Invisalign remains to be one of the most popular options on the market right now. There are many factors as to why patients choose Invisalign; the most popular being that you can eat whatever you want and have invisible braces. But many patients wonder how long it takes for Invisalign to straighten teeth. Does it take longer than wearing traditional metal braces? At Panoramic Dental, our doctors and staff work hard to ensure that every patient follows their treatment plan on time. However, with every patient, treatment plans can vary. Learn what factors determine how long your Invisalign treatment can take, and what to expect.
How Long is Invisalign Treatment?
For Invisalign, treatment plans can vary and differ from person to person. For the most part, treatment duration can take around 1-2 years. However, some people can start noticing a difference in just 2 to 3 months. For others, it can be longer. Learn what factors contribute to treatment length.
Factors That Affect Invisalign Treatment Length
- How Severe Your Problem Is- Everyone’s mouth is unique and different. Depending on what type of bite (such as a crossbite, overbite, or underbite) you have, how crowded your teeth are, and what adjustments need to be made, your Invisalign treatment length could be longer or shorter than others. Mild spacing/crowding can be fixed in a year or less, while severe cases could take up to 2 years or longer.
- Dental History- Before starting any orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist will want to know your dental history. They’ll want to know if you’ve had any tooth extractions done or if you have any history of dental disease. It’s a good idea to see your dentist first to see if your mouth is in good shape for orthodontic treatment. If you need severe dental work done, this could delay your start of orthodontic treatment.
- Age- Children or adolescents are different to treat than adults. Young patients tend to get results faster than adults because their jaws are still growing, making it easier to shift their teeth and bite. Also, if a teen has wisdom teeth, they may need to get them removed first before they start wearing braces or Invisalign.
- How Disciplined You Are- For your teeth to be straightened effectively with Invisalign, the aligners must be worn for at least 22 hours a day. If you don’t wear them long enough, it can delay your progress, making your treatment duration longer.
- Accidents/Emergencies- If you do happen to get into an accident where your oral health is compromised (such as chipping, cracking, or losing your teeth), dental work will need to be done. This can also delay your treatment plan. Also, if a tray breaks or gets misplaced, this can mean having to go back and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
Can You Speed Up the Treatment Process?
In some cases, you can speed up orthodontic treatment. Speak with your orthodontist and see if they offer any alternative options, such as AcceleDent.
Get Orthodontic Care at Panoramic Dental!
If you’re interested in starting Invisalign, contact Panoramic Dental today! We offer a diverse group of dental treatments for patients living in Walnut Creek, CA. Whether you need a general check-up or looking to restore your smile, our doctors and staff can help. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to our office! We can’t wait to work with you.