How Long Does Invisalign Take to Straighten Your Teeth?
Smile misalignments are a common occurrence, but they don’t have to be permanent. Advances in dental procedures have made straightening a crooked smile easier than ever, including the revolutionary Invisalign treatment. Invisalign is perfect for both adults and children who want a fast solution that prioritizes discretion.
What is Invisalign®?
Invisalign is a proprietary smile straightening system that involves using a series of transparent aligner trays to slowly adjust the teeth into the right place. Invisalign trays are custom-made to fit the patient’s teeth perfectly, applying gentle pressure strategically to gradually move the teeth just a small distance. Once the teeth have moved to match the current aligner tray, it is changed out for a new aligner tray to further move the teeth, and so on.
Invisalign® Timeline
The average time a patient will need for Invisalign treatment is somewhere between 12 and 18 months. However, this isn’t a hard rule. Some patients with very minor misalignments or issues may see results in just a few months, while more severe cases will take 24 months or more. However, Invisalign still takes considerably less time than traditional metal braces, plus they are much, much more discreet.
Factors That Will Affect the Invisalign® Timeline
There are several factors that will affect each patient’s Invisalign timeline, including:
Version of Invisalign
There are several different versions of Invisalign, each designed to address specific dental needs. The Invisalign version can have an effect on the length of treatment time. Invisalign Go, i7, and Express all just take a few months on average, while Invisalign Teen and Full typically take 12-18 months.
Severity of Dental Issues
As should be expected, minor dental misalignments or overcrowding can be corrected much faster than severe misalignments or gaps.
Patient Age
Children’s and teenager’s teeth move much more freely than an adult’s teeth, so Invisalign treatment for these younger groups is typically quicker.
Patient Compliance
Invisalign trays should be kept in the mouth for a full 22 hours per day and only removed for eating meals and cleaning the teeth. They should not even be removed while sleeping. Some patients have a hard time adhering to this strict schedule, which ultimately causes their treatment time to be longer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign®
How much does Invisalign® cost?
The cost of Invisalign depends on several variables, including the number of aligner trays required, the type and experience of dental professionals used, geographic location, and insurance coverage. However, most patients can expect to spend somewhere between $3,000 and $8,000 for a full Invisalign treatment before any insurance reimbursements.
Does Invisalign® hurt less than traditional braces?
Yes, out of patients who have used both Invisalign and traditional metal braces, almost all report less pain with Invisalign than traditional braces.
Invisalign® for the Whole Family in Stockbridge, GA
Are you living with a crooked smile that makes you self-conscious? If you’re in the southern Atlanta metro, trust Advanced Dentistry of Stockbridge for high-quality smile straightening solutions for the whole family. We offer a full range of dental services in a professional yet inviting environment, keeping you and your loved ones in great dental health for life. Schedule an Invisalign consultation for yourself or your child today by calling us at 770-389-0389 or by booking an appointment online.