Are you embarrassed by your smile? Having crooked or gapped teeth can be a confidence killer for many people. A few decades ago, if you wanted straight teeth, your only option was traditional braces with metal brackets. 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 To Move Your Teeth
With Invisalign, you can straighten teeth effectively using a virtually invisible, removable set of aligners. When you start your Invisalign treatment plan with your dentist, they’ll take a digital scan of your mouth. X-rays will help to determine the correct position for your teeth.
Next, your dentist will send the data to the Invisalign lab. The team manufactures a series of customized aligners. Each one shifts your teeth into a new position. You will swap out the aligners every 1-2 weeks.
You have perfectly straight teeth once you’ve finished all the clear aligners.
How Long Will It Take to Straighten My Teeth With Invisalign?
This orthodontic treatment option to straighten your teeth can take anywhere from a few weeks to 12 months, 18 months, or more. Treatment time is on a person-to-person basis, and the degree of treatment needed. Each Invisalign system serves a unique purpose. Your dentist will recommend the right Invisalign system to straighten your teeth.
Invisalign is suitable for resolving minor to mild dental problems for straighter teeth, such as the following:
- Gapped teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Open bite
- Overbite or 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 transparent materials, meaning people won’t see them on your teeth when wearing them.
For your Invisalign treatment to succeed, you must wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day. Only remove them when you want to:
- Eat or drink to avoid staining
- Brush and floss your teeth
- Attend a special occasion
The longer you keep the aligners in, the faster Invisalign works to straighten your teeth.
Patients are advised by their dentist to replace the aligners every one to two weeks. The dentist will closely supervise the entire treatment process to ensure successful outcomes. Patients must attend checkups every other week during treatment.
After you finish the Invisalign treatment plan, you’ll wear a set of retainers for a year. This prevents your teeth from shifting back into their old position.
Should I Choose Invisalign or Braces for Fast Results?
Invisalign is a safe, effective dental device. They can correct minor to mild dental issues and give you the smile you deserve. Traditional braces are the better choice for fixing severe dental problems or for people who struggle with compliance (children).
However, braces are visible on teeth. Even with clear brackets, they can make some people, especially teenagers, feel self-conscious. Invisalign offers an alternative to braces without the need for a permanent fix of the aligner to your teeth.
The cost of Invisalign is comparable to that of traditional braces. However, the final price 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 what Invisalign can do to straighten your smile.
Additional Reading: How Invisalign Works
All Smiles Family Dentistry – Invisalign Omaha
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.