How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Take and What to Expect

Are you considering Invisalign treatment to straighten your teeth and give you a confident smile? If so, you may wonder how long the treatment takes and what you can expect. Invisalign uses a series of clear plastic aligners that gradually reposition your teeth over time.

The length of your Invisalign treatment will depend on your case, but generally, patients can expect to wear their aligners for about one year.

Factors That Determine Invisalign Treatment Length

The length of your Invisalign treatment depends on several factors, including the severity of your dental alignment issues, the number of aligners required, and how diligent you are about wearing them. On average, Invisalign treatments take anywhere from six to 18 months.

The most important factor determining the length of an Invisalign treatment is the severity of misalignment in the patient’s teeth. Mild misalignments, such as slightly crooked teeth or gaps between teeth, can take less time to fix.

The number of aligners required for treatment also plays a role in determining how long Invisalign treatment takes. Generally speaking, patients require anywhere from 12 to 48 aligners for full treatment, with the average being around 20-30 aligners.

The total number of aligners required to complete the treatment will depend on the individual case and how your orthodontist designs your treatment plan.

Finally, the time it takes to complete an Invisalign treatment highly depends on how diligent the patient is about wearing their aligners for at least 22 hours daily. Wearing the aligners for less time can significantly slow the process and prolong the treatment length. If you want your Invisalign treatment to be completed promptly, wear your aligners as instructed by your orthodontist.

The Invisalign Treatment Process

At Camilo Riano Orthodontics in San Francisco, the Invisalign treatment process begins with a consultation with Dr. Riano to determine whether or not you are a suitable candidate for Invisalign treatment. During the consultation, we will discuss your orthodontic goals and desired treatment outcome. 

We will create a customized plan to shift your teeth into their desired positions gradually. 

Throughout the entire Invisalign treatment process, your orthodontist may need to make small adjustments to ensure your teeth move in the right direction.

During the course of treatment, you will be required to wear the aligners for 20-22 hours per day. It is important to remember to wear them for the appropriate amount of time for the treatment to work properly. Brushing your teeth after each meal and snack, flossing, and using a water flosser daily would be best.

Benefits of Invisalign

1. Customized Treatment: Invisalign provides a customized treatment plan for each patient. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are created specifically for the patient’s teeth and mouth, making them more effective at correcting orthodontic issues.

2. Comfort and Convenience: Invisalign aligners are made from a soft plastic material, which makes them much more comfortable than metal braces. Additionally, the aligners are removable, allowing patients to brush and floss as normal, eat whatever they like, and easily keep their teeth clean.

3. Shorter Treatment Time: On average, Invisalign treatment takes about 12 months to complete, while traditional braces can take up to two years or more. The shortened treatment time is often a major benefit for many patients.

4. Discreetness: Due to its transparent design, Invisalign is much less noticeable than traditional braces. Many patients appreciate the discretion that Invisalign offers, especially when it comes to important events such as weddings and job interviews.

5. Better Oral Health: By properly aligning your teeth, Invisalign helps ensure that your teeth fit together correctly and stay healthy over time. Properly aligned teeth also help to prevent other oral health problems such as jaw pain and gum disease.