When it comes to choosing an orthodontic treatment, there are a few different criteria that can be used to compare them, such as cost and effectiveness. One other criteria to consider is length of treatment time. Some orthodontic treatments may take longer than others.
How long does Invisalign take to straighten teeth? Here’s what you may expect.
Average Length of Invisalign Treatment Time
Most patients’ treatment time will fall within the average range, which is 6 to 18 months. It may take a bit longer for some patients. The total treatment time depends on a variety of factors, some of which the patient can control and some of which they can’t.
Factors Affecting the Length of Invisalign Treatment Time
There are a few different factors at play in how long Invisalign takes to straighten teeth, such as:
- The Extent of Corrections Needed. The more moving and shifting your teeth will need to undergo due to the orthodontic issues present, the longer your treatment will take. Invisalign consists of a series of aligners that are worn over the teeth for about 2 weeks at a time. The further your teeth need to be shifted, the more aligners your treatment will entail, which lengthens your overall treatment time.
- How Well the Patient Follows Instructions. Your orthodontist will give you instructions on how to wear your aligners. The more hours in the day you wear your aligners, the faster your teeth will shift to the desired position. It is also important that you wear each aligner for the designated period of time before switching to the next and that you wear them in the correct order.
- The Patient’s Age. Age plays a part in orthodontic treatment. There’s a good reason why orthodontic treatment is most often applied during adolescence. In adolescence the body is growing quickly, making the jaw more malleable to be reshaped and the teeth shifted. For this reason, Invisalign may work more quickly for children than adults.
- Your Oral Health. It is important to take care of your teeth using good oral hygiene habits. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day will help your teeth and gums to stay healthy. A healthy mouth allows the teeth to be shifted safely and accurately.
- Your Orthodontist’s Treatment Plan. Even though Invisalign is created using computer software, your orthodontist is the one who plans out your treatment. Some orthodontists may go with a more aggressive treatment plan that will move your teeth faster, but it may be less comfortable. Other orthodontists may stretch the treatment out a bit for more gentle, gradual shifting of the teeth that will be less painful.
What Can I Do To Make My Treatment As Short As Possible?
Many patients want their treatment to be over as quickly as possible. If you do, here are some things that you can do to keep your treatment time short.
- Follow your orthodontist’s instructions. The best thing you can do is follow your orthodontist’s recommended treatment plan. Wear your aligners in the order they are recommended and for the recommended length of time.
- Take care of your teeth. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss your teeth daily to keep your mouth healthy. Dental and oral health issues can slow down your progress.
- Wear your aligners as much as possible. Try to wear your aligners for at least 22 hours a day. Only remove them to eat and care for your teeth.
Questions About Invisalign? Ask Dr. Suzanne Stock
If you have any questions about Invisalign treatment, ask Dr. Suzanne Stock. We provide a range of orthodontic treatments from Invisalign to traditional braces. Not everyone is an ideal candidate for Invisalign, but we can perform an orthodontic evaluation to determine whether or not you qualify. Every patient is different with their own unique orthodontic needs, and we treat everyone with the best treatment plan for them.
Contact us at any of our convenient locations:
Main Office Location – Iowa City: 319-338-8658
Fairfield, Washington, and Williamsburg Locations: 319-800-9497