How Long Does Invisalign Take to Work?

Invisalign is a common appliance that many people turn to for straighter teeth.

But how long does it take to work?

At Elevate, mostInvisalign treatments take 7 to 9 months, although every case is different. Invisalign aligner treatment time is directly related to the complexity of the issue you want to address.

Read on to learn more about what might cause a longer wait for Invisalign results, as well as alternative teeth-straightening methods, such as fixed braces.

How does Invisalign work?

Invisalign is a type of removable aligner that uses plastic trays to realign your teeth slowly. The trays are worn 20 to 22 hours per day, only being removed for eating and brushing your teeth.

Invisalign is provided by dentists who have completed Invisalign training. At Elevate, your treatment is planned and monitored by your dentist. Your doctor will take special 3-D images of your mouth or plaster moulds of your mouth at your initial visit.

These will then be used to create Invisalign trays for your teeth.

What types of things affect treatment time?

Simpler cases can finish sooner and more complex cases can take longer. Your dentist will give you an estimate once they've assessed your teeth.

There are a few different factors that may increase your treatment time:

The type of occlusion or spacing you have

Invisalign can be a great solution if you have the following orthodontic issues:

• Overbite: your upper teeth overlap your lower teeth
• Underbite: your lower teeth extend past your upper teeth
• Crowding: if you have a smaller jaw, your teeth may become crowded or crooked
• Gap: you have larger spaces between your teeth

The type of spacing or crowding issue you have will determine how long you’ll need to wear Invisalign to get the results you want. Your dentist can give you a time estimate for your specific case.

Your age

When you’re younger, your teeth tend to be easier to realign. This doesn't mean adults can't straighten their teeth. Treatment may take a little longer, depending on your age. At Elevate, Invisalign treatment is provided to patients aged 18 and over.

How compliant you are with your treatment plan

Another thing that may affect your orthodontic treatment time is how closely you follow the treatment plan. Invisalign aligner trays are designed to move one tooth at a time.

This means that once one tooth is aligned and it’s time to move on to the next aligner, you’ll have to switch trays. There’s usually a set schedule for this, and if you don’t follow it, undergoing treatment will take longer.

Alternatives to Invisalign

If wearing and switching plastic trays doesn’t work for you, or the treatment period takes too long, there are other options.

Fixed braces, including lingual braces fitted behind the teeth, are another option and may suit some cases better. Your dentist can talk you through whether they suit your teeth.

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