Are you just starting your Invisalign treatment journey? A burning question on your mind will likely be: "how long will it take for Invisalign to work and change my smile?"
As your trusted orthodontic specialists, we take a close look at the entire Invisalign treatment timeline in this article. We also cover factors that can affect how long it takes to get the perfect smile and if any extra treatments are needed.
How long does it take before I see the results of Invisalign?
The exact time it takes depends on each person, but most adults can see their teeth completely transformed between 6-18 months.
With milder dental issues, you could achieve perfect results in a few months, while complex cases can see your Invisalign treatment extended beyond a year.
What factors determine the length of Invisalign treatment?
Several factors can affect how long your Invisalign treatment will take. Let's look at them in more detail:
The type of dental issue you have
If you have minor spacing or slight misalignment, your treatment will be faster. These simpler issues can be corrected more quickly than severe problems like crowding or deep bite, which require more time and effort to fix.
Your age
Age plays a significant role in the speed of your treatment. Younger patients' teeth can move into place more quickly. As we age, this bone remodeling process slows down, potentially extending the treatment time. So, younger patients often see quicker results.
How well you comply with wearing instructions
For optimal results, you need to wear your aligners consistently for 20-22 hours every day. This consistency is key because it ensures your teeth are continuously guided into their new positions. If you don't wear them as recommended, it can delay your progress and extend the overall treatment time.
Biological response
Everyone's body responds differently to treatment. Some individuals may experience quicker tooth movement, while others might see slower progress. This biological variability means that even with the same treatment plan, results can differ from person to person.
Maintaining your smile after treatment
After your Invisalign treatment, it's important to follow your orthodontist's instructions to keep your new smile looking great. This usually means wearing retainers for a specific time.
Retainers help your teeth stay in their new positions and prevent them from shifting back. Our orthodontic specialists will tell you how often and how long you need to wear them.
Embrace your Invisalign journey and get the perfect smile you deserve
While you might be excited to get started with your Invisalign treatment, you may struggle to adapt to the timeline and slight lifestyle and diet changes that come with it.
That's no reason to be discouraged, though. The end goal is a straighter, more confident smile, and the duration shouldn't matter. What matters is sticking to your orthodontist's recommendations.
At Brunswick Valley Orthodontics, our orthodontic specialists can design a customized treatment plan so you can get the results you want in the best possible time.