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Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment that uses clear aligners to straighten teeth, popularised in recent years by celebrity endorsements and a plethora of glowing before and after pictures. Currently it’s used by nearly 13 million people worldwide. It's the preferred choice for many due to its discreet appearance and convenience. One of the most common questions patients have is, ‘How long does Invisalign take to work?’ The answer varies depending on several factors, including the type of Invisalign treatment you opt for, the complexity of your case, and your commitment to the treatment plan. This blog will delve into the different aspects that influence the duration of Invisalign treatment.
The duration of Invisalign treatment varies based on the specific product and the individual's dental needs. Here’s a breakdown of the typical time frames for different Invisalign products.
Invisalign i7 is designed for minor dental corrections, typically involves just 7 aligners and a treatment duration of 3 to 6 months. This option is ideal for patients with only slight misalignments or for those who need minor adjustments after previous orthodontic work.
Invisalign Express is intended for mild to moderate corrections, and is designed to work relatively quickly. It involves around 10 aligners over the course of about 6 months; more aligners than the i7, but in a shorter time period. This option is suitable for patients who have slight alignment issues or those who have had minor relapse after previous orthodontic treatment.
Invisalign Lite is used for moderate corrections and typically involves up to 14 aligners. The treatment duration for Invisalign Lite is usually around 6 to 8 months. It's a good option for patients who need more correction than what Invisalign Express can offer but do not require full treatment.
Invisalign Go is aimed at patients who need moderate dental corrections, often involving as many as 20 aligners. This treatment typically takes around 7 to 12 months, and is the system is commonly used for patients with more noticeable alignment issues that still do not require the full range of Invisalign treatment.
Invisalign Full is the comprehensive treatment option designed to address a wide range of dental issues, including severe misalignments and any bite problems. The treatment duration can range from 12 to 18 months or longer, depending on the complexity of the case and how strictly the patient adheres to the rules of their treatment. This option provides the most extensive correction available with Invisalign.
Invisalign Teen is specifically designed for teenagers, accommodating mouths that have yet to stop growing. The treatment duration is comparable to Invisalign Full, typically ranging from 12 to 18 months. It includes special features like compliance indicators to ensure the aligners are worn as prescribed.
Severely crowded teeth require more time to move into proper alignment. The degree of crowding impacts the number of aligners needed, and therefore the overall treatment duration.
Closing gaps between teeth can vary in time depending on the size and location of the gaps. As you might expect, larger gaps generally take longer to close than smaller ones.
Age can influence how quickly teeth move. Younger patients often experience faster movement due to more pliable jawbones and dental structures.
Strict adherence to wearing the aligners for the recommended 20 to 22 hours per day is crucial for staying on track with the treatment plan. Inconsistent wear can prolong the treatment duration.
While the exact duration of your Invisalign treatment depends on individual circumstances, there are several ways to potentially shorten the treatment period:
Invisalign is one of the faster orthodontic treatments available on the market today, especially for mild to moderate cases. However, the speed of any treatment depends on the complexity of the dental issues being addressed. Traditional braces may sometimes be faster for severe cases - but Invisalign offers the advantage of being discreet and often more comfortable.
The Invisalign process involves several steps; these are usually the same no matter which dental practice you attend:
The number of aligners you need depends on the complexity of your case. Mild cases may require as few as 7 aligners, while more complex cases can involve 30 or more. Your orthodontist will determine the exact number based on your individual treatment plan.
To achieve the best possible results, it’s recommended to wear Invisalign aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day, encouraging your teeth to move continuously towards the desired position. Aligners should only be removed for eating, drinking (anything other than water), and oral hygiene practices (cleaning your aligners and brushing your teeth).
Invisalign can effectively correct various bite problems, but the duration can vary.
More severe instances of these bite problems may require surgery.
Patients often start noticing minor improvements in their teeth alignment within a few weeks of starting their treatment plan. However, significant changes typically only become visible after a few months - taking before and after pictures can make these changes easier to track. The exact timeline can vary, but seeing noticeable results early in the treatment can be the motivation that many patients need to keep going with their plan.
Here are some tips to ensure your Invisalign treatment is as efficient as possible.
Adhering to the 20 to 22 hours per day rule is critical for staying on track with your treatment plan. The more consistent you are, the faster you will see results. Remember this every time you consider not putting your aligner back in.
Brush and floss your teeth regularly to prevent cavities and gum disease, which can slow down the treatment process. You should also clean your aligners daily to avoid bacterial buildup.
Attend all scheduled appointments to monitor your progress and make necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. This helps ensure your teeth are moving as expected.
The road to straighter teeth isn’t the same for everyone. Essentially, the duration of Invisalign treatment varies widely based on individual circumstances, the specific product used, and how well you follow your treatment plan. However, with proper care and adherence to the guidelines, Invisalign can be an effective and swift method for achieving a beautiful, straight smile.
If the time is right for you to start your Invisalign journey, get in touch today to find out more from the experts at Beech Lane Dental Care.
