How can you straighten your teeth without the use of traditional braces? Invisalign is a convenient orthodontics treatment used to straighten teeth gradually, helping you achieve a straighter smile, much like how traditional braces work.
The amount of time it takes to straighten your teeth using Invisalign depends on several factors, such as how straight your teeth currently are, your age, and how closely you follow your Invisalign wearing schedule.
Many people enjoy the benefits of Invisalign; they’re clear, nearly invisible, and they don’t impact your ability to eat because you remove them beforehand.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign is a clear aligner system that is custom-designed based on moulds of your teeth. These aligners, made of comfortable BPA-free plastics, gently move your teeth into position by applying gentle pressure.
Throughout their treatment, patients are given new aligners every few weeks. The length of treatment depends on your specific bite issues and cosmetic goals.
Invisalign can benefit people with:
- Excessive overbites (when your upper teeth overlap your lower teeth)
- Underbites (when your lower teeth protrude beyond your upper teeth)
- Crowding causing teeth to become crooked
- Large gaps between their teeth
Factors That Affect How Long Invisalign Takes
Everyone’s mouth is as distinct as their fingerprint. Some patients who only require minor corrections can finish treatment quickly, while others may take more time.
Here are a few of the main factors that contribute to treatment duration differences.
Age
Invisalign is suitable for both teens and adults, but your age may influence how quickly it works. Teens’ teeth move faster and easier than adults’ teeth because they are still growing.
That said, some people’s teeth simply move faster than others, regardless of age. Some adults may see results much faster than their children, especially if they follow their treatment plan. You are never too old to benefit from clear aligners.
Teeth Crowding
The type of spacing or crowding correction you hope to achieve will determine how long you need to wear Invisalign. Your dentist can provide you with a more accurate time estimate for your unique needs. If the crowding is mild, Invisalign can treat it in a shorter timeframe than severe crowding would take.
Following Your Plan
Your treatment time is also influenced by how closely you adhere to the treatment plan. The aligner trays used by Invisalign are designed to be changed in sequence every few weeks.
This means that when one tray has completed it’s work, it’s time to move on to the next. Adhering to the timeline can help keep your aligner schedule on track.
Why Does Timing Vary So Much?
A handful of factors go into why Invisalign timing varies from person to person. Your timeline could be affected by:
- How complex your goals are
- How far your teeth must move
- How quickly your teeth move
Wearing your aligners for the recommended time can help you achieve your smile goals quickly and effectively.
Invisalign Benefits
Invisalign aligners aren’t permanently attached to your teeth, which can provide you with several freedoms and benefits.
They’re Nearly Invisible
Invisalign lives up to its name—these aligners are nearly invisible. From afar, family and friends can barely tell you’re wearing them. They are even hard to notice in photographs!
Food Freedom
Hard and sticky foods can impact traditional braces, because they are made from wires and brackets attached to the teeth. With Invisalign, you can remove your tray and enjoy the foods you love, reducing the risk of damaging your aligners.
Increased Independence
When you start Invisalign treatment, you begin with a tray of aligners for your teeth. After some time, you can trade in your old aligners for new ones. Traditional braces can require frequent visits to the dentist for adjustments, but Invisalign provides you with independence, meaning you may not have to see your dentist as often during your treatment.
Discuss Your Options with Your Dentist
How do you know if Invisalign is for you? Book an appointment with Sunshine Dental to see if you can straighten your teeth with Invisalign and get started today. Because every situation is unique, you can discuss how long Invisalign may take to correct your teeth when you speak with your dentist.
