Invisalign offers a modern and discreet way to straighten teeth, providing an alternative to traditional braces. Patients often ask, “How long does Invisalign take?” Treatment length depends on your specific dental needs, with most cases lasting between 6 and 12 months. Minor adjustments take as little as 3 months, while more complex cases may require over 18 months.
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign relies on clear, removable aligners crafted from comfortable, BPA-free plastic. These virtually invisible aligners gradually shift teeth into their proper positions. You’ll wear each set of aligners for 1–2 weeks before progressing to the next set, as part of a precise and predictable treatment timeline tailored to your goals.
At The Ivory Dental Co., we’re proud to guide you through the Invisalign process with care and precision, focusing on efficient and stunning results. Our team is dedicated to ensuring your journey is comfortable, personalized, and tailored to help you achieve the confident, radiant smile you’ve always wanted.
The Invisalign Timeline
Invisalign treatment follows these steps:
- Initial Consultation: During your first visit to The Ivory Dental Co., we evaluate your dental needs and use modern 3D imaging to design a detailed treatment plan.
- Wearing Your Aligners: Wear each set of aligners for 1–2 weeks to gradually shift your teeth into the desired position.
- Monitoring Progress: At The Ivory Dental Co., we monitor our Invisalign patients through Virtual Care appointments. You’ll send weekly progress photos through the Invisalign App and Dr. Sweeney will review your progress along the way.
- Final Touches: After completing your primary aligners, you may require refinements like teeth whitening or spot removal to perfect your smile.
- Vivera Retainers: When you are happy with your smile, we’ll take a digital impression to fabricate your final retainers. Here At The Ivory Dental Co., we include 4 sets of Invisalign Vivera retainers with every Invisalign case. You’ll wear your retainers at bedtime to maintain your results.
Factors Influencing Invisalign Treatment Length
Several factors determine how long Invisalign takes, including the following:
- Complexity of Your Case: Simple crowding or spacing issues resolve faster, but severe misalignments, such as overbites or underbites, may require additional aligners.
- Consistency in Wearing Aligners: Wearing aligners for 20–22 hours daily keeps your treatment on track. Skipping hours can delay results.
- Age: Teenagers and younger patients often experience faster results due to more responsive teeth.
- Refinement Needs: Refinement aligners may add a few weeks to your treatment to help us provide an outcome that’s closer to your goals.
Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces
Both Invisalign and traditional braces can effectively straighten teeth, but they differ in experience and convenience. Invisalign is often faster than braces while offering additional benefits, such as:
- Clear, removable aligners with a subtle appearance.
- Easier maintenance of oral hygiene compared to braces.
While traditional braces suit extremely complex cases, Invisalign can address many alignment needs comfortably and discreetly.
Common Issues Invisalign Can Correct
Invisalign is a versatile orthodontic solution that addresses a wide range of dental concerns. Here are some of the most common issues it can correct:
- Crowded Teeth: When teeth overlap due to limited space in the jaw, Invisalign can gradually align them, creating a straighter, more uniform appearance.
- Spacing Issues: Gaps between teeth can impact esthetics and oral health. Invisalign closes these gaps to help improve both your smile and functionality.
- Overbite and Underbite: Whether your upper teeth extend too far over your lower teeth or your lower teeth protrude, Invisalign can bring your bite into alignment.
- Crossbite: When some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth, Invisalign can help reposition them for a proper bite.
- Open Bite: If your upper and lower teeth don’t meet when you close your mouth, Invisalign can help bring them together for better chewing and speech.
By addressing these issues, Invisalign not only helps enhance the look of your smile but can also improve your oral health by making it easier to clean your teeth.
Life with Invisalign: What to Expect
One of Invisalign’s biggest advantages is its flexibility, but patients often wonder how it will affect their daily lives. Here are a few different areas of your life where Invisalign might have a noticeable effect.
Eating & Drinking
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are removable, so you can enjoy your favorite foods without restrictions. However, you’ll need to remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water to prevent damage or staining.
Oral Hygiene
Maintaining oral hygiene is straightforward with Invisalign. Simply remove your aligners to brush and floss as usual, ensuring no food particles get trapped. You’ll also need to clean your aligners daily with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser to keep them fresh and clear.
Speaking with Aligners
Some patients notice a slight lisp when they first start wearing aligners, but this typically disappears within a few days as your mouth adjusts.
Comfort
While Invisalign aligners are more comfortable than traditional braces, you may feel mild pressure when switching to a new set. This pressure is a sign that your teeth are shifting as planned and typically subsides within a day or two.
Why Choose Invisalign at The Ivory Dental Co.?
At The Ivory Dental Co., we combine modern technology with a boutique, personalized experience. From our cozy patient lounge to our private treatment suites, every aspect of our practice ensures your Invisalign journey feels pleasant and stress-free.
Beyond Invisalign, we offer general dentistry services such as preventative care and restorative care, in addition to other cosmetic services such as teeth whitening. Our comprehensive suite of services includes everything you might need to care for your smile and achieve the smile you’ve been dreaming of.
Ready to transform your smile with Invisalign? Schedule your consultation today and take a step toward a smile you love to show off.
