How Long Does It Take for Invisalign to Work?

Invisalign clear aligners are a discrete way to straighten teeth without metal.

Teens and adults often turn to clear plastic aligners to correct their smiles.

But how long does Invisalign treatment take?

Keep reading to learn more.

Woman Smiling While Holding An Invisalign

How Long Do Braces Take?

Before diving into the treatment time for Invisalign, it’s worth noting how long braces take to work.

The average treatment time for braces may vary anywhere from 12 to 24 months. Braces can address minor crowding in a shorter time. However, most braces take 2 years (or more) to resolve orthodontic issues.

How Long Does Invisalign Take?

Invisalign falls under a similar timeline as the average braces duration. Invisalign generally takes 12-18 months for most cases. On average, treatment time is roughly 12 months.

While the treatment time is often fairly similar to braces, there are still major reasons to opt for Invisalign. During the entire braces treatment, you shouldn’t chew gum or eat sticky foods. You must also be careful of hard or crunchy foods. All of these can damage the braces.

But you can remove Invisalign. So as long as you clean your teeth and the tray before putting it back in, you’ll be able to enjoy the treats that you want throughout treatment.

Factors that Influence Treatment Time

The average time for Invisalign is not as helpful as it may seem. The truth is that the timeline can vary greatly depending on your specific smile and unique case.

Here are some of the top factors that affect the Invisalign treatment time:

  • Teeth crowding – The level of tooth crowding you have plays a role. Minor cases may be addressed in six months, while more extensive crowding will take longer.
  • Tooth Gaps – The severity of tooth gaps also matters. Small gaps take less time to address than larger ones.
  • Treatment compliance – One major difference between braces and Invisalign is that you can remove clear aligners to eat, drink, and brush your teeth. For them to work their best, you must wear them at least 22 hours per day. Lax treatment compliance can increase the time it takes to see results.

Invisalign in Regina, SK

Invisalign treatment commonly takes about 12 months to work, but treatment may be shorter or longer depending on your needs and compliance.

Whether you have more questions about clear aligners or want to get started on treatment, Signature Smiles, a general dental clinic in Regina, SK, is here to help. Our general dental team offers Invisalign to help you get a straighter smile.

Schedule your consultation for invisalign treatment in Regina, SK today!

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