Are you thinking of investing in Invisalign braces to fix crooked or crowded teeth? Read this Invisalign timeline to learn how long it takes Invisalign to work.

There are plenty of benefits to having straight teeth. They look great and they are much easier to look after. This is why nearly four million people in America get braces every year.

However, traditional braces are no longer your only option. In 2018 alone, orthodontists across America prescribed nearly one million Invisalign tray treatments. These braces are discreet and hygienic, making them a popular choice for patients throughout the country.

If you're deciding between traditional braces and Invisalign, you should also consider how quickly they work. If you're wondering 'how long do you have to wear Invisalign?' then look no further!

We've put together this handy guide on everything you need to know about the Invisalign timeline. Read on to find out more!

How Long Does Invisalign Take to Straighten Teeth?

When it comes to teeth straightening, the Invisalign process does away with the brackets and wires of traditional braces. Instead, it uses a series of custom-made trays that gradually shift your teeth into their new position.

On average, you will wear each tray for between four and six weeks, moving onto a new one when your current tray fits your mouth perfectly. The number of trays you have to wear will depend somewhat on the original position of your teeth and how far they have to move. These trays are based on a series of molds that your dentist will take at the beginning of your treatment.

You continue to wear your trays until your teeth reach their final, straight position. Your dentist or orthodontic expert may ask you to keep wearing your trays after this in order to keep your teeth in their new position.

For most people, this whole process takes around twelve months, provided you stick to your dentist's instructions. You may not notice a change in your teeth straight away. This usually starts to become noticeable around the third or fourth month of wearing your trays.

However, certain factors can affect how long the process lasts. It's important to keep these in mind when asking how long does Invisalign last.

Why Does the Invisalign Timeline Vary Sometimes?

You may have to wear your Invisalign trays for more or less time than other patients depending on several factors. Some of these you have control over, while others are more out of your control.

For example, choosing not to wear your trays for as long as possible will slow the process down. One of the benefits of Invisalign trays is that you can remove them when eating and when cleaning your teeth.

However, most dentists recommend wearing them for twenty-two hours a day for the process to work as quickly as possible. Taking your trays out means you effectively pause the process. Doing this for long periods of time will significantly increase how long your Invisalign treatment takes.

Your age can also play a role in your Invisalign timeline. This is because your teeth move more slowly when you are older. Because of this, younger patients will usually have a shorter treatment time than older ones.

One of the biggest factors when it comes to Invisalign, however, is the type of alignment issue that you are trying to correct and how severe this is. To understand this, let's take a look at some of the main alignment issues that Invisalign can correct.

How Long Does Invisalign Take for Crowded Teeth?

Crowding in your mouth means that your teeth may overlap or push into one another. The amount of time it takes Invisalign to correct this issue depends on the severity of your crowding.

Invisalign can correct mild crowding in your mouth in around six months, while more severe cases take longer to resolve.

In some cases, your dentist may recommend multiple treatment options to manage your crowding. For example, they may suggest removing teeth at the back of your mouth before you get Invisalign. This means there will be more space for your teeth to space out during your treatment.

How Long Does Invisalign Take for Gapped Teeth?

It is much quicker to remedy gapping in your teeth than overcrowding. This is because the process involves bringing your teeth together, which is easier than pushing them apart.

Because of this, Invisalign can correct mild gapping issues in just eight weeks! Severe cases will take longer, but this should still be much less than twelve months.

Once you have had your treatment your dentist will encourage you to use a retainer to prevent the gapping from reoccurring. They may offer you a thin wire retainer, which fits on the back of your teeth, to help keep them in position.

How Long Does Invisalign Take to Work Compared to Traditional Braces?

Traditional braces are still a popular option for people across America. However, they take much longer to work than Invisalign trays. Generally, traditional braces take twice as long as Invisalign, with most treatments lasting two years.

On top of this, there are several pitfalls with traditional braces that can slow the process down even more. Breaking one of your brackets or wires means that the braces won't work effectively until they're fixed. This means that the process will slow down even more.

This isn't an issue you have to worry about with Invisalign. The trays are extremely durable and you can remove them when doing anything that might cause them damage, such as eating. They even come with a neat little box so you can safely store them away while you're not wearing them.

Ask Your Dentist About Invisalign Today!

The Invisalign timeline is just one of the many benefits of using Invisalign to straighten your teeth. For more information or to start your Invisalign journey, get in touch with an experienced dentist today. We're here to help!

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