Smiling is one of the best ways to communicate. In fact, it’s one of the only facial expressions that express happiness, regardless of what culture you come from! If you’ve been looking to invest in your smile or the smile of a loved one, you may have considered Invisalign. And if you have thought about Invisalign, you’re not alone! Many people have made this investment in their smiles. This industry will grow 23.1% between 2020 and 2027! Of course, as with all medical interventions, you likely have Invisalign questions. You may wonder ‘how does Invisalign work?’ or ‘how long does Invisalign take?’

These are important questions to answer before you begin the Invisalign process. Luckily, this article can provide answers to all your questions. You can feel confident that Invisalign is the right choice for you and your smile.

What Is Invisalign?

First things first; what is Invisalign? Invisalign treatment is a unique alternative to traditional metal braces. The Invisalign system is a set of clear plastic trays, called aligners, that work to shift the placement of your teeth over time.

These trays are virtually invisible. Every two weeks of your treatment, you’ll receive a new set of aligners that will slowly move your teeth into place.

Who Can Use Invisalign?

Invisalign is great for most people who will benefit from traditional braces. Maybe you’re looking for an alternative to traditional braces for your child or teen. Maybe you’re a little older, in your 30s or 40s, and you just want to smile more!

The number of adults seeking treatment for their smile has grown in recent years. It’s never too late for you to seek treatment for your smile. And Invisalign is probably a great option for you!

How Long Does Invisalign Take?

One of the most common Invisalign questions is how long the process takes. The answer to this: it depends! Some people may find their treatment process complete in as little as 6 months to a year, others take longer.

The great news? The average time that Invisalign takes for complete treatment is less than 2 years.

Several factors influence how long the Invisalign process takes. Read on for greater insight into what it takes to get your smile into shape!

Factors Influencing How Long Invisalign Takes

The following factors may influence how long your treatment takes. Remember: even if you are someone for whom treatment takes longer, the process is still an easy one.

Your Age

For young children and teens, realigning teeth is relatively straightforward. Because they’re still growing, shifting the teeth takes a little less time than it does for adults.

This doesn’t mean Invisalign won’t work for grown-ups! It just means that the aligners will take a little more time to work their magic on your smile.

Alignment Issues

If you struggle with an overbite or underbite, it’s possible that it will take a little extra time to correct your smile. Your orthodontist can help you understand the alignment of your particular smile and how long Invisalign will take to work for you.

Crowded Teeth or Gaps

Having a smaller jaw, or crowded teeth, can also influence the amount of time that Invisalign takes to work. Similarly, having a gap or multiple gaps in your smile can make it so that Invisalign takes more time.

How Much You Wear Them

Aligners should be worn about 22 hours a day. They should be taken out only for eating and cleaning. But sometimes, things happen, and the aligners don’t always stay in for as long as they should!

If this happens once in a while, it’s not likely to dramatically change your treatment plan. If it happens a lot, however, it is possible that your treatment time will increase.

Because your trays change every few weeks, if you don’t wear your aligners as your orthodontist prescribes, you might not be ready for the next set. Be sure to follow all treatment recommendations to get your beautiful smile as soon as possible.

Benefits of Invisalign

Knowing how long Invisalign takes is a great place to start. But what are some of the benefits of this type of treatment? Read on for more!

Aesthetics

One of the things patients love most about Invisalign is how it looks! Given that the trays are practically invisible, you don’t have to worry about the appearance of metal or other hardware in your mouth.

Comfort

For most people, Invisalign aligners are comfortable and easy to wear. Occasionally there is some discomfort during the day or so after switching trays, but this is often much less than traditional braces.

Food Freedom

With traditional orthodontic appliances, there can be restrictions on what you can eat. Not with Invisalign!

Because you remove the trays prior to eating, there are no rules about what you can and can’t eat. The same rules about cleanliness apply, however! Flossing and brushing, as well as cleaning your trays, must happen daily.

Easier For You

Invisalign offers patients fewer visits to the orthodontist. The trays are easier to clean than traditional braces. At the end of the day, the Invisalign process simply requires your commitment to wearing them and changing up your routine every 2 weeks.

If you’re a new patient, looking for guidance on how to get started, look no further. We can help get you set up with an appointment and answer all your questions.

Fast Track to a Beautiful Smile!

Now you know how Invisalign works. You also can answer the question ‘how long does Invisalign take?’ You should feel confident in making an informed decision, for you or your loved one, about whether or not Invisalign is a good fit!

You deserve to love your smile. Invisalign is a great tool to make that happen! When you’re ready to discuss your treatment options, reach out to us to request an appointment. We’re here to help.