How Long Does It Take for Invisalign to Work?

Did you know that as of April 2022, there have already been 12.8 million Invisalign patients? That includes 598,800 new cases as of the first quarter of 2022. This year also marks the 25th year that Align Technology, the maker of Invisalign, has been around.

All those figures imply that the Invisalign system is effective and safe. The FDA would have long since pulled it out of the market if it wasn’t.

But what exactly is Invisalign? And how long does it take for Invisalign to work?

Keep reading, as we’ll answer those questions below.

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a teeth-straightening treatment that utilizes clear, removable aligners. Also called trays, the aligners consist of a thermoplastic material. This material gives the oral appliances their almost invisible appearance and design.

Each Invisalign aligner provides a snug fit over the entire arch. It then exerts gentle but continuous pressure on each tooth. Over time, that force makes the teeth move gradually to more ideal locations.

Invisalign can correct mild to moderate malocclusions (misaligned teeth and bites). These include overbites, crossbites, open bites, underbites, and teeth crowding. If you have a minor diastema (gapped teeth), Invisalign may also help.

How Long Does It Take for Invisalign to Work?

How long it takes to improve smile with Invisalign depends on your age and bite. Based on those variables, the treatment can be as short as a few months or as long as two years.

Invisalign usually takes less time to correct children’s bites than older patients. One reason is that kids and teens still have developing bones; thus, they’re more malleable.

In contrast, adults already have hardened and established bone structures. Therefore, they’re more challenging to modify, but Invisalign can still correct their malocclusions.

The severity of the teeth or jaw misalignment also influences Invisalign treatment time. For example, if you only have a single crooked tooth, it may take as little as six months to fix it. However, if you have more severe malocclusion, such as an excessive overbite, it may take a year or two.

How Effective Is Invisalign?

One study compared braces and clear aligners, including Invisalign. According to the researchers, both are effective in treating malocclusions. Moreover, they noted how clear aligners sometimes had shorter treatment durations.

However, note that Invisalign’s speed and efficacy depend on patient adherence. That includes ensuring you wear the aligners at least 20 to 22 hours a day.

Failure to stick to that routine can result in prolonged treatment times. After all, the less time you wear the trays, the less pressure they can place on your pearly whites. That loss of force can impede the movement of the teeth, causing a delay in their repositioning.

So, if you get Invisalign, please make sure you only remove them before eating and brushing your teeth. Then, pop them back in after and ensure you also wear them during sleep.

Start Straightening Your Teeth With Invisalign

We hope this guide has fully answered your question, “how long does it take for Invisalign to work?”

Now you know that it can take a few months to 24 months. You also learned that it could be shorter or longer, depending on your age, case, and adherence. Either way, Invisalign is safe and ideal for minor to moderate malocclusions.

Are you interested in more health and wellness guides like this? If so, we have other informative posts to share with you, so browse more of our blog now!