In addition to being virtually undetectable, clear aligners offer patients an additional benefit: a shorter average treatment timeline! So, if you want to straighten your teeth before a special event, like a wedding or family reunion, then there’s a good chance that Invisalign is the solution you’ve been looking for. But how long does Invisalign treatment take on average? To find out, read on!
So, How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Take?
On average, Invisalign delivers results in just 12-18 months. Since traditional braces can take 36 months or more, this is an incredible leap forward. However, it’s important to remember that each treatment plan is custom, so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. While one patient may only need six months, the next might need 24 – it really depends!
3 Factors That Affect the Length of Your Treatment Timeline
At your consultation, your dental team will take X-rays and conduct a thorough oral exam to ensure your teeth and gums are free of decay and infections. Then, they will carefully scan your teeth to get a better idea of the complexity of your case. From there, they can determine:
- If one or both arches of teeth need to be straightened
- How many aligners are needed
- If orthodontic accessories need to be added to your treatment plan, like rubber bands
Important note: How well you follow the treatment guidelines provided by your dentist will also impact your treatment timeline. For example, if you consistently wear your aligners for less than 20 hours a day, then your teeth won’t move as anticipated and a new treatment plan will need to be made.
7 Helpful Tips for Staying On-Track with Your Treatment Plan
While you can’t speed up your treatment timeline, there are certainly best practices you can put into place to prevent delays. With this in mind, make sure to:
- Wear your aligners as much as possible (ideally 22 hours a day)
- Switch to each new set of trays on the correct day
- Brush and floss your teeth after each meal to prevent cavities
- Prioritize your check-in visits with your dentist
- Never wrap your aligners in a napkin or leave them out on the table
- Clean your trays twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and water
- Avoid using hot water when rinsing your aligners
About the Practice
MoreSMILES Dental Spa has proudly offered Invisalign to patients in and around Covington for several years now. In fact, Dr. Moreau was one of the first Invisalign dentists in the U.S.! With him leading the way, we do our best to make the teeth-straightening journey as convenient and comfortable as possible for our patients – from utilizing the latest dental technology to offering additional financing options. In short, if you want to learn more about the Invisalign treatment process, visit our website or call (985) 809-7645.