How Long Do You Wear Invisalign for Until It Straightens Your Teeth?

Maria Marzo DDS • Mar 25, 2020

Invisalign can straighten even the most crooked teeth, however, do you know how long do you wear Invisalign for until it works?

Are you put off by the mere thought of putting metal in your mouth? While traditional braces are certainly effective, they’re also quite the commitment.

This is why many folks are turning to Invisalign to correct their crooked teeth woes. But how long do you wear Invisalign? The specialists at Finger Lakes Family Dental are here to answer that question and more.

How Long Do You Wear Invisalign?

For most adults, the process will take 12 months to 18 months, and many patients will start to notice a positive difference within just two to three months. In fact, Invisalign is sometimes referred to as "fast braces." However, results will vary from person to person based on your unique needs.

Why Does Invisalign Treatment Times Vary So Much?

https://www.fingerlakesfamilydental.com/invisalignAs with every person, every set of teeth is different. From crowded teeth to gapped teeth, Invisalign will fix the dental dilemma, but it will take different treatment times.

The main factors that will determine your Invisalign treatment time include:
  • How much the teeth need to be moved to achieve your desired look
  • The greater the distance the teeth need to move
  • The pace of the teeth movement
  • The case’s complexity
  • Your age
  • How compliant you are with wearing Invisalign for the required 22 hours every day
If you have dental problems and are wondering "How long do you wear Invisalign?" here are the most common types of Invisalign cases we work with.

Crowded Teeth: An extremely mild case of teeth crowding will take six months or less to fix. If you have more severe crowding, we may recommend that you wear headgear or remove some teeth in order to achieve your desired results.

Gapped Teeth: Tiny gaps between teeth will take as little as eight weeks to resolve. However, gaps will come back if you aren’t vigilant about using the proper retention procedure. You will most likely have to get a retainer to keep gaps closed up.

Adults vs. Children: If you’re an adult or teenager and wondering "How long does Invisalign take?" We have the scoop for you. Your treatment will take a tad longer than a child’s. This is because you may not wear it for the appropriate amount of time.

Even if the corrections needed are minor, if you do not wear the Invisalign for 22 hours every day, your treatment time will be longer.

Teeth Movement: Wondering how long does it take teeth to shift? Your treatment time can depend upon how mobile your teeth are. Some people’s teeth may move easier than others.

There is no way to predict how easily your teeth will change once you begin treatment, so it’s important to wear your Invisalign for the recommended 22 hours every day.

How Long Do You Wear Invisalign Compared to Metal Braces?

The good news is that wearing Invisalign comes with tons of perks over opting for traditional metal braces. Not only is the process quicker, it’s more comfortable and convenient too!

Invisalign is faster than regular metal braces. While traditional braces take an average of one to three years, Invisalign can work in just half that time!

Invisalign is less painful. With traditional braces, your teeth are being pulled every which way by rubber-bands that can rub your gums and lips. Braces can hurt. With Invisalign, all you have to do is pop in the aligner trays that are easy to remove.

Invisalign is more convenient. While traditional braces attach directly to your teeth, you can effortlessly remove the Invisalign trays to eat, speak in public, and brush your teeth. Additionally, nobody will know you’re wearing them because they’re practically invisible!

You don’t have to change your diet. One of the major benefits of using Invisalign is that you don't have to change your diet at all. With traditional metal braces, eating can be a challenge, especially if you enjoy sticky or crunchy foods. However, these types of treats can snap a bracket or break a wire.

With Invisalign aligners, you just have to take them out before you start eating your meal and then you are good to go. Remember to brush twice a day and also between every meal to maintain the health of your teeth.

Invisalign breaks less. Metal braces can snap and come off your teeth. If you’re careful with your Invisalign alignment trays, the sets can last you throughout your entire treatment process.

How to Help Your Invisalign Treatment Work Best

In order for you to get the most out of your Invisalign treatment, it requires your full cooperation. Traditional metal braces are tightened by your orthodontist, making it so that you cannot effortlessly make changes. If you don't follow your orthodontist’s instructions, your treatment time will last longer.

Here are some tips to make the most out of your Invisalign treatment.

Wear your aligners every day: We instruct our patients to wear their Invisalign aligners every day for 20 to 22 hours. This enables your teeth to move toward your desired alignment in the quickest amount of time.

Change the aligners on your prescribed schedule: If you fail to change to the different aligners on time, the progression toward straighter teeth will stop. Be diligent about using the correct trays in the right order.

Be patient: You need to set achievable goals and be patients for results to appear. Dramatic results will not happen overnight, and it’s important to remember not to give up. Trust the process, trust your orthodontist’s advice, and remember to wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day.

Are You Interested in Invisalign?

If you are interested in exploring Invisalign treatments to achieve a gorgeous grin, contact us today. Our NY orthodontist is excited to meet with you to get the radiant smile that you have always dreamed of.

We also specialize in general family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, and more.

Still wondering about the answer to the question: "How long do you wear Invisalign?" To get all of your questions and concerns addressed, contact us today at Finger Lakes Family Dental by calling 607-936-6394.
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