Today, Invisalign clear aligners are deservingly one of the most popular ways to straighten your teeth. The reason for this is that it is almost invisible in the mouth and, in many cases, is just as effective as traditional braces. But how long does Invisalign take to correct a smile? In this article, we discuss the factors that can affect the duration of an orthodontic treatment with Invisalign.
How Long Does Invisalign Take to Correct a Smile?
An orthodontic treatment with Invisalign involves wearing sets of transparent plastic trays. The trays constantly apply pressure to your teeth, thus gradually moving them into the correct position within the jawbone and gum. The pressure points are chosen strategically throughout the treatment to achieve optimal results. The trays are typically changed to a new set approximately every two weeks as the teeth are ready for the next step in the treatment.
Invisalign aligners can be effective for treating the following orthodontic issues:
- Crowded teeth
- Gaps between the teeth
- Overbite and underbite
- Crooked teeth
There is a common misconception that orthodontic treatment with Invisalign takes longer than treatment with traditional metal braces. In fact, treatment with both methods takes approximately the same amount of time, provided that they are treating the same issues. The duration of your treatment with Invisalign clear aligners can take from as little as 6 months to as long as two years, depending on two main factors. Let’s examine the factors that can impact the timeline of your Invisalign treatment in more detail.
The Initial Condition of Your Teeth
The severity of teeth misalignment and bite issues will be the most important factor in determining the duration of your Invisalign treatment. For example, straightforward cases with minor issues, such as a slight misalignment of a few teeth, can be resolved in as little as 6 months. However, treating more complicated cases of misalignment or bite issues can take up to two years. On average, Invisalign treatments take between 12 and 18 months to correct smile misalignment.
Although Invisalign is effective in most cases, there are situations where it may not be the most practical choice. Your doctor may recommend traditional metal braces if you have severe misalignment, crowding, and bite issues. In such cases, your orthodontic appliances will need to withstand and apply a significant amount of pressure to effectively move the teeth. Because metal is a more durable material than the clear plastic of Invisalign trays, it may be a more suitable option.
The Consistency with Which You Wear Your Aligners
To achieve results in a timely manner, you should wear your Invisalign aligners for at least 22 hours a day. However, it is understandable that this can be challenging for some people. Generally, Most people consider Invisalign to be much comfortable than traditional braces. However, as is true of any orthodontic treatment, Invisalign can cause discomfort and soreness, especially at the beginning and when you switch to a new set of trays. Therefore, some people may want to remove their trays for longer periods than they should.
We strongly recommend removing your aligners only when eating and cleaning your teeth. Otherwise, the treatment is likely to be significantly prolonged or simply ineffective. Additionally, if you adhere to the rules from the very first day, you will become accustomed to your trays much faster, and the discomfort will subside sooner. If your trays irritate your gums, try using a thin layer of dental wax to protect your gums until they become accustomed to the trays.
When it comes to speaking, most people experience difficulty pronouncing some sounds or have a lisp when they just start wearing their trays. However, the more you practice speaking with Invisalign, the faster these issues will go away. You can also read poetry, tongue twisters, or just any text aloud to facilitate the process.
If you suspect that you do not have enough discipline to wear your Invisalign for the recommended 22 hours a day or worry you will simply forget them, it might be better to choose traditional braces that you cannot remove at will.
Get Orthodontic Treatment at Encino Family Dental
Do not hesitate to make an appointment with an experienced orthodontic dentist at Encino Family Dental today. Our specialists will consider factors such as your dental condition, budget, and lifestyle to provide you with a comprehensive and effective course of orthodontic treatment. We are looking forward to seeing you in our dental office.
