Invisalign is a discrete form of orthodontic treatment that can help patients get a perfectly straight and healthy smile. But even though the treatment is not as high-maintenance or visible as traditional metal braces, many patients are eager to get through this journey as quickly as possible.
So, how long can you expect to have to wear your aligners?
Treatment length can vary greatly from patient to patient and is influenced by a lot of different factors such as the alignment issue you have, as well as how well you comply with treatment requirements.
Invisalign involves wearing a custom set of clear aligners that apply a bit of pressure on your teeth. As you go through your treatment, the aligners will gently move your teeth until they reach their most optimal position.
The process itself takes time, and you will go through several trays until your teeth reach the final position.
The full Invisalign treatment length can vary anywhere between 6 months to a year or more. It generally depends on how severe your alignment issues are, and how well your teeth respond to the aligners.
Moreover, for the treatment to yield the results you want, you will need to wear your aligners for at least 22 hours a day.
Failure to comply with this recommendation can result in a longer treatment plan than you initially hoped.
Invisalign needs to have almost constant contact with your teeth in order to improve their alignment. In general, you should only take out aligners when eating, drinking, and when you are brushing your teeth. Yes, you will even have to sleep with your aligners on!
Moreover, if you take out your aligners and don’t put them back in for a long time, your teeth can move back to their previous position, effectively erasing all the progress you’ve made until that point. In some cases, once the teeth go back, the Invisalign trays won’t fit properly anymore, in which case you’ll need to get a new pair to resume your treatment.
Invisalign is a rather comfortable and low-maintenance orthodontic treatment, but you will still need to make a few small changes:
The better you comply with these recommendations, the better results you can expect by the end of your treatment.
Interested in Invisalign services? Sarah S. Barker, DDS can help.
Book an appointment at Cardinal Family Dentistry online and stop by for a consultation.
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