How Long Does Invisalign Take to Work? A Guide on Braces

Simply Smiles - Comprehensive Dentistry & Facial Esthetics • March 17, 2020

If you're looking at braces, and are wondering how long does Invisalign take to work, this guide will help put things into perspective. Here are your options.

how long does Invisalign take to work

You can straighten your teeth without the bother or discomfort of metal braces. With Invisalign clear aligners, you can have a beautiful smile.

When people first hear about Invisalign, their first question usually is, “How long does Invisalign take to work?” Well, the answer to that question depends on a few things.

Most adults have to wear Invisalign for about a year. Still, the time varies between patients. Nevertheless, most people start to see results within three months after starting to wear them.

Keep reading to learn how much easier it is to straighten your teeth with Invisalign aligners.

How Long Does Invisalign Take to Work?

If you have more severe orthodontic issues, it will take longer to fix. Alternatively, if you have small problems, it will take less time. For instance, if you have a mild case of crowded teeth, you may only have to wear aligners for six months.

In some instances, an orthodontist may prescribe a more effective orthodontic intervention than Invisalign. For example, more severe problems may warrant the removal of some teeth and headgear.

On the other hand, if your orthodontist recommends Invisalign for gaps, you may only have to wear them for six weeks. However, gaps can prove stubborn. Because of this, it’s essential to wear your retainer as your orthodontist prescribes.

You may think that you’ll need to wear braces longer if you’re an adult. However, this isn’t the case.

Often, teenagers must wear braces longer. However, teenagers typically don’t have as much discipline as adults, so they’ll have to wear their realigners longer because they don’t comply with treatment.

Because you can remove Invisalign realigners , you may find it tempting to take a break now and then. However, it’s essential to wear them exactly as your orthodontist prescribes. Even if you only need a small correction, treatment can take longer if you don’t follow your treatment plan.

Why Realignment Time Varies From Person to Person

When it comes to gauging realignment time, it’s essential to recognize that people are different. Not everyone’s mouth is the same.

For instance, one person’s mouth may take teeth corrections more easily. Another’s, however, may prove more stubborn.

There’s no way to tell beforehand exactly how long you’ll have to wear braces. After your initial consultation, however, the orthodontist can give you a pretty good idea of how long treatment will last.

In the beginning, the orthodontist will give you an estimate of how long your treatment will take. However, this estimate isn’t a guarantee. Nevertheless, you can take comfort in the knowledge that a few months of hard work will result in a smile that lasts a lifetime.

Still, that doesn’t mean that you don’t have to put in the work. The best way to spend the shortest amount of time wearing braces is to comply with your orthodontist’s treatment plan. Just as with traditional braces, you must visit the orthodontist regularly for adjustments.

Also, Invisalign trays aren’t bulletproof. You still have to take care of them.

They’re tougher than wire braces, but they can still break. Still, it’s much more common for a patient to snap a wire or lose a bracket.

Whether you wear wire braces or clear trays, broken appliances delay your treatment. Accordingly, you should take good care of your orthodontic appliances, so that they can take good care of you.

Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces: What’s the Difference?

Invisalign is faster than traditional braces. Traditional wire braces may take two years, compared to the one year that you’d wear Invisalign.

With Invisalign, you can expect to visit the orthodontist around every two weeks. The same applies to wire braces.

Invisalign is a way to gently move your teeth if your orthodontic issues aren’t too complex. It’s less invasive than wire braces. Also, Invisalign trays are easy to maintain.

Another benefit of Invisalign is that you can remove them. Simply take them out before eating or drinking.

You don’t have to worry about breaking your braces with hard foods or getting food stuck and the wires. Also, you’ll protect your clear trays from becoming discolored by taking them off before you eat.

Typically, the orthodontist will recommend that you wear Invisalign trades for at least 22 hours a day. Nevertheless, it’s nice to have the ability to take a short break from braces every day.

Why More People Choose Invisalign

There have been significant advancements in orthodontics in relatively recent years. Still, people don’t get excited about the prospect of wearing braces.

No matter what the appliance, braces still have the stigma of being awkward, bulky and noticeable. Even though clear trays offer consumers a more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing option than ever before, they still have problems warming up to them.

It may surprise you, however, to see how well Invisalign blends into your smile. You just have to give them a chance.

Invisalign gives you all the benefits of braces, without wires and brackets. Because Invisalign is more subtle, it’s growing in popularity among patients of all ages. You can remove them whenever you need to eat or drink, or even for special occasions.

Make Realignment More Palatable With Invisalign

Now you know the answer to the question, “How long does Invisalign take to work?” As you can see, it’s not so straightforward.

Still, you can enjoy your favorite foods and activities with Invisalign. Also, if you’re an athlete, you don’t have to worry about damaging your mouth because you have braces. Just pop them out, and you’re ready to go.

Removable clear aligners will also make a big difference in your ability to maintain oral hygiene. It’s so much easier to clean your braces when they’re removable.

Invisalign is an excellent alternative to braces that will help you achieve the smile of your dreams. Once you straighten your teeth, you may also want to consider whitening your teeth for the perfect smile.

Simply Smiles DDS can help you achieve a better quality of life by helping you to improve your smile. Contact us today for a virtual consultation and take the first step toward having the smile that you’ve always wanted.

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