not only increase the length of the treatment but also its cost.
However, we recommend that you prepare for the fact that, regardless of the type of orthodontic treatment you undergo, it is likely to cause some soreness, toothache, and speech difficulties from time to time, especially during the initial stages of treatment. Remember that if you are consistent with wearing your trays for the recommended 22 hours a day from the start, these feelings will subside sooner, and the treatment will proceed according to plan.
Does Treatment with Invisalign Take Longer than Treatment with Traditional Braces?
It is a common misconception that straightening your teeth with Invisalign takes longer than with metal braces. In fact, both methods take approximately the same amount of time, providing that they are used for similar issues. Another point to consider is that Invisalign will take longer than braces only if you do not wear it consistently. Since you cannot remove traditional braces at will, the treatment will typically take the amount of time estimated at the beginning of the treatment.
Another point to consider when preparing for an orthodontic treatment is that not all cases of misalignment are suitable for Invisalign. Thus, complex cases with severe teeth misalignment, crowdedness, or bite issues typically respond better to treatment with traditional metal braces. The reason for this is that metal can withstand much more pressure than the clear plastic Invisalign is made of, which is needed to move severely misaligned teeth.
This being said, Invisalign can be effectively used for the following orthodontic issues:
- Mild teeth misalignment or crowdedness
- Gaps between the teeth
- Mild underbite, overbite, crossbite, or open bite
Make an Appointment at OC Dental Specialists
If you have decided to start an orthodontic treatment with Invisalign, do not hesitate to make an appointment with an experienced dentist at OC Dental Specialists today. Our doctors will examine your case and provide an estimate of the treatment duration with Invisalign. We are looking forward to helping you achieve your best smile.