One of the most commonly asked questions by potential Invisalign patients is, “how long does Invisalign take?” It’s understandable — once you begin treatment, you want to know when you can start seeing results and, ultimately, how long it will take to achieve the perfect smile.
Invisalign offers a discreet, comfortable, and flexible way to straighten your teeth, making it preferable to traditional braces for many people. In this blog post, we’ll tackle the question of how long does Invisalign take, what factors influence your treatment timeline, and how you can ensure your results are achieved as quickly as possible.
Invisalign Overview: How It Works
Before we dive into treatment time, let’s quickly review how Invisalign works.
Invisalign uses a series of clear plastic aligners that fit snugly over your teeth. These aligners apply gentle pressure to move your teeth gradually into the right positions. You’ll wear each set of aligners for about 1 to 2 weeks (or as directed by your orthodontist) before moving on to the next set.
For treatment to be effective, you need to wear your aligners for 22 hours a day, only removing them for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. Over time, your teeth will shift into their optimal alignment.
Now, how long does Invisalign take overall? Keep reading to find out.
Typical Invisalign Treatment Length
The average treatment time for Invisalign is between 12 and 18 months. However, some patients may see results in as little as 6 months, while others may take as long as 24 months or more, depending on the complexity of their dental issues.
Mild Cases (6-12 Months)
For patients with mild dental issues, such as slight overcrowding or small gaps between teeth, how long does Invisalign take can be as short as 6-12 months. These simpler cases require fewer aligners, with less movement needed to achieve the desired result. In some cases, patients begin to notice improvements in as little as 2-3 months.
Moderate Cases (12-18 Months)
For the majority of Invisalign patients, treatment falls into the 12-18 month range. These cases typically involve more noticeable gapping or crowding, as well as minor to moderate bite issues such as crossbite, overbite, or underbite. These types of cases require more aligner sets to move teeth incrementally. It’s common for patients in this category to start seeing visible results by the 4-6 month mark.
Severe Cases (18-24+ Months)
For more complex dental issues, such as severe crowding, malocclusions (misalignment between teeth when jaws are closed), or extensive bite corrections, treatment with Invisalign can take up to 24 months or longer. Aligning teeth that need significant movement takes more time and precision, which naturally extends the treatment period. Even in these more complex cases, patients commonly notice incremental improvements in the first 6-9 months.
So, how long does Invisalign take? It’s highly dependent on the issue being treated, but overall, most people can expect to finish treatment in 12-18 months.
Factors That Affect Invisalign Treatment Time
The exact time it will take to get the smile you want depends on several key factors. Let’s explore these in detail:
1. Complexity of Your Case
The most significant factor affecting how long does Invisalign take is the complexity of your dental issues. For example, minor misalignments or small gaps can be fixed very quickly, while more severe issues, like overcrowding or bite misalignment, take longer.
Your orthodontist will assess your teeth during the initial consultation and provide a detailed estimate so you’ll have a better understanding of how long your specific treatment will take.
2. Patient Compliance
Invisalign success depends heavily on how diligently you follow your orthodontist’s advice. Wearing your aligners for 22 hours a day is crucial for keeping your treatment on track. If you frequently remove them or forget to wear them for long stretches, your treatment time will be extended.
In cases of poor compliance, how long does Invisalign take can easily be stretched beyond the original estimate.
3. Frequency of Aligner Changes
You’ll typically transition into a new set of aligners every 1-2 weeks. Following this schedule is essential for keeping your teeth progressing as planned. However, if you delay changing to your next set of aligners, your teeth won’t move as quickly, and this could prolong treatment time.
4. Age
Younger patients, especially teenagers, may experience faster teeth movement compared to adults. Teeth are still growing and shifting at a younger age, which can make orthodontic treatment quicker. That being said, Invisalign is effective at any age, but adults may need slightly more time to achieve the same results.
5. Overall Oral Health
The condition of your teeth and gums can influence your timeline. If you experience issues like periodontal disease, gum inflammation, or cavities during treatment, you may need to pause your Invisalign plan while these problems are addressed. Prioritizing good oral health before and during treatment is key to ensuring you stay on track.
How to Shorten Invisalign Treatment Time
While some factors are out of your control, there are several things you can do to keep your Invisalign treatment moving along smoothly – and possibly even shorten how long it takes:
- Commit to Wearing Your Aligners the Recommended 22 Hours a Day: This is the number one rule of Invisalign. The more you wear your aligners, the less time your teeth spend in the wrong position.
- Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss each night to avoid buildup of plaque and bacteria. This helps prevent gum issues that could slow down your teeth’s movement and delay the process.
- Stay on Schedule with Aligner Changes: Stick to the schedule your orthodontist provides for changing aligners (usually every 1-2 weeks). Don’t be tempted to hold on to a set for longer, hoping it will speed things up — this could actually cause complications.
- Attend Regular Checkups: Regular orthodontic appointments allow your orthodontist to monitor your progress and ensure everything is moving according to plan. Missing checkups could mean potential issues go undetected, prolonging your treatment time.
- Use Aligner Chewies: Aligner chewies are small rubbery devices that help seat your aligners correctly. Using them for a few minutes each day can help eliminate spaces between your teeth and aligners, ensuring your teeth are under constant pressure and moving faster.
Can Invisalign Be Quicker Than Traditional Braces?
When comparing Invisalign to traditional braces, how long does Invisalign take in comparison? For simpler cases, Invisalign tends to be quicker than traditional metal or ceramic braces. Traditional braces require frequent adjustments by your orthodontist to keep your teeth moving. Invisalign, on the other hand, provides you with custom aligners from the start, potentially reducing the need for frequent in-office adjustments.
For moderate to complex cases, the timelines for both treatments are relatively similar. That said, Invisalign offers the added benefit of removability, greater comfort, and being virtually invisible, all of which can make the treatment process feel faster.
Conclusion: How Long Does Invisalign Take?
So, how long does Invisalign take to straighten your teeth? Most patients can expect to complete treatment within 12-18 months, but timeline estimates will vary based on the complexity of your case, how well you follow the guidelines, and other factors such as age and oral health.
The best way to know for sure is to schedule a consultation with an experienced orthodontist. With proper care and dedication, your dream smile could be just a few months away!
