How Long Will Invisalign Treatment Take?

Rome wasn’t built in a day, right? That’s essentially what you’ve realized about your smile – it’s not going to look perfect overnight. You’ve heard some good things about Invisalign clear braces and think that might be the right choice for you, but how long is it going to take? This is an answer that needs some discussion with an orthodontist, so keep reading to find out what your Invisalign timeline might look like.

What’s the Process for Invisalign Treatment?

As you might already know, the Invisalign process involves wearing a series of plastic, removable aligners that you progress through at set increments. Your orthodontist will take photographs and a 3D scan of your teeth, plus a corresponding X-ray, to determine if you are an Invisalign candidate and then write a recommendation.

If approved, your orthodontist creates a 3D computerized model to help them figure out where your teeth need to move so they can plan the aligners. Depending on your situation, you may need six to 50-plus aligners for your effective treatment.

Each aligner will move your teeth up to one-third of a millimeter before you pop in the next one every 1-2 weeks. In order to not delay your progress, plan on wearing your aligners for at least 22 hours daily – only taking them out to eat and brush your teeth.

What Is the Treatment Time for Invisalign?

If your case is not particularly complex, you are probably looking at as few as six months of treatment. If you have a lot of needed corrections, it could take up to two years.

The average treatment time is about 12 months, and your orthodontist will provide a timeline estimate at your consultation, but the good news is you’ll begin to notice progress within just a few weeks. Each patient is different so some people will see changes sooner than others.

How Can I Shorten My Invisalign Treatment Period?

Here are some tips that might speed up your process a bit:

• Make sure you wear the aligners 22-plus hours each day.
• Take good care of them. For example, don’t rinse them in hot water – it can warp the plastic.
•  Don’t wrap aligners in a napkin while you eat – you don’t want to risk forgetting and throwing them away.
• Brush out any food particles and plaque from your aligners and give them a deep clean 1-2 times per week.
• Be sure to change aligners on the right date and take them when traveling.

In short, it’s not guaranteed you can finish ahead of your planned Invisalign timeline, but there are things you can be diligent about doing to increase your chances. No matter how long treatment takes, your smile results will definitely be worth the wait! 

About the Author

Dr. Jenna Oberley attained her dental doctorate from Indiana University and completed her orthodontic residency at the University of Colorado. After graduating from residency, she successfully achieved board certification. The Indiana native strives to be “a light in my patients’ lives” after her orthodontist made a major impact on her as a child. If you are interested in Invisalign, dental insurance is welcome, while flexible financing and an in-house membership plan are available. You can schedule a consultation on our website or call (317) 875-7645.