If you’re thinking about Invisalign treatment, you’re probably wondering “How long does Invisalign take to work?”. The truth is that Invisalign treatment time can vary depending on the problem being treated by your orthodontist.

At Totalcare Dental and Dermal, we know how important a bright, confident smile is. That’s why we provide a personalised Invisalign treatment plan as a way to straighten your teeth without the traditional metal braces. Let’s get into the treatment time with Invisalign aligners!

Key Takeaways

  • Invisalign takes between 12 and 18 months to work.
  • The time for Invisalign treatment is much shorter than the time braces take to work.
  • Factors that affect the duration of your treatment include the complexity of your case, your discipline, your age, your teeth starting condition, and whether you attend regular check-ups or not.
  • There are four types of Invisalign treatments: Express, Lite, Full, and Teen.
  • To shorten the duration of your treatment, wear your aligners consistently, maintain good oral hygiene, follow your dentist’s instructions, and limit your time without aligners in.

How Long Does it Take for Invisalign to Work?

invisalign to work

The short answer is that Invisalign typically takes around 12 months to 18 months to work properly. However, the time it takes for Invisalign to straighten teeth can vary from one person to another based on a few factors. 

Some patients might complete this orthodontic treatment in as little as 6 months, while others with more complicated orthodontic issues could find that the length of treatment could take longer. It could be that your course of treatment lasts up to 24 months or even longer!

The average Invisalign treatment time is shorter than traditional braces, though. If you’re wearing braces, you can expect the duration of your treatment to take around one to three years.

Treatment Duration Examples

Here are a few examples of different teeth scenarios and their treatment durations:

  • Closing Gaps The average time it takes to close small gaps is around 3 to 6 months, depending on the gap size.
  • Crowded Teeth: Treatment duration can range from 6 to 18 months, based on how severe the issue is.
  • Adult vs. Teen Treatment: When it comes to adults and teens, there is usually the same treatment duration, but teens can see results faster because they have more responsive teeth.

Factors Affecting How Long Your Invisalign Treatment Will Take

factors that affect invisalign treatment length
factors affecting invisalign treatment length

There are quite a few things that can affect how long it takes for Invisalign aligner trays to do their job. Here are some important factors to consider when you start your Invisalign journey that might affect treatment duration:

  • Complicated Cases: If you’re experiencing severe teeth problems, like in the case of crowded teeth or misaligned teeth and jaws, it might take longer to treat. If you need minor fixes, your treatment will be completed a lot faster.
  • Patient Discipline: It is important to know that you need to wear Invisalign aligners for 22 hours a day, at the very least. Not following this guideline can lead to delays in treatment progress. You also need to take them out to eat.
  • Age of the Patient: Generally speaking, younger patients might see faster results because their teeth are more malleable and responsive to movement compared to adults.
  • Initial Dental Condition: The starting position of your teeth actually plays a big role in treatment duration. People with more crooked teeth or larger gaps might take a bit longer to treat.
  • Follow-up Appointments: Regular check-ups with your dentist are important for monitoring your progress and making the necessary adjustments.

Types of Invisalign Treatments

Now that you’ve learned how long it takes for Invisalign to work, let’s talk about the different Invisalign treatments for straighter teeth. Here are the different Invisalign treatment types:

  • Invisalign Express: This option is designed for minor adjustments. You will likely need to wear your aligners for around 3 to 6 months for small adjustments.
  • Invisalign Lite: This is best for moderate cases. This aligner treatment usually takes about 6 to 12 months.
  • Invisalign Full: This is the most comprehensive option and is the longest option in terms of how long Invisalign takes to straighten teeth. It can take around 12 to 18 months, depending on how much work needs to be done, like with very crowded teeth.
  • Invisalign Teen: This is similar in duration to Invisalign Full. It is for younger patients whose teeth are still developing and who need to wear Invisalign to fix the issue. Treatment can last from 6 to 18 months.

How to Shorten Treatment Length

how to shorten treatment length
shortening treatment length

You might think that aligners take way too long to treat your teeth issues. Well, there are a few things you can do to speed up the process a bit! Here’s how to shorten treatment length:

  • Wear Your Aligners Consistently: You need to wear your aligners for at least 22 hours a day, removing them only when eating or brushing your teeth. This consistency is important in moving your teeth effectively.
  • Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Regularly brush your teeth and clean your aligners to prevent plaque build-up. Healthy teeth respond better during the course of treatment, and this can shorten the time Invisalign will take to work.
  • Follow Your Dentist’s Instructions: Follow the guidelines provided by your dentist very carefully to help keep your treatment on track. Go to all of your scheduled appointments for progress checks and adjustments.
  • Limit Time Without Aligners: Try not to take your Invisalign trays or retainer out unless you are eating. Never take them out before going to bed. This will help maintain the necessary alignment process without interruptions.

Totalcare Dental and Dermal: Bondi Junction Invisalign

When it comes down to it, you need to look after your aligners to shorten the duration. A few months might seem like an annoyance, but having your treatment extended due to a few mistakes is even worse!

If you’re thinking about getting your smile and confidence back with Invisalign, the Totalcare Dental and Dermal Bondi Junction clinic offers expert consultations and personalised treatment plans.

Our experienced professionals will work with you to create a plan that works for your needs. Contact us to take the first step toward straighter teeth!

FAQs on How Long Does Invisalign Take?

How quickly does Invisalign start moving teeth?

Your teeth will start moving almost immediately, but you are unlikely to see the difference very early in treatment.

Does Invisalign ever end early?

Some patients achieve the desired results and end Invisalign treatment early. If your teeth respond faster than expected, your treatment time will be cut slightly.

How long does Invisalign take to see a difference?

You will see a noticeable difference in your teeth within the first six weeks of treatments, The results may seem minimal, but it can take a while to work properly. Some patients note that they see a difference within two weeks already, though.

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