If you’re exploring Invisalign as a solution to straighten your teeth, you might be curious about the length of time the treatment may take. Compared with traditional braces, Invisalign provides a more discreet and convenient way of creating beautiful smiles than its competitors do.
In this blog post, we’ll cover what factors impact its duration, so if you’re ready to learn more about this popular orthodontic solution, keep reading.
Understanding the Invisalign Process
Before diving into our timeline, let’s quickly understand the Invisalign process. Invisalign utilizes a series of custom-made, transparent, removable aligners to move your teeth into place progressively over time. They are changed every one to two weeks to allow for any changes that may occur in the movement of your teeth.
The first step in your Invisalign journey is an initial consultation and treatment planning with a licensed dentist or orthodontist specializing in cosmetic dental care. They will assess your teeth and bite alignment to see if you qualify as a candidate for Invisalign.
Additionally, they may take x-rays, photographs, or digital impressions of your teeth for future reference and planning purposes.
Custom Aligner Fabrication
Following your initial consultation, your dentist will submit the collected data to an Invisalign laboratory, where advanced computer technology will fabricate custom aligners tailored explicitly for your treatment plan based on what was discussed with you in terms of treatment goals.
As discussed with your dentist, these custom aligners will gradually shift your teeth into their ideal positions. If you are struggling with this treatment, always count on your dentist. You can also visit this site, legacydentistryva.com/dentures, to seek help.
Treatment Timeline
The length of Invisalign treatment depends on several factors, including its complexity and your commitment to wearing aligners as prescribed. On average, Invisalign can last between 6-18 months; however, every case varies and could need a shorter or longer treatment duration.
Compliance and Discipline
Achieving success with Invisalign treatment depends heavily on your compliance and discipline in wearing your aligners as directed by your dentist. For optimal results, wearing them for 20 to 22 hours each day, only taking them off for meals, drinking beverages, brushing teeth, or flossing (this will take less time overall than following an irregular wear schedule) could delay your timeline of care significantly.
Progress Check-Ups
During your Invisalign treatment, regular check-ins with your dentist will occur to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments. These visits usually occur every six to eight weeks and will allow them to evaluate how your teeth react to the aligners and provide new sets to continue the treatment process.
Once your teeth have reached their desired positions, you’ll enter the retention phase of Invisalign treatment. At this time, your dentist may provide retainers to help maintain this new alignment; these retainers help prevent your teeth from shifting back into their original positions and can range anywhere from several months or even longer in duration.
For more information about Invisalign, you can visit site of a trusted dentist.
The Takeaway
Invisalign treatment offers a practical, discreet way to achieve a straighter smile without being noticed by anyone around you. While treatment duration will depend on individual circumstances, it should take anywhere between six and 18 months on average for successful results. Adherence and discipline when wearing the aligners as prescribed are vital to successful results.