Invisalign treatment in Irving is custom tailored to meet your specific orthodontic needs, making it just as efficient as it is effective. It’s important to set realistic expectations for yourself during the process, and one fact that you won’t be able to escape is that all orthodontic treatment takes time. However, Invisalign does offer some unique perks when it comes to how long it takes and the overall convenience of the process. Read on to learn more about how long Invisalign takes.
How Does Invisalign Treatment Work?
Invisalign treatment uses discreet, transparent plastic aligners that are custom-designed to gently shift your teeth into their ideal positions. You wear each set of trays for about two weeks before moving onto the next series, and you continue this trend until you reach your final ideal results. Every six to eight weeks, you’ll visit your dentist in Irving for a quick check-in visit to make sure you’re on the right track and to pick up the next series of trays in your treatment.
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
The timeline for Invisalign treatment varies from patient to patient based on four main factors. These factors will be evaluated during your initial consultation with your dentist, which will allow them to draw up an estimated treatment timeline for you:
- The Complexity of Your Orthodontic Issues: More complex orthodontic issues like moderate bite problems typically take longer to fix, whereas predominantly cosmetic issues can be addressed more quickly.
- Whether You Remain Compliant with Your Treatment: In order for treatment to be effective, it’s important for you to wear your aligners for between 20 and 22 hours each day. Any setbacks will affect your treatment timeline.
- Your Age: Teenagers’ teeth tend to be corrected faster than adults’ because their oral structure is still developing, making it more pliable.
- If You Lose Any Aligners: Losing an aligner may require your dentist to have to order a replacement. This will put your treatment on hold until your new tray is crafted by a dental laboratory.
Is Invisalign Treatment Faster Than Braces?
Invisalign treatment does have a shorter average treatment time than braces; however, this is mainly due to the fact that clear aligners aren’t typically recommended for more complex issues that can be treated with braces. So, in truth, there’s really no answer to this question other than that it depends on your unique situation. During your consultation, your dentist can let you know whether braces or Invisalign clear aligners can help you reach the finish line more efficiently.
If you’re considering Invisalign treatment to gain a more radiant, healthier smile, the best way to learn what your journey will look like is to schedule a consultation with your dentist. With an average treatment time of 18 months, Invisalign has helped millions achieve aligned smiles more comfortably than other treatment options.
About the Author
Dr. Rafiq Hirji has always been passionate about helping his patients achieve straighter smiles. Whether that’s through the use of traditional orthodontic methods like braces or modern Invisalign clear aligners, he has advanced training to offer multiple orthodontic services in-house. To learn whether you’re a candidate for clear aligners, visit Daily Smiles MacArthur Dental & Orthodontics’ website or call 972-546-4114.