If you’ve been thinking about straightening your smile with Invisalign, one of the first questions you probably have is: How long does treatment take? The answer depends on several factors, including the complexity of your case, your age, and how well you follow your dentist or orthodontist’s instructions. On average, Invisalign treatment takes 12 to 18 months, but some people may see results in as little as six months, while others may need over two years for more advanced corrections.
Average Invisalign Timeline
Most patients fall within the 12- to 18-month range. During this time, you’ll wear a series of clear, removable aligners that gradually shift your teeth into their proper positions. Each set of aligners is typically worn for one to two weeks before switching to the next set in the series.
For minor cosmetic adjustments—such as slightly crooked front teeth or small gaps—treatment can be completed in about 6 to 9 months. On the other hand, if you have bite issues, rotated teeth, or severe misalignment, your Invisalign journey may take closer to 24 months.
Factors That Affect Invisalign Treatment Time
- Severity of Misalignment: The more complex your case, the longer it will take. Crowded teeth, overbites, and underbites usually require more aligners and more time than minor spacing issues.
- Patient Compliance: Invisalign only works if you wear the aligners as directed. Dentists typically recommend wearing them for 20 to 22 hours per day. Removing them too often or forgetting to put them back in can delay progress.
- Age: While Invisalign works for both teens and adults, younger patients often experience faster results since their teeth and bones are still developing and respond more quickly to movement.
- Treatment Refinements: In some cases, patients may need “refinement trays” after the initial series to fine-tune results. This can extend treatment time by a few months.
- Bite Adjustments: Correcting bite problems can add extra months compared to treating simple cosmetic concerns.
What You Can Expect During Treatment
When you start Invisalign, your dentist or orthodontist will create a custom treatment plan using 3D digital scans of your teeth. You’ll be able to see a simulation of how your teeth will move and the estimated timeline.
Every 6 to 8 weeks, you’ll have check-in appointments to monitor progress and receive new sets of aligners. As long as you wear your aligners consistently and follow your provider’s instructions, you should stay on schedule.
Can Invisalign Be Faster Than Braces?
For many mild to moderate cases, Invisalign can be quicker than traditional braces. Since the aligners apply controlled pressure to specific teeth, they can sometimes achieve results in less time. Plus, the clear aligners are more comfortable and discreet, making the process easier to commit to.
So, how long does Invisalign treatment take? While the average is 12 to 18 months, your personal timeline depends on your unique needs and dedication to wearing the aligners. The good news is that Invisalign offers a predictable, comfortable, and effective path to a straighter smile.
About the Practice
Are you interested in straightening out your smile? At Frandsen Dental of West Jordan, we can outfit you with clear Invisalign aligners to give you a whole new look! Our office provides the latest technology for treatment along with a bilingual dental team. Plus, if you’re worried about costs, we have flexible financing options available to make your dream of a new, straight smile more financially feasible. Schedule an appointment today online or call (801) 890-0030.