Are you going to get your teeth straightened? How long does Invisalign take to straighten your teeth? Find out more about it right here.
We no longer have to tolerate braces, headgear, and other forms of “metal mouth” because our teeth are crooked.
Clear plastic aligners, such as Invisalign, are now popular among adults and teenagers alike. Invisalign claims to straighten your teeth without the use of metal hardware, and its unobtrusive appearance makes it ideal for older teens and adults who do not want to be seen wearing braces.
However, how long does Invisalign take to straighten teeth, and is it the best option for you? Continue reading to learn more.
How Long Does Invisalign Take to Straighten Teeth?
If you are one of the 65 percent of adults in America who have misaligned teeth, you are most likely one of the following:
- As a child, you never had braces or other tooth alignment.
- You had braces, but because you didn’t wear your retainer, your teeth shifted over time.
In either case, Invisalign can help you achieve a straighter smile sooner than you think. Most patients see results within a few weeks, and the entire course of treatment takes about a year. Wearing a retainer after treatment will help to keep your new smile in place.
Factors Contributing to Variation in Wear Time
Every person’s mouth is as unique as their fingerprint. As a result, determining the exact duration of treatment is impossible. Some patients with minor corrections can complete treatment in as little as six months, while others may need up to 18 months.
Here are a few of the major factors that influence treatment duration.
Teeth Crowding
If your jaw is too small (or your teeth are too big), you may have misaligned teeth due to crowding. Minor crowding can be corrected in six months, whereas moderate crowding can take up to a year. The more crowded your teeth are, the further they must move and the longer the treatment will take.
Gaps in Teeth
Diaastemata, or gaps between teeth, can develop as a result of tissue overgrowth or small teeth in comparison to the jawbone. Minor gaps, such as crowding, will close much faster than severe gaps.
If you have moderate to severe gaps and crowding, your treatment will most likely take 18 months or longer, depending on how quickly your teeth adjust.
In some cases, the jaw is too large and the teeth are too small. This may make it more difficult to close your gaps. Following Invisalign, the dentist may suggest additional procedures such as bonding or veneers.
Patient Age
Although Invisalign is appropriate for both teens and adults, your age may influence how quickly it works. Because teens’ teeth are still growing, they move faster and easier than adults’ teeth.
However, regardless of age, some people’s teeth simply move faster than others. Some seniors may see results much sooner than their children (though compliance with a treatment plan might have something to do with that). Clear aligners can help people of all ages.
Compliance
Even if your teeth require only minor correction from the start, failing to wear your aligners as directed can significantly lengthen your treatment time.
Wear your Invisalign trays for at least 22 hours per day for the best results. You can clean, eat, and brush your teeth while they are removed. However, you should wear them at all other times of the day and night, including while sleeping.
If you do not wear your aligners for the recommended amount of time, you may experience treatment regression as your teeth shift back to their original positions.
How Does Invisalign Compare to Traditional Braces?
Although Invisalign trays are not permanently attached to your teeth, they can work as quickly as or faster than traditional braces. For aesthetic reasons, many adults dislike wearing metal braces, but this isn’t the only disadvantage of traditional braces.
For one thing, eating a crunchy snack makes the metal wires far too easy to snap, extending your treatment time. One of the reasons why braces come with dietary restrictions is because of this. A typical list of brace no-nos includes:
- Crunchy snacks, such as popcorn
- Pretzels and nuts are examples of hard foods.
- Bagels or licorice candies are examples of chewy foods.
- Anything clingy, such as chewing gum or caramel
- Any food that requires biting into, such as whole apples or corn on the cob
Going a long time without your favorite foods is a real pain for those of us who can’t go to the movies without popcorn or a fall festival without eating a caramel apple. However, because Invisalign trays are removed when you eat, there are no dietary restrictions during your treatment. Furthermore, while acrylic aligners are not indestructible, they are far more durable than thin metal wires and rubber bands.
How Do I Know if Invisalign Is Right for Me?
The best way to find out if clear aligners are right for you is to schedule a free consultation with McCarty Orthodontics in Katy, TX. We can answer any questions you have about the procedure, such as “how long does Invisalign take to straighten teeth like mine?”
