(443) 394-2273
Countless patients gravitate toward Invisalign because of its discreet appearance and outstanding convenience. However, it is still an orthodontic treatment, which means it is going to affect your daily routine. How long will you have to wear your aligners in order to achieve your final results? The timeline for Invisalign varies from case to case. In this blog post, we discuss average treatment time and how you can avoid unnecessary delays.
Average Treatment Time
The average treatment time with Invisalign is 12 months. However, some cases take significantly more or less time.
Some simple cases of misalignment can be corrected in just a few months. However, if you have serious orthodontic problems, you may need to keep using your aligners for up to 18 months or longer.
Factors That Affect Treatment Time
When you visit your dentist for an Invisalign consultation, they may be able to estimate how long it will take for your treatment to be complete. They will base their estimate on factors such as:
- The type and severity of your dental misalignment. More advanced issues require more aligners to correct. You may also need special accessories so your aligners can effectively do their job.
- Your age. Generally speaking, the teeth of older individuals move more slowly than those of younger folks. If you are a mature adult, your treatment time may be a bit longer than someone with similar misalignment who is in their teens or 20s.
How to Avoid Delays
You can avoid unnecessary delays with Invisalign by complying with treatment instructions from your dentist. Here are some basic pointers:
- Wear your aligners for 20 – 22 hours each day. Failing to meet this requirement can slow down your tooth movements, meaning that you may need to wear each aligner for longer than the expected two weeks.
- Take good care of your teeth. Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and other healthy habits can prevent oral health issues that might adversely affect your orthodontic journey.
- Take good care of your aligners. If you accidentally lose or damage one of your aligners, your dentist might need to order a replacement for you, which can take a bit of time. Therefore, you should always place your aligners in a designated storage case whenever you are not wearing them. Do not place them where they could fall behind furniture or get carried away by a curious pet. You should also not wrap them in a napkin while you eat; you might accidentally throw them away!
Invisalign is faster on average than traditional braces, but it still requires a commitment of time and effort. Talk to your dentist to learn more about how long this treatment usually takes.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Monica Mattson has decades of experience in dentistry, and she is proud to put her extensive knowledge to work for our community. Invisalign is among the many services that she and our team offer. To learn more about what to expect as you are straightening your teeth or to request a consultation, contact Diamond Dental of Owings Mills at 443-394-2273.