Invisalign takes between 6 and 24 months to work. In mild cases of crooked teeth, Invisalign will slowly correct the position of teeth within 6 to 12 months. However, severe cases take more time, and you can start seeing results within 18 to 24 months of using Invisalign.
Invisalign has grown in popularity thanks to its comfort and aesthetic benefits. According to Invisalign, over 19 million people worldwide have started wearing Invisalign aligners. Plus, around 5 million of those are teenagers — a number that’s only growing!
More and more dentists are becoming experienced at fitting Invisalign clear aligners. At JC Dental Como, we follow a step-by-step protocol to help you find the perfect fit for your teeth. This process involves:
One of the first questions many patients ask us is, “How long does it take for Invisalign to work?” As we will see, the answer to this question varies depending on a few factors. Let’s delve into this topic more deeply so that you can make an informed decision about straightening your, or your child’s, teeth.
The average duration of Invisalign treatment is 18 months. This takes into account that some treatments with Invisalign take as little as 6 months to conclude, whereas more complicated treatments take up to 2 years. For most patients, Invisalign treatment takes 12 to 18 months, but you can start seeing results within as little as 2 to 6 weeks.
| Case Type | Treatment Duration | Common Issues Treated | Average Number of Aligners | Time to Noticeable Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mild | 6 to 12 months |
• Slight crowding • Minor gaps |
10 to 25 aligners | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Moderate | 12 to 18 months |
• Moderate spacing • Overbite |
25 to 40 aligners | 6 to 8 weeks |
| Severe | 18 to 24 months |
• Complex misalignment • Crossbite |
40+ aligners | 8 to 12 weeks |
Factors that influence the length of Invisalign treatment include:
To speed up your Invisalign treatment, you should stick to the 22-hour rule, get and use your new aligners on time, have any conditions treated before starting, and always use a qualified dentist. These factors will affect treatment, so it’s worth looking at each one more in-depth. This way, you’ll know exactly what to expect and how you can speed up your Invisalign treatment.
Dentists will tell you that Invisalign is way more effective if worn for 22 hours per day. This gives you more than enough time to take the aligners out for brushing, eating and drinking, and flossing or rinsing your mouth.
This 22-hour rule maintains consistent pressure on the teeth, which ensures that the teeth are shifted to their desired position. Remember that the younger you are when getting Invisalign, the quicker this correction will take place.
One of the main reasons for Invisalign not working is the patient’s neglect. When using Invisalign, make sure you visit your dentist regularly to get new aligners. Each aligner is different, and they must be worn in the correct successive order to be effective.
How long is Invisalign effectiveness if you have pre-existing tooth issues? Aligners will not be very effective if you have tooth decay or gum disease. These issues should be dealt with first before you start your Invisalign treatment.
At JC Dental Como, we make sure your teeth are free of tooth decay problems and gum disease before starting Invisalign. This way, the treatment will work efficiently, faster, and have lasting effects on your teeth.
Always use a dentist that is familiar with Invisalign. They should also have information on their website about this treatment, as well as the Invisalign software in their offices. Not every dentist is trained on how to use the software, so choose a dentist with lots of experience in this field.
You’ll be provided with new aligners every 7 to 14 days during the treatment. This means that for mild cases, you can expect to use between 10 and 25 aligners. For more serious cases of crooked teeth, up to 40 aligners or more are necessary during treatment, and each one should be obtained every 1 to 2 weeks.
Yes, there are different types of Invisalign treatments with varying durations: Invisalign Express, Invisalign Lite, Invisalign Moderate, and Invisalign Comprehensive. Invisalign Express is best for very minor crowding or spacing (3 to 6 months), whereas Invisalign Lite works best for mild to moderate misalignment (6 to 12 months). For moderate crowding, gaps, or bite issues, Invisalign Moderate works effectively if used for 12 to 18 months. Finally, Invisalign Comprehensive treats severe misalignment and bite corrections and usually needs to be used for 18 to 24 months.
Yes, age does affect the duration of Invisalign treatment, but the treatment is effective for people of all ages. Younger patients are likely to see results quicker than older patients, because the teeth grow at a more rapid rate before the age of 21.
Yes, you will need to wear a retainer for the first year after completing Invisalign treatment. The retainer maintains your results and stops teeth from reverting to their original crooked state. For the first 3 to 6 months, you should wear your retainer for 22 hours per day. After that, you can wear it only at night.
Yes, previous orthodontic treatments like wearing braces will affect the length of Invisalign treatment. Your Invisalign treatment will likely be shorter (3 to 6 months), because the teeth have already started to be corrected. Your dentist will advise you on treatment duration based on your dental history.
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I had a great experience at JC Dental. Dr. Colleen is very gentle, professional, knowledgeable and very informative. Dr. Colleen made me feel comfortable and pain-free through out the whole process. Thank you Dr. Colleen. I would highly recommend this practice!
I went for a checkup, scale and clean. Dr Colleen Ling did an amazing job on my teeth! She is very gentle, caring and very patient.
My dental experience with her was very positive & reassuring. She showed great concern and is ever so lovely.
JJ and Colleen are both gentle, compassionate and efficient. They explain through the procedure to make sure you are aware of the details and the associated fees before you commit.
Dr. Colleen is a highly professional, kind, and patient dentist. She has been taking care of my family members’ teeth for many years
Did my invisalign braces with Dr Colleen. Great results. Would highly recommend!