How Long Does Invisalign Take? A Detailed Breakdown

April 9, 2024

Anyone who’s considering an orthodontic treatment has a single, common question: How long does Invisalign in Smyrna, TN, take? Even if clear aligners offer decreased discomfort in comparison to braces, it makes sense to wish for a prompt procedure that allows you to enjoy a straight and healthy smile as soon as possible.  

Several factors can affect the duration of your clear aligner’s treatment, from the state of your malocclusion to your commitment to following your orthodontist’s instructions. Still, to help you gain an idea of what you can expect, here’s a breakdown of how long it can take, with an explanation of the factors that may affect your process.

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign® is a popular orthodontic treatment that can successfully solve malocclusion without requiring traditional braces. It works by developing a series of custom-designed invisible trays that exert pressure on your teeth to slowly shift them to the desired positions.

After a few weeks, each tray needs to be replaced with the next one, and this allows Invisalign to solve different orthodontic issues, like:

Many patients wonder if replacing the traditional braces and wires with clear aligners will make their treatment times longer. Studies have shown this is not true, as patients getting Invisalign often experience shorter treatment times than braces.

Nevertheless, the reason behind this is that Invisalign is often used for slighter misalignment cases. More complex malocclusion cases will require braces, sometimes involving surgeries like tooth extractions.

How Long Does Invisalign Take?

The simplest response is: It depends! While moderate cases might only take three to six months to correct, complex cases might take up to 18 months or more. Numerous factors can affect how long the treatment lasts.  

Because you can remove your aligners at any time to observe the results of your treatment, many Invisalign patients report seeing a change in their teeth within a few weeks of beginning treatment.  

A series of clear aligners make up the aligner treatment; each pair is usually worn for 10–14 days before being replaced. Every new set of aligners is a little different from the one before it, and they work by applying precise pressure to your teeth to get the movement you want.

Factors that Affect the Duration of Your Invisalign Treatment

While the best way to understand how long you’ll have to wear your clear aligners is by consulting with an orthodontist, several factors can affect your treatment duration.

Some factors to consider include:

Patient Compliance

Patient compliance with the orthodontist’s instructions plays an important role in the duration of your process. Wearing aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours a day is needed to complete your treatment as projected.

Occasionally breaking this rule is not going to jeopardize your treatment completely, but if you’re regularly leaving your aligners out for more than four hours a day, your teeth won’t move as planned.

You may need to wear your next set of aligners for a longer period of time to get your teeth back on track, and the next set may not even fit correctly. This will not only affect how long your treatment takes, but it will also make it more expensive.

Age

Because the teeth and jawbone respond better to treatment when they are still growing and developing, braces are frequently used on children and teenagers.

While this doesn’t mean adults can’t get orthodontic treatments, age can make movement slower.

Adherence to Appointments

During your Invisalign treatment, you will need to attend routine examinations. During them, we will order your next set of aligners and make sure your teeth are moving as intended.

The length of your treatment may be prolonged if you miss an appointment.

Broken or Lost Aligners

Although the polyurethane-based polymer used to make clear aligners is strong enough to move your teeth, it is not invincible. If you lose or break an aligner, you will need to wait for a replacement and go back to the old set, which will delay the completion of your treatment.

When you are not wearing your aligners, always put them in a case to prevent this, and make sure to clean them regularly.

Braces or Aligners?

When deciding between braces and Invisalign, having an open and informed discussion with your dentist is essential. Both options can effectively straighten teeth, but they differ significantly in terms of aesthetics, convenience, cost, and treatment timeline. Your dentist will evaluate your oral health, dental alignment, and lifestyle preferences to recommend the best option for you. Preparing for this conversation with questions and a clear understanding of your goals will ensure you make a choice that aligns with your needs.

Braces are a traditional and effective method for correcting severe alignment issues, such as significant crowding, overbites, or underbites. During your discussion, your dentist might explain that braces are particularly suitable for complex cases that require precise adjustments. They may also address concerns about visibility and comfort, offering reassurance about advancements in braces, like ceramic or lingual options, which are less noticeable. It’s essential to discuss the maintenance involved, such as avoiding certain foods and diligent cleaning, to ensure effective treatment.

On the other hand, your dentist will likely highlight the discreet appearance of Invisalign, which appeals to many adults and teens. They’ll also explain the importance of wearing the aligners for 20-22 hours daily and the need to switch to a new set every one to two weeks.

Get Invisalign in Smyrna, TN

Each patient is unique, and that’s why a personalized assessment by an orthodontist is the only way to determine an accurate timeline for your treatment.

Our team understands that choosing orthodontic treatment is a big decision, and we’re here to answer all your questions and ensure you feel confident about your options. Invisalign offers a discreet and comfortable solution for straightening your teeth, and we’re excited to help you explore how it could work for you.

Reach out to Happy Harpeth Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics today to schedule your consultation. Together, we’ll create a personalized plan to transform your smile and boost your confidence!

*Invisalign®, the Invisalign logo, and iTero®, among others, are trademarks and/ or service marks of Align Technology, Inc. or one of its subsidiaries or affiliated companies and may be registered in the U.S. and/or other countries.