Have you been thinking about getting Invisalign in Needham? You have an exciting journey ahead of you. Watching your teeth gradually shift into their proper positions is as satisfying as you might expect! But exactly how long does that take? What is the average Invisalign timeline, and what factors can make your treatment duration longer or shorter? In the sections below, we will address those important questions.
Factors that Affect Treatment Duration
The average length of treatment for Invisalign is 12 months. In general, it is faster than traditional braces. However, that does not say anything about how long your unique case might take. If your dental misalignment is relatively mild, it is possible that you will only need to use Invisalign for a few months. On the other hand, if your teeth require significant movements, your treatment may last for well over a year. Your dentist will be able to estimate how long you will need to use Invisalign when you attend your initial consultation.
Other factors that might affect your timeline include:
- Your age. Moving the teeth of older adults may take slightly longer due to their harder bones.
- Compliance with your dentist’s instructions. Not wearing your aligners as instructed could result in a longer treatment.
- Unexpected occurrences. If you accidentally lose or damage an aligner, ordering a replacement could cause a small delay.
Making Your Treatment as Fast as Possible
Of course, you cannot control your age or the severity of your dental misalignment. However, there are things you can do to avoid unnecessary delays in your treatment and make sure that Invisalign does its job as quickly as possible. Here are a few tips to facilitate an efficient treatment experience:
- Be diligent about wearing your aligners. They should be on your teeth for 20 – 22 hours each day.
- Take care of your aligners. Keeping them in a designated storage case when you are not wearing them can minimize the risk of damage or loss.
- Do not skip checkups with your dentist. Invisalign checkups take just a few minutes. They allow your dentist to monitor your progress and make sure you have the aligners you need to keep moving forward with your treatment.
- Be proactive about your oral health. If you notice any potential problems with your aligners or your oral health, contact your dentist right away so you do not allow a minor issue to develop into a major setback.
Invisalign treatment requires a significant amount of time, but the end results are worth it! If you get started now, it is possible that you could have a newly straightened smile by this time next year.
Meet the Practice
The team of experienced dentists at Gillis Dental are proud to offer both Invisalign and traditional braces. We provide orthodontic services in a welcoming and comfortable environment. If you are curious about how long it may take to straighten your teeth, we would be pleased to consult with you. Reach out to us at 781-214-3926 to ask questions or schedule a complimentary Invisalign consultation.