You like to know what to expect when it comes to your dental treatments, and who could blame you? Having a sense of how things will go is reassuring, and as far as your calendar is concerned, essential! With that being said, how long will an Invisalign treatment take? Weeks? Months? Years?
The truth is that it depends – but don’t worry. This post will go into the details!
The Average Invisalign Timeline
On average, most patients are able to complete their Invisalign treatments within 6 to 12 months. Assuming you follow your orthodontists’ instructions closely, that’s a reasonable estimate. However, after your consultation with your orthodontist, you might hear a larger or smaller number. That’s because it will mostly depend on the complexity of your case, and your orthodontist won’t know what to plan for until they examine your teeth.
Factors That Could Make Treatment Take Longer
Patients with the following oral issues may very well need to wear Invisalign for longer than average:
- Gaps between teeth. This can mean that there’s an issue with your gum structure or that your pearly whites grew too far apart. It will take more work for Invisalign aligners to correct oral structure.
- Jaw misalignment. Similarly, if your bite is off and your jaw needs an adjustment, it will take longer for the aligners to finish nudging your jaw into place.
- Severe dental crowding. This can occur if your mouth is too small for the number of teeth you have or if crookedness is extreme. You may require a tooth extraction to make room for straighter teeth, adding to your timeline.
Rest assured, you can still achieve a beautifully even smile in these cases. Your pearly whites might simply require more encouragement to adjust!
Consult with Your Orthodontist for The Best Results
No matter how long (or short) your treatment timeline estimate is, the best way to progress through it smoothly is to talk to your orthodontist. They’re the professionals, after all, and will be able to advise you on what needs to be done in order to achieve your dream smile. Listen to their instructions closely, and you’ll be able to enjoy your new smile in no time!
About the Author
Dr. Payam Ishani completed his specialty training in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He’s a lifelong learner, though, dedicated to staying on top of the latest trends in the field so he can provide the best care possible for his patients. That’s why he’s Invisalign certified! If you’re interested in clear aligner orthodontics, call Dr. Ishani’s office at 405-254-5094.