A smile is often the first thing we notice about someone we meet for the first time. So it makes sense that if you are self-conscious about your smile, it’s the first thing you consider hiding when you meet someone new.
Thankfully, cutting-edge technology means you can step out from the shadows.
Invisalign has revolutionized the way we straighten teeth and achieve that Hollywood-style smile. But you may be asking: how fast does Invisalign work? If so, read on for the definitive answer.
Invisalign Treatment: How It Works
Invisalign is a popular, modern orthodontic treatment for straightening teeth. It’s replaced the more traditional style of metal braces because the clear plastic aligners are more discreet and convenient for patients.
You wear the aligners all day, apart from eating, brushing, and flossing your teeth.
During treatment, you’ll get a new set of aligners at regular intervals, typically two weeks, that gradually shift your teeth into a new position.
Modeling technology determines the movement of teeth from their starting position to their end goal. Thus, it’s perfect for crowding, spacing, and bite problems.
Before the Treatment Starts
Your Invisalign treatment timeline begins before the dentist fits aligners onto your teeth. You’ll have an initial consultation with an orthodontist specializing in clear aligner treatment.
During this treatment, the dentist will assess your teeth and see if you are a good candidate for it. Once they look at your teeth, they can make an informed estimate of timescales.
They’ll take a digital scan, providing the information to create a 3D image of your teeth. The modeling technology will apply that data to customize the aligners.
During this first consultation, the dentist will also discuss your goals, such as whether you want to straighten your top, bottom, or both sets of teeth. That will impact your timeline.
A Look at the Average Invisalign Results Time
One reason you receive a consultation is that Invisalign is a custom treatment that differs for every patient.
That means your timeline will depend on how long it takes to straighten your teeth. Suppose they are severely misaligned or have significant gaps. In that case, it will take longer to treat than a patient with only minor misalignment.
Other factors impact treatment time aside from specific dental issues.
Your timescale will depend on whether you can commit to the daily wear, which is 20-22 hours daily. If you are the sort of person who might forget to put your aligners back in after having lunch, it could slow your treatment.
Some people’s teeth also move faster than others. This is a biological response that will impact how long it takes for your teeth to move into their new position.
However, we can look at averages, which provide some guidance. Minor alignment treatments can straighten teeth in as little as six months. If you need more extensive work, it could take as long as 18-24 months.
It will also depend on whether you have both upper and lower teeth to straighten. Straightening the upper teeth is often quicker, but if you want both sets straightened, you will have a longer timeline to consider.
Invisalign Milestones: Breaking Down Your Treatment Time
If your Invisalign duration lasts more than a year, you might wonder whether the timescales are worth it.
However, it’s helpful to think about this from another angle, in terms of milestones, because the nature of this treatment means you aren’t waiting until that final day to see a result. The results will be incremental.
Your first milestone will be the consultation, and then you will get your first set of aligners. That usually takes 2-6 weeks.
You will receive a new aligner set every two weeks thereafter. Each set marks a slight shift in your teeth.
While each two-week shift might not be noticeable, it will become evident as you continue your treatment. When you are halfway through your treatment, your teeth will have moved enough for you to notice a visible change.
After the final set of aligners, the straightening treatment is complete, and you can enjoy your new smile. You’ll receive a set of retainers to maintain your smile.
Are There Ways to Accelerate Invisalign Treatment?
There aren’t true ways to shortcut Invisalign treatment if you want the best results. Nevertheless, there are things you can do to prevent delays in your treatment.
First, wear your aligners for the recommended 20-22 hours. The best way to do that is to avoid snacking and stick to three meals a day, as this minimizes the frequency of times you remove your aligners.
Second, keep up excellent oral hygiene practices. Brush and floss twice a day.
Finally, you can also speak to your orthodontist about any products they recommend that promote faster tooth movement.
Common Concerns About Invisalign Timescales
It’s normal for patients to have some reservations or questions about treatment timescales. That’s why it’s essential to ask as many questions as possible during that initial consultation.
You might wonder, for example, what happens if you go on vacation and whether that will delay your treatment.
The answer to that question is that your dentist can provide you with your next set of aligners while you are away so that it doesn’t impact your dates. Another common question is what happens if you lose your aligners and don’t wear them for a few days.
That is unlikely to affect your overall timeline. However, you may experience a small amount of discomfort or tightness when you start wearing your aligners again.
That’s why it’s important to keep reminders if you are prone to forgetting about them.
How Fast Does Invisalign Work?
It’s understandable that before starting treatment, you’ll ask yourself, ” How fast does Invisalign work?” This article gives you some guidelines, but the best way to get an accurate answer is to book that initial consultation.
You can take that step today.
At Sing Orthodontics, you are in safe hands. We are one of the leading Invisalign experts in Austin and work with patients of all ages. Head here to find the closest treatment center and book that consultation.
