Invisalign Treatment: What to Expect?

Invisalign is an excellent option for anyone looking to straighten their teeth discreetly. The clear aligners allow you to achieve a beautiful smile without the hassle of traditional metal braces. If you’re considering Invisalign, you may be asking: How long will I need to wear Invisalign? The duration of treatment depends on your dental needs, but it can range from several months to a few years.

At Advanced Orthodontics in Bellevue, WA we’re here to guide you through your Invisalign journey and help you understand the factors that impact your treatment time.

 

Factors That Influence Invisalign Treatment Duration

Severity of the Case
The length of your Invisalign treatment is largely determined by how severe your dental issues are. If you have mild misalignment, your treatment may be completed in a few months. But if your teeth are significantly out of alignment, it could take up to a year or longer. Issues like gaps, crowding, and rotations can require more time to correct, but we’ll create a plan specifically for your needs to make sure you’re always on track.

Age of the Patient
Age plays an important role in how long Invisalign treatment will take. For teenagers, treatment may progress faster because their teeth are still growing and can move more easily. If you’re a teen, you might notice quicker results than an adult. For adults, factors like past dental work or bone loss can lead to a longer treatment period.

Complying with Wear Time
To get the best results with Invisalign, it’s essential to wear your aligners for 20-22 hours each day. Wearing them consistently is key to achieving the fastest results. If you don’t wear your aligners as recommended, your treatment could take longer. Sticking to your wear schedule is the best way to ensure that your smile transformation happens on time.

 

What Is the Average Duration for Invisalign Treatment?

In most cases, Invisalign treatment lasts between 12-18 months. Some people with simpler issues, like mild spacing or minor rotations, may see results in a few months. However, for more complicated cases, the treatment may take longer. Your treatment length will depend on your specific dental needs, and we’ll give you a better idea during your consultation.

 

What Happens If You Don’t Follow the Invisalign Instructions?

It’s important to wear your aligners as directed, or it could affect how long your treatment will take. If you don’t wear them consistently, your teeth won’t shift as they should, which can delay your results. In some cases, your teeth could even start moving back to their original positions, which could require extra aligners and additional time.

 

After Invisalign: Maintaining Your New Smile

After completing your Invisalign treatment, you’ll need to wear a retainer to maintain your new smile. This helps prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original positions. At first, you may need to wear your retainer full-time, and then transition to wearing it just at night.

 

Ready for a Perfect Smile?

If you’re ready to start your Invisalign journey, contact Advanced Orthodontics in Bellevue WA. Our experienced team is here to help you get the smile you’ve always wanted. Schedule your consultation today!