The Invisalign treatment offers many benefits over traditional braces, such as improved comfort, a more natural appearance and a greater overall treatment experience. However, many patients are understandably concerned that these benefits come at the cost of an extended treatment time. So, the question becomes, how long does the Invisalign treatment take? Below, we’ll explain the general timeline of the Invisalign treatment and what you can expect.
Starting Treatment
When estimating the length of your Invisalign treatment, it’s important to consider the steps required before getting started. You’ll have to start with a consultation with an orthodontist so that your teeth can be examined and a treatment plan can be developed. Using digital technologies, we’ll create a series of Invisalign aligners that you’ll wear throughout your treatment. After your consultation, it may take a few weeks for these aligners to be created, so keep this in mind.
How Long You’ll Wear Invisalign
After you receive your Invisalign aligners, all that’s left to do is wear them! Many patients share the concern that Invisalign treatments take longer than traditional braces, but fortunately, this isn’t the case. In fact, Invisalign treatments generally take between 12 and 18 months to complete, which is comparable to traditional braces. However, keep in mind that this is not an exact estimate or figure. The duration of an Invisalign treatment can vary significantly between patients depending on how the teeth are positioned when treatment begins. Your Invisalign treatment may take more or less time than the average of 12 to 18 months. During your consultation, we can give you a more specific estimate on the length of your Invisalign treatment based on our assessment of the teeth and the treatment plan we develop.
The Biggest Variable: You!
Regardless of the expected duration of your Invisalign treatment, the most important part of a successful treatment is making sure you wear your Invisalign aligners as recommended. Typically it is necessary to wear your aligners 20-22 hours every day. If you skip days or stray from the treatment plan, your treatment may take longer than expected or you may experience compromised results. If you want to complete your Invisalign treatment as quickly as possible, you need to be responsible with wearing and caring for your Invisalign aligners. When you do, you may be surprised at how quickly you see results – some patients even notice improvements within a few weeks!
If you are interested in trying Invisalign or learning more about the treatment, contact us today to schedule your visit at Drs. Savage, Sabol and Visser.
