How long does Invisalign take?

When it comes to straightening your teeth, one of the most popular treatments today is Invisalign. Invisalign offers a discreet, comfortable, and effective way to straighten your teeth without the need for traditional braces. But how long does Invisalign take? 

As experienced dentists at Ward and Allison Dental Practice, we’ve helped numerous patients achieve their dream smile using Invisalign. Let’s take a detailed look at the treatment timeline and what you can expect.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a modern orthodontic treatment that uses clear aligners to move your teeth gradually into the desired position. These aligners are made from a flexible, transparent plastic that is custom-fitted to your teeth, ensuring comfort and subtlety. 

Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible, making them a preferred option for adults and teens who wish to improve their smiles without the aesthetic impact of braces.

How does Invisalign work?

Before diving into how long Invisalign takes, it’s essential to understand how the process works. The treatment begins with a consultation at Ward and Allison Dental Practice. During this appointment, your dentist will assess your teeth and determine whether Invisalign is the right solution for you.

If suitable, we’ll take digital impressions of your teeth to create a 3D model. This model helps us map out your Invisalign treatment plan, showing the movement of your teeth and the estimated time it will take. From this, we create a series of custom aligners, each designed to shift your teeth gradually.

Treatment length for Invisalign

The duration of your Invisalign treatment varies depending on your specific dental needs. On average, Invisalign takes between 6 to 18 months. For minor misalignments or cosmetic adjustments, the treatment may take as little as 6 months. However, for more complex cases, Invisalign could take closer to 18 months or more.

Factors that affect the length of your Invisalign treatment include:

• The severity of your misalignment

• How well you follow the treatment plan (Invisalign aligners should be worn for at least 20-22 hours per day)

• Your age, as adults tend to have slower tooth movement compared to teens

At Ward and Allison Dental Practice, we carefully monitor your progress throughout the treatment to ensure everything stays on track. We provide regular check-ups and new aligners as your teeth shift into their new positions.

Benefits of Invisalign

One of the key benefits of Invisalign is that it fits seamlessly into your lifestyle. The clear aligners are removable, meaning you can continue eating your favourite foods and maintain your regular oral hygiene routine without any issues. Additionally, because the aligners are virtually invisible, you can undergo orthodontic treatment without feeling self-conscious about your appearance.

Can Invisalign treatment be accelerated?

If you’re looking to speed up your Invisalign treatment, there are a few factors that can influence this. Firstly, commitment is key—wearing your aligners for the recommended time each day is essential to keep your treatment on schedule. Skipping days or not wearing them for the full 22 hours will delay your progress.

In certain cases, accelerated orthodontic devices such as AcceleDent can be used alongside Invisalign. However, these should only be considered after consultation with your Invisalign dentist. Always speak to your Ward and Allison dentist before making changes to your treatment plan.

For more information about Invisalign, you can visit this informative guide from Invisalign.