How Long Does Invisalign Take? A Roadmap for your Smile Journey
How Long Does Invisalign Take? Timelines, Important Info, and More
The nickname “brace face” is a thing of the past—with new orthodontic technology, there is a smarter and easier way to help you fix your teeth. Invisalign is one of the best ways to help straighten your teeth and fix other specific dental issues you may have. Wondering how long does Invisalign take to work or how much it may cost? As experts in all things orthodontics, we’ve created this informative roadmap with everything you need to know about the Invisalign process from start to finish.
How Long Does Invisalign Take and What is its Purpose?
Understand the Perks to Invisalign Before Getting Started
Many patients have questions about Invisalign vs Braces, so before we address how long Invisalign takes, let’s talk about the specifics of clear aligner treatment. Invisalign aligners are the most popular alternatives to braces because they are practically invisible. Patients find treatment to be more visually appealing and appreciate the flexibility to remove them when eating or drinking.
Clear aligners can fix a variety of teeth straightening concerns, including overcrowding, gap teeth, and even overbites and underbites, making them a very versatile product. It’s important to keep in mind that the aligners must be worn 22 hours a day or else they won’t work as intended, so be sure you’re up for the commitment.
So, how long does Invisalign take? The answer is dependent on several factors:
Compliance: Patients who wear their aligners for the recommended 22 hours per day typically experience results that are more consistent with their treatment plan.
Severity of the Case: Cases with severe crowding or gaps take longer than mild cosmetic fixes.
Your Orthodontist’s Recommendations: Some orthodontists recommend wearing each set of aligners for 1 week or 2 weeks, depending on a number of factors.
As a whole, you should expect treatment to take anywhere from 6 to 18 months on average, followed by nighttime retainer usage after treatment.
Schedule Your Consultation Appointment
Ask Any Questions, Such as “How Long Does Invisalign Take?” and ‘How much does Invisalign cost?”
Once you’ve decided that Invisalign is something you’d be interested in, it’s time to schedule a free Invisalign consultation to make sure these aligners are the right fit for you. If you live in Northern Virginia, you can schedule yours with Legacy Orthodontics and see Dr. Lombard, Leesburg’s premier Invisalign specialist. We can show you how clear aligners are capable of fixing a variety of smile concerns, and also help you determine if traditional braces are a better option for you. Here are some questions you should ask during the consultation to find the right fit for you:
How much will it cost?
How long does Invisalign take for my specific needs?
Did you attend an accredited orthodontic residency program?
Is Invisalign better than braces for me?
Do you have any before and after photos of your work?
Will I need Invisalign refinements, attachments or buttons?
After finding the orthodontist for you, they will make a treatment plan that is tailored specifically to your smile goals and dental needs. From here, they can begin the process by scanning your teeth with the itero scanner, the first step in having your new aligners fabricated.
Wear Your Aligners and Watching Your Smile Transform
Perfect Your Smile With Little to No Effort
This is the part you’ve been waiting for—it’s finally time to start working on your smile. You’ll be wearing several different sets of aligners for a week or two at a time, moving your teeth a small amount every single day. As your teeth get used to the previous aligners, however, they’ll be switched out for new ones to continue to move your teeth in increments. The overall treatment time averages between 6 and 18 months, but some cases may take more time if refinements are necessary, which we discuss in the next section.
Smile Refinement and Maintenance
The Final Steps and Aftercare Practices
Sometimes, your Invisalign results don’t go exactly according to plan. This can be due to stubborn teeth, or noncompliance with the recommended daily wear time of 22 hours. In these cases, your orthodontist will provide you with refinement options like Invisalign attachments or buttons that can help accelerate tooth movement. The refinement process is especially important if you are trying to decide between Invisalign vs Smile Direct Club or other at-home aligner options, none of which offer refinements for your smile journey.
After your smile has been refined to both you and your orthodontist’s expectations, it’s time for aftercare. To avoid your teeth from shifting back into their original place, orthodontists recommend wearing an Invisalign retainer full time for 4-6 weeks, then at nighttime for life. By speaking with your orthodontist, they’ll help you choose the best type of Invisalign retainer after treatment and answer all your questions about when and how to wear them.
Invisalign is the teeth straightening technology of the present. The clear aesthetic and ability to remove your aligners when eating and drinking make Invisalign an ideal option for you. Wondering how long Invisalign takes for your specific needs? Interested in creating your dream smile? Schedule a free Invisalign consultation with the Legacy Orthodontics team and get ready to show off your new smile in no time.