Are you interested in using Invisalign® but are unsure how long it would take? If you’re interested in this teeth straightening option because it works faster than metal braces, it’s natural to be curious about the treatment timeline.
Your dentist will tell you exactly how long your Invisalign treatment will take. Typically, it straightens the teeth in as short as 6 months. You’ll even start noticing changes just a few weeks into the treatment as the aligner starts to reposition your teeth.
So, how long does Invisalign actually take? Each of the individual systems cater to different orthodontic needs, with varying treatment times.
Invisalign Systems and Their Timelines
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Invisalign First (4–6 months)
Designed for children aged 6–10, this system treats a wide range of teeth straightening issues during the developmental stage.
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Invisalign Teens (12–18 months)
For treating mild to moderate orthodontic issues in adolescents, the system has special features including eruption tabs and compliance indicators.
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Invisalign Full (12–18 months)
This is designed for moderate to severe teeth misalignment, including overbites, underbites, and complicated alignment cases. This comprehensive treatment is ideal for smile makeovers.
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Invisalign Go (3–6 months)
In this version, aligners are used to reposition the front 6–8 teeth that have minor imperfections or alignment issues. Treatment time is shorter compared to more comprehensive systems.
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Invisalign i7 (3–4 months)
The treatment is ideal for minor alignment issues, including slight overcrowding or crooked teeth that are visible when you smile. It’s also used to prevent relapse after finishing an orthodontic treatment.
Teeth Straightening by a Leading Invisalign Dentist in Preston
At Holly Dental Practice, your orthodontic treatment is overseen by Dr. Andy Holly – a Diamond Invisalign Provider. Our Preston based dentist is part of a friendly, caring team that aims to give personalised service in a relaxing atmosphere.
Planning on having Invisalign for straighter teeth? We can help you achieve your goal, starting with a no-obligation chat in our clinic. Contact us now to book an appointment.
Conclusion
So how long does Invisalign take? Usually, between 16 and 18 months. But Invisalign has multiple different systems for straightening the teeth, with each version targeting specific degrees of teeth misalignment and having varying timelines. The predictability of the orthodontic treatment stays the same throughout all the systems, with reliable outcomes that you’ll achieve typically faster and in a more discreet way compared to metal braces.
FAQs
How long does Invisalign take?
It depends on the Invisalign system used. The ones for minor misalignment can be completed in just a few months, while those designed for more complex cases can take more than a year (but less than 2) to finish.
When will I see improvements by Invisalign?
You might notice some changes only after a few weeks, depending on the condition of your teeth and the degree of misalignment at the beginning of the treatment. The improvements will come gradually as the aligner gently moves your teeth into a better position.
Does Invisalign work for all crowded teeth conditions?
No. Invisalign is suitable only for mild to moderate cases. More complicated issues of crowding or misalignment, such as severe overbites, will respond much better to conventional orthodontic treatments, such as metal braces.
How long do I need to wear Invisalign?
At least 20-22 hours daily. We recommend following this regularly so you can start seeing visible improvement soon, and to achieve the teeth straightening goal on schedule.
What ages are suitable for Invisalign?
Children 6–10 years old can have their teeth straightened by Invisalign, which can also be used by adults to address teeth crowding, gaps, and orthodontic relapse. At Holly Dental Practice in Preston, our highly experienced dentist will do a comprehensive assessment to determine which Invisalign system will best suit your needs.
How often do I need to change aligners?
Typically, you need to change your aligner to the next one every 1–2 weeks. The schedule is set by your dentist at the beginning of your treatment, after determining the Invisalign system to be used based on the degree of misalignment, alongside other factors.
Is Invisalign painful?
No. It uses mild pressure to reposition the teeth, treating issues such as crowding, overbites, and underbites. Also, the aligners are made of smooth, clear plastic that doesn’t irritate the gums and soft tissues inside the mouth.
Do I need to wear the aligner while sleeping?
Yes, you need to wear your aligner for 20–22 hours every day, which means that you’ll need to have it on while you sleep. We recommend that you take it off only when you need to brush your teeth, before eating, and minimal other instances.
