How Long Does Invisalign Take to Straighten Teeth on Average?

Five million people had used Invisalign in 2017, and that number has only increased since then, with Invisalign saying they’ve now helped 12 million people.

While metal braces are effective, they come with significant downsides. If you’re looking for an orthodontic treatment to straighten your teeth that takes less time and causes less discomfort than traditional braces, Invisalign might be right for you.

But how long does Invisalign take? And what are the benefits of Invisalign?

Let’s dive in and find out.

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign treatment is a popular alternative to traditional braces that straighten teeth using “invisible” aligner trays that are essentially retainers.

The aligners are made of BPA-free plastic and are transparent, which is one of the main benefits of Invisalign. This means you can wear the trays and go about your day without anyone noticing!

Invisalign is known for being a more convenient alternative to braces that’s also more comfortable. Plus, the aligners can be removed at any point (though wearing them as much as possible will correct your smile faster).

Invisalign can correct issues like overbites/underbites, gaps in teeth, and overcrowding, among others.

The Invisalign Process

Invisalign straightens and corrects teeth by slowly pushing your teeth into the right formation using the aligners.

Your orthodontist creates a 3D model of your teeth, and the aligner trays are customized according to this model. You’ll have different sets of aligners to wear for 1-2 weeks each as they work to correct your smile.

While you can take the aligners out of your mouth, it’s important to wear them for at least 20-22 hours each day so they work their best. They should be removed when eating, drinking liquids other than water, and brushing your teeth.

Invisalign doesn’t cause pain, but it’s normal to feel a bit of discomfort when wearing them. This means they’re working to push your teeth where you’d like them to be!

How Long Does Invisalign Take?

How long it takes Invisalign to correct your teeth depends on two main factors: the issue you’re trying to correct, and whether you wear the aligners for the recommended amount of time.

Invisalign takes an average of 9-12 months for most adults, with people starting to see results after just a couple of months.

If your issue is a simple one (like slight overcrowding), this could take as short as six months. But if your issue is more complex, it could take a year or more.

How often you wear your aligners is a main factor in how long it will take to fix your smile. The more hours a day you wear them, the faster your teeth will correct.

You can even get Invisalign for kids (but make sure they can commit to wearing the trays for at least 20 hours each day!).

Choose Invisalign for a Smile You Love

When answering the question of “How long does Invisalign take?” it’s important to remember that everyone’s smile is different. If you’re dedicated to wearing the aligners as often as possible, your smile will correct much faster using Invisalign.

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