Posted on September 22, 2020
On average, Invisalign takes about 12 months to straighten a patient’s smile (that’s half the amount of time as traditional braces!), but you still need to keep in mind that every patient is different.
Invisalign braces are a modern alternative to metal braces. They can be used for slight cosmetic adjustments or even major alignments and they can be used by both teens and adults. One of the main questions patients have when they start looking at their options for treatment is: how long will it take to see results? If you’re considering Invisalign treatment in Stoney Creek as an alternative to metal braces, here’s what you need to know about how long it will take to work.
Treatment Process
The process for each patient will be unique. Your dentist will set up an appointment with you to review what your current dental impressions look like and what they could look like with treatment. Your dentist will go through a digital timeline of what changes you can expect to see, and how each phase will look. Once you agree on your plan, your personal trays will be made.
Starting Treatment
Once you have received your customized trays, your dentist will direct you as to any special instructions for your treatment plan. Generally, patients will wear the trays for 20 – 22 hours every day, and each set of trays will be worn for 1 to 2 weeks. Each set of trays, or aligners, will gradually shift your teeth into the final position.
Follow up Appointments with Your Dentist
Over the course of your treatment, your dentist may want to schedule appointments to make sure your teeth are progressing as initially planned. They will help to ensure your teeth are shifting as expected, and that there aren’t any issues with the aligners.
Length of Invisalign Treatment
While the average Invisalign treatment time is approximately 12 months – often significantly shorter than traditional braces – it's essential to remember that this is just an average. Several factors can influence the duration of your specific treatment:
- Complexity of Your Case: The extent of the orthodontic issues being addressed plays a significant role. Mild misalignments will naturally require less time to correct than more complex cases involving significant bite issues or rotations.
- Patient Compliance: Wearing your aligners for the recommended 20 to 22 hours per day is critical for the treatment to progress efficiently. Inconsistent wear can significantly extend the overall timeline.
- Number of Aligner Sets: The total number of aligner sets required to achieve your desired outcome will directly impact the treatment length. More complex cases typically require a greater number of aligners.
- Refinements: In some instances, after the initial set of aligners, additional aligner sets called "refinements" may be necessary to achieve the final desired alignment. This can add to the overall treatment time.
- Individual Biology: How quickly your teeth respond to the gentle pressure of the aligners can vary from person to person, influencing the overall timeline.
When Will You See Changes?
Many patients begin to notice some initial shifting of their teeth within the first few weeks of starting Invisalign treatment. You'll likely experience a more noticeable change when you transition between aligner sets, as each new set is designed to move your teeth further.
It's also important to be aware that changes in the front teeth are often more visible to you than movements in the back teeth. If your primary concerns are with teeth towards the back of your mouth, the changes might be less immediately apparent.
During your initial consultation and throughout your treatment planning, your dentist will use digital imaging to show you a virtual mock-up of your smile transformation over time. This will provide you with a more personalized understanding of the expected changes and the estimated duration to achieve them.
Ready to Learn More About Your Invisalign Timeline?
If you're considering Invisalign to achieve a straighter smile and are curious about what your individual treatment timeline might look like, we encourage you to contact Stoney Creek Dental today to schedule a comprehensive consultation. We can assess your specific needs and provide you with a personalized treatment plan and estimated duration.
If you are considering Invisalign braces to straighten your teeth or fix your bite, contact Stoney Creek Dental today to schedule your consultation.