If you're thinking about getting Invisalign, it's understandable to worry about how long the treatment will take to work. The short answer is that it depends. Each case is unique, and your treatment timeline will depend on the following factors:
For these reasons, every Invisalign treatment is tailored to meet the specific needs of individual patients. However, an Invisalign treatment will take about 12 – 18 months. In lighter cases, it can last between 6 and 8 months.
The Invisalign trays you receive are designed to help move your teeth closer into the correct position. Because each set will only shift your teeth slowly, it may take some time before you notice recognizable results. Thus, it's safe to say that Invisalign aligners are not a quick fix, and they can only deliver the best results if you're willing to put in the time and work.
Like other teeth restoration treatment options, Invisalign requires commitment. Wearing Invisalign aligners is a responsibility you must honor if you're committed to getting a beautiful, straight smile. Generally, you must wear your Invisalign trays for at least 20 to 22 hours a day, without exceptions. Remove your trays only 5 – 6 times daily, especially when eating, snacking, or cleaning your mouth.
Both Invisalign and braces are effective teeth alignment treatment procedures. However, patients using traditional braces may see results faster because braces are designed to align teeth in a way that is irregular than Invisalign.
Metal braces exert pressure on every tooth all at once, even on the already aligned tooth. This means that your aligned teeth will be pressured out of their correct position, only to adjust later. In addition, traditional braces are better for patients with severely crooked teeth and most teens.
On the other hand, Invisalign can align your teeth without interfering with your straight teeth. Each tooth is aligned individually, with movement starting slowly and steadily increasing with subsequent Invisalign aligners. Unlike braces, Invisalign delivers long-term results faster, making it a great choice for patients who want a nearly invisible tooth straightening option.
After an Invisalign treatment, you will need to wear retainers to hold your teeth in the current position and maintain a straight smile. Without these retainers, your teeth can easily shift back to where they were before the treatment. It's important to get your retainers evaluated routinely by a Baton Rouge dentist to ensure they're in the proper position.
If you have more questions about the Invisalign timeline, we are ready to assist you at Stevens Dental. We specialize in various dentistry services, including Invisalign treatment, which qualifies us to answer any question or concern you may have.
To learn more or access our services, please get in touch with us online or call us at (225) 291-2111 to book an Invisalign assessment with Dr. Kasan Stevens, our lead dentist.
Monday: 8:00am-5:00pm
Tuesday: 8:00am-3:30pm
Wednesday: 8:00am-5:00pm
Thursday: 8:00am-3:30pm
Friday: Closed