Since more than 17 million patients have chosen to straighten their teeth with Invisalign, there’s a good chance you already know a bit about this revolutionary orthodontic treatment, including that the aligners are metal-free. But how long does Invisalign treatment take? Do you need to commit to 2+ years like you would with traditional braces? To learn the answer (and how you can avoid frustrating delays), read on!
The Average Invisalign Treatment Timeline Is…
12-18 months. Conversely, the average treatment timeline with traditional braces is 2-3 years. So, if you are planning your dream wedding, going on a beautiful vacation, or pursuing your ideal job, you may want to consider Invisalign. After all, in addition to having a considerably shorter average treatment timeline, the aligners are basically invisible, so no unwanted attention will be drawn to your smile in the meantime.
4 Factors That Play a Role in Your Treatment Timeline
At your consultation, your dentist will review your dental history, take updated X-rays, and conduct an oral exam to determine:
- If any preliminary treatments are needed
- The severity of your case
- How many aligners need to be made
- If rubber bands or other orthodontic accessories are necessary
From there, they can create your custom treatment plan and provide you with an estimate of your treatment timeline.
How To: Avoid Frustrating Treatment Plan Delays
Whether your teeth-straightening journey is projected to take six months or two years, the last thing you want is to experience frustrating delays. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to prevent that from happening, like:
- Wearing your aligners for a minimum of 20 hours a day
- Using chewies to seat your aligners into position
- Putting your aligners in their designated case when you aren’t wearing them
- Committing to good dental care habits, like flossing every night before bed
- Prioritizing your check-in visits
About the Doctor
Since graduating from Baylor (Texas A&M) School of Dentistry, Dr. David C. Parsons has continued to pursue continuing education on a wide range of topics – from orthodontics to cosmetic dentistry. His goal? To use his extensive training, experience, and talent to help his patients achieve a smile that’s both healthy and beautiful. If you would like to schedule an Invisalign consultation with him, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (620) 221-0730.