Invisalign is a clear plastic aligner that does not require the installation of metal hardware while correcting your teeth. As such, they are more comfortable than traditional braces. Their discreet design makes them great for outdoor use. They are also considered one of the most advanced cosmetic dentistry in Hawaii.
Opting for an Invisalign treatment is a good option if you want to straighten your teeth but don’t want the stress or pain of having to deal with traditional braces. They can correct varying cases of misalignment like open bite, overbite, underbite, gapped, crooked and crowded teeth.
Suppose you are planning to undergo this treatment soon, and you are wondering how long this process may take and what lengthens the treatment period. Then you’ve come to the right place for answers. Keep reading.
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How Long Should I Expect Invisalign to Straighten my Teeth?
Normally, Invisalign takes between 6 months to two years for it to straighten teeth. The time it takes for Invisalign to straighten your teeth greatly depends on the condition of your teeth.
If your case is a simple one, the treatment shouldn’t exceed a year. However, if your teeth are crowded, it could take 2 years or more. For those with severely crooked and crowded teeth, their dentist may suggest they use different orthodontic treatments combined together or traditional braces.
Why Does Invisalign Treatment Length Vary For Different People?
Reasons why the treatment period for Invisalign varies for different People include:
Teeth Crowding
As stated earlier, how crowded your teeth are determines how long your Invisalign treatment lasts. The lesser the crowding, the lower the time it takes, and vice versa. Your dentist may also give you suggestions on how to deal with crowded teeth, like you using headgear or removing some teeth to allow other teeth to have good space.
Teeth Spacing
The size of the gapping or spacing between your teeth also determines the length of time it will take for Invisalign to close the gap. If the gaps between your teeth are small, your treatment period may not exceed 6 months. However, with bigger gaps between your teeth, the period and method used for straightening your teeth will take longer.
You should know that gaps can come easily if you refuse to follow the treatment plan from your Dentist. Hence, it would be best if you kept wearing the retainer given to you to prevent future gapping.
Age Group
Another factor that makes the Invisalign treatment vary is your age group. Aligners need to be worn for at least 22 hours a day for maximum effectiveness, and since most times teenagers are quite forgetful. This could lengthen the treatment period as opposed to adults.
Every case varies, so it’s left to your Dentist to recommend specific Invisalign treatment requirements for you and how long it will take.
How Do I Know If Invisalign Treatment is good for me?
To know if you qualify for Invisalign treatment, you need to consult with a qualified dentist for proper checkups and recommendations. They’ll answer specific questions that concern your own teeth arrangement, the treatment plan suitable for you, and how long your own treatment will take. The dentist will also educate you on the benefit of each treatment type.
What Makes Invisalign Treatment Different From Traditional Braces?
Many people may prefer Invisalign treatment to Traditional braces because of cosmetic reasons, but that’s not the only merit of it. Some other advantages Invisalign teeth treatment has over traditional braces are:
- They can work as fast or much faster than traditional braces, even though they are not permanently fixed to your teeth.
- Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign treatment doesn’t come with food restrictions. Traditional braces do not allow you to eat certain kinds of foods because it could affect the treatment process. This is not the same with Invisalign trays because they can be easily removed when you want to eat.
- They are less prone to damage than metal installations of traditional braces because they aren’t easily broken.
Just like most dental treatment options, Invisalign treatment is not for everyone. Each case is unique, so you should meet with your dentist to know what best suits you and give you all the necessary information you need.
Also, as a general rule, it is always best to visit a dentist regularly. Through this regular visit, your dentist can catch any problem with your teeth early, thereby reducing your treatment time and overall expense.
