How long does Invisalign take?

Invisalign is an immensely popular teeth-straightening method that avoids the discomfort and hassle of metal braces. However, how long does Invisalign take to do its work? Is it faster or slower than braces? Let’s find out.

Average Invisalign Treatment Time

The treatment course for Invisalign takes around 12 months for most adults, but the actual duration varies from person to person. Lots of patients see a noticeable difference after just two to three months of use. This variation in duration happens because it takes more time to correct more severe tooth problems, whereas smaller changes take place much faster.

Crowded Teeth

Invisalign can fix a minor case of crowded teeth in as short a time as six months. More time is needed for more severe issues. However, Invisalign is ill-suited for severely misaligned teeth in general, so Dr. Raptou may prescribe another option in such cases.

Gap Closing

The shortest amount of time Invisalign needs to small gaps is eight weeks. However, gaps usually reopen if you don’t use orthodontic retention methods. To keep the gap shut after Invisalign treatment ends, consider getting a retainer.

Time Differences for Adults and Teenagers

Invisalign appears to take a bit longer for teenagers than it does for adults. This is likely due to the amount of time one must wear them, not because of the different structure of a younger mouth. In terms of how their mouths are structured, people differ widely. Some patients’ teeth move more readily than others. We can’t know for sure how your treatment will go until we begin it.

Those are reasons that account for the variation in duration for Invisalign. However, know that you will prolong the treatment if you don’t wear the aligners for the required amount of time (which is at least twenty-two hours a day), even if the corrections you need are minor.

Time Differences for Invisalign and Braces

In comparing Invisalign and Braces, we have observed the following:

•	Metal braces usually need about two years to achieve the desired effect. Invisalign can get the job done in half the time.
•	Because traditional braces are directly attached to your teeth, they are often inconvenient. Invisalign clear aligners, on the other hand, are removable. You can take them if you need to eat, brush your teeth, or speak publicly. Even though you still need to wear them for upward of twenty-two hours a day to achieve the desired results, the ability to remove them is a great perk.
•	We need to tighten metal braces once every two to three weeks, and Invisalign patients also receive a new set of clear aligner trays around every two weeks. So you’ll have to visit our office about the same number of times regardless of which you pick.
•	Invisalign trays are prone to breakage if you are careless with them. However, a braces patient will deal with wires snapping or brackets breaking much more often, and that means an extra trip to our office and a delay in positioning your teeth. This will add additional time to braces treatment.

For more information, please contact our office at (614) 427-0449.

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136 Northwoods Blvd Suite A1
Columbus, OH 43235

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How Long Does Invisalign Take? - Columbus, OH • Raptou Family Dental
At Raptou Family Dental, we explain how long it takes to create invisalign. We dig deep into average treatment time and age differences. Click to learn more.
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