Are you embarrassed by your smile? For many people, having crooked or gapped teeth can be a confidence killer. A few decades ago, if you wanted straight teeth, your only option was traditional braces and headgear. Fortunately, you don’t have to go through that in the modern medical and dental technology era. Invisalign offers you an alternative to braces with the same results. You might be wondering though, how long does Invisalign take to straighten teeth?
How Long Does Invisalign Take to Straighten Teeth?
Invisalign Clear Aligners
Invisalign is a retainer system designed to slowly move your teeth into proper alignment. When you start your Invisalign treatment plan with your dentist, they’ll take a digital scan of your mouth and x-rays to determine the correct position for your teeth.
Then, your dentist will send the data to the Invisalign lab, where the team manufactures a series of clear aligners. Each retainer shifts your teeth into a new position (swapping out every 1-2 weeks) so that you have perfectly straight teeth by the time you finish all the clear aligners.
How Long Will It Take to Straighten My Teeth With Invisalign?
Invisalign takes anywhere from a few weeks to a year or more to straighten your teeth. The treatment duration depends on the dental issue that you would like to correct.
Each Invisalign system serves a unique purpose, and your dentist will recommend the right Invisalign system for your treatment.
Invisalign is suitable for resolving minor to mild dental problems such as the following:
- Gapped teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Overbite
- Open bite
- Underbite
Invisalign aligners feature design and construction with medical plastics, which are safe for everyday use. Unlike traditional metal braces, you can remove the Invisalign aligners whenever you want. Invisalign aligner trays also feature clear materials, meaning people won’t see them on your teeth when wearing them.
For your Invisalign treatment to be successful, you must wear the aligners for 20-22 hours a day, only taking them out when you want to eat and brush your teeth. The longer you keep the aligners in, the faster Invisalign works to straighten your teeth.
Patients are advised by their dentist to replace each aligner every one-two weeks. The dentist will closely supervise the entire treatment process to ensure successful outcomes. Throughout the treatment period, patients will be required to attend checkups every other week.
After you finish the Invisalign treatment plan, you’ll wear a set of retainers for a year to prevent your teeth from shifting back into their old position.
Should I Go with Invisalign or Braces for Fast Results?
Invisalign is a safe, effective dental device designed to correct minor to mild dental issues and give you the smile you deserve. Traditional braces are the better choice for fixing severe dental issues or for people who would struggle with compliance (children). However, braces are visible on your teeth, even with clear brackets, and they can make some people, especially teenagers, feel self-conscious.
Invisalign offers an alternative to braces without the need for permanent fixing of the aligner to your teeth.
The cost of Invisalign is comparable to the cost of traditional braces, however, the final cost will depend on the Invisalign system that best suits your needs.
Are you looking for Invisalign in Omaha, NE? Connect with our team to learn more about what Invisalign can do to straighten your smile.
Additional Reading: How Invisalign Works
All Smiles Family Dentistry in Omaha, NE
At All Smiles Family Dentistry, we are proud to provide high-quality care to all our patients both young and old thanks to our compassionate and experienced dental team. We offer a clean and comfortable clinic to help you feel relaxed during your visit. Contact All Smiles Family Dentist.