How Long Does Invisalign Take? 11 Influential Factors Impacting the Duration of Invisalign Treatment
When we want to achieve a healthier and straighter smile, we should consider undergoing orthodontic treatment. But how does it work? Well, orthodontic appliances use controlled forces to move teeth and reshape the bone structure of our mouth.
Bone reshaping is an essential aspect of the biomechanics of orthodontics. Braces or aligners will exert gentle pressure on teeth and jaws, repositioning and reshaping the bone structure around the teeth. The teeth start to move and align gradually due to these forces. By the end of the treatment, this process will show teeth in their proper positions.
In conclusion, we carefully design your orthodontic treatment to use these biomechanical principles to address all kinds of dental issues safely and effectively. Orthodontists will guide your teeth into the proper alignment worthy of the smile of your dreams, applying gentle and controlled forces!
What Is Malocclusion?
You might have heard of malocclusions if you are familiar with dental terms. Yes, we are talking about the misalignment of the jaws, where the upper and lower teeth do not fit together when you close your mouth. This dental condition can happen due to several factors, like the shape of the jaws and teeth, thumb-sucking, or premature loss of teeth during childhood.
Let’s talk about the different types of malocclusions:
Overbite:
An overbite alludes to the situation where the upper front teeth overlap the lower teeth when the mouth is in its resting position.
Underbite:
On the other hand, an underbite refers to a situation where the lower front teeth protrude, overlapping the upper teeth.
Crowding:
Crowded teeth happen when you have a small jaw where there is not enough space for all of your teeth to align properly.
If you suffer from malocclusion, we recommend that you address those dental issues with a professional orthodontist. Otherwise, you might experience negative consequences such as:
- Tooth decay or gum inflammation. This can happen because misaligned teeth are more difficult to clean.
- You can also suffer from jaw pain or joint disorders due to dental issues.
- Function problems of the mouth, like difficulty in chewing or biting properly.
Usually, malocclusions are easy to detect during your routine examinations with your dentist. In addition, several treatment options include orthodontic appliances or dental surgery in severe cases.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign represents an alternative treatment to traditional braces and to solve dental malocclusions. They are becoming more popular every day due to their system of a series of transparent and removable aligners that provide several benefits to patients. Although clear aligners address dental issues in a similar way to traditional metal braces, they use a different approach that can reduce the treatment time.
Let’s explore the world of clear aligners and how they work. Invisalign works with different sets of aligners that act like molds to move the positions of your teeth gradually. This is a slow process that will work within a determinate period.
The most important difference between Invisalign treatment and traditional braces is that the clear aligners exert force on all teeth at the same time. On the other hand, traditional braces involve adjustments made to individual brackets and wires for each tooth. In other words, Invisalign’s trays apply consistent and gentle pressure to all of the teeth, leading to a more uniform and balanced tooth movement, which can speed up the duration of the treatment.
We understand that Invisalign is an attractive orthodontic treatment. It has a lot of benefits, including comfort and improved aesthetics. However, you need to remember that the duration of treatment will depend on your orthodontic case and the issues you need to address. We recommend that you consult with a dental professional who can provide you with more accurate answers about your specific case.
Does Invisalign Take as Long as Regular Braces to Work?
Orthodontists recommend the use of Invisalign treatment for mild to moderate cases of malocclusions, while more severe cases may benefit from traditional metal braces. However, you need to remember that the duration of orthodontic treatment depends on various factors, like the complexity of the case, the age of the patient, and their compliance. Sometimes, clear aligners can work faster than metal braces.
Let’s explore this further:
Mild to Moderate Cases
If you have issues like minor crowding, spacing, or mild bite problems, clear aligners can be as effective as traditional braces. Sometimes, Invisalign can be faster compared to traditional braces because they apply consistent force to all the teeth at the same time. This will allow more efficient movement so you can achieve a perfect smile in a shorter period!
Severe Cases
When we talk about more complex cases, orthodontists may recommend the use of traditional braces. The duration of the treatment can be longer, but this will ensure that you get the desired result. Usually, metal braces provide a higher level of control and precision that you need to address your dental issues.
Now that you understand the mechanics of orthodontic treatments, you should book an appointment with an experienced orthodontist. They are the only ones that can provide you with proper guidance and answer all of your concerns. Both orthodontic appliances, Invisalign and traditional braces, are efficient. Nevertheless, your dental professional will recommend either one based on your specific case.
What Factors Might Affect Treatment Lenght with Invisalign?
Remember that every case is different, so not every orthodontic treatment has the same duration. Here are some factors that can affect your treatment duration:
Complexity of the Case
Complicated cases that involve severe misalignments might need longer treatment periods.
Age
Usually, younger patients experience faster tooth movement in comparison to adults.
Compliance
You need to wear your aligners for the time your orthodontists recommend you. Otherwise, your treatment might require more time.
Frequency of Aligner Changes
You need to change your aligners every few weeks. Some cases may need more frequent aligner changes, while others may need longer periods between each set of aligners.
Follow-Up Appointments
We recommend that you attend all of your follow-up appointments. This is the only way your orthodontist can make adjustments and keep your treatment on track.
Patient’s Physiology
Several factors can affect the duration of treatment, such as bone density or the rate of tooth movement. These factors vary according to each patient.
Initial Tooth Position
The initial position of teeth matters because severely misaligned teeth need more time to move into their proper position.
Orthodontist’s Expertise
An orthodontist with years of experience is more efficient in creating and executing a customized treatment. This can reduce the time of your treatment and deliver better results.
Adjunct Treatments
Adjunct treatments, such as attachments or elastics, can extend the duration of your treatment.
Patient’s Oral Hygiene
You need to have proper oral hygiene. Otherwise, you might suffer from tooth decay or gum disease, which can delay the outcome of your orthodontic treatment.
Patient’s Comfort Level
If you are uncomfortable with your appliances, you are less likely to wear them for the recommended time. To maintain treatment progress, you should talk with your orthodontist about any discomfort.
What to Expect on Your Invisalign Journey
Well, it depends on the particular case because every smile is different! If you want an accurate answer for your special case, we recommend that you reach out and make an orthodontic appointment with a qualified practitioner.
It does not matter what kind of dental issue you want to address; you might be dealing with misaligned teeth, malocclusions, or just looking to improve your oral health. Westwalk Orthodontic Group can do it all! Their team of experienced orthodontists can provide guidance and personalized orthodontic treatment plans made just for you!
What are you waiting for? Reach out to and book your initial consultation to start your Invisalign journey!