Are you wondering how long do Invisalign clear aligners take to straighten teeth? If yes, you should check out our guide here on the important things to know.
How long does the Invisalign system take to straighten teeth?
There isn’t an easy answer to this question. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to walk you through the average Invisalign treatment timetable. We’ll also take a look at how long traditional braces take to straighten teeth and whether or not it’s faster than Invisalign clear braces.
So let’s get started!
How Long Does the Invisalign System Take to Straighten Teeth?
The exact amount of time it will take Invisalign aligners to straighten your teeth will vary from person to person.
Why?
Everyone’s teeth are different. The more crooked your teeth are, the longer you will have to wear Invisalign clear braces. That said, the average Invisalign treatment takes about 12 to 18 months.
However, that number can lower to six months for mild cases or go up much higher for more complex cases. Because of this, it’s hard to put a timeline on Invisalign treatment. The best way to figure out how long your Invisalign treatment will take is to talk to your orthodontist.
But there are a few things that’ll almost always make your treatment take longer. Here’s a quick look at the most common.
You Have Crowded Teeth
Straightening crooked teeth takes time, but spacing out crowded teeth can add an additional six months to your treatment.
If you have severely crowded teeth, your orthodontist may suggest additional treatment to go along with your Invisalign treatment, such as wearing headgear. In some cases, crowded teeth may respond better to braces instead of Invisalign clear aligners.
You may not be a good candidate if your teeth are seriously crowded. However, Invisalign braces can take care of most cases of crowded teeth without a problem.
There Are Gaps in Your Smile
If you have a gap between two (or more) of your teeth, this will also extend your treatment time.
Instead of simply straightening a crooked tooth, Invisalign clear aligners have to move your teeth to entirely new spots in order to close a gap. Because of this, small gaps can add about eight weeks to your treatment.
People with large gaps in their smiles may have to wear Invisalign aligners for much longer. Like severely crowded teeth, if you have major gaps in your teeth, braces may be a better option for you.
You’re Still a Teenager
Age technically has nothing to do with how quickly your teeth move. A teenager’s teeth will move just as fast as an adult’s teeth.
But that’s only true if they both take care of their teeth properly.
It’s not uncommon to see a teenager’s Invisalign treatment take longer than an adult’s treatment. But this is often because teenagers don’t spend the same amount of time flossing and brushing their teeth.
However, if a teenager takes care of their teeth properly, they shouldn’t add any time to their treatment timeline.
Invisalign vs. Braces: Which One Takes Longer?
Braces almost always take longer than Invisalign treatment.
On average, braces will take about 24 months to straighten your teeth. This means they take almost twice as long to transform your smile as an Invisalign treatment. Because of this, Invisalign clear aligners are a better treatment option for most people.
Are Braces or Invisalign the Right Option for You?
Although Invisalign is a better choice for most people, there are a few things that might make braces the right choice for you. Here are a few things to consider when choosing between traditional braces and Invisalign.
When to Get Invisalign
Invisalign treatment can correct crooked teeth, crowded teeth, gaps between teeth, etc. And in most cases, they can do this quicker than braces.
Most people are good candidates for this type of treatment.
On top of the added speed of the treatment, Invisalign offers a host of other benefits. For example, you can take your Invisalign trays on and off. This means you can brush and floss your teeth the same way you always did. It also means you don’t have to worry about ending up with bracket “stains” on your teeth, something that can happen if you don’t brush your teeth well with braces.
Taking off the Invisalign trays also lets you eat any food you want at any time. Since you don’t have to worry about damaging brackets or wires, you can continue to eat your normal diet.
Invisalign aligners are also more comfortable than traditional braces. You won’t have to live with wires stabbing into the back of your cheeks.
These benefits make Invisalign clear braces the best treatment option for many people.
When to Get Braces
Despite all the benefits and convenience of Invisalign clear braces, there are a few times when braces are a better choice for your teeth.
For example, if your teeth are in a severe state, such as major gaps or overcrowded, braces can fix those problems faster than Invisalign aligners.
Make sure you talk to your orthodontist about the best option for your teeth. They’ll be able to tell you if braces are the right course of action for your personal needs.
However, in most cases, Invisalign clear aligners should do the job just fine.
Straightening Your Teeth as Fast as Possible
So how long does an Invisalign treatment take to straighten teeth?
It’s hard to put an exact timeframe on an Invisalign treatment, but on average, it will take about 12 to 18 months. This makes it a much faster option (and a much more comfortable option) than traditional braces.
