How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Take to Straighten Teeth?

While decades prior would require metal braces, rubber bands, and headgear to achieve a perfectly straight smile, innovations in dentistry allow patients today to say goodbye to “metal mouth.” In fact, Invisalign has been used by over 8 million patients worldwide and currently holds an impressive 96% satisfaction rate! Although this tooth-straightening treatment is widely known for its virtually invisible aligners, few are aware of the length of time it requires and what to expect. Read on for answers to frequently asked questions about Invisalign in Brooklyn.

What Is the Average Length of Treatment with Invisalign?

When patients are researching Invisalign, one of the first questions they ask is, “How long does it take?” Considering how effective and convenient the clear aligners are, their excitement to see the results is understandable! While traditional metal braces require 16-18 months on average, Invisalign helps patients achieve the smile of their dreams in 12 months. Plus, you can start to see improvements to your smile in as little as three months!

What Factors Impact Treatment Length?

Although Invisalign tends to be a quicker treatment option, it is important to note that there are factors that impact the length of time it takes. For those with minor issues, treatment could take as little as six months. On the other hand, extensive corrections could take up to 18 months. A few of the main factors that impact the length of treatment include:

• Crowding – The more crowded your teeth are, the more distance they need to cover to be straightened.
• Patient age – While Invisalign can be used for patients of all ages, teens tend to experience quicker results. Since they are still growing, their teeth often move faster compared to adults.
• Compliance – Although patients love that their clear trays are removable, it can lead to them being lost or not being worn as often as they should. Therefore, it is important to be diligent about wearing them for at least 22 hours a day to keep on track with your treatment plan. 

What Can I Expect From the Treatment Process?

If you have never had braces, or it was so long ago you barely remember, the uncertainty of what to expect can stop you from moving forward. To help you prepare, your orthodontist in Brooklyn is taking you through the six-step treatment process of Invisalign:

• Step #1: A consultation with your orthodontist to see if Invisalign is right for you.
• Step #2: A treatment plan will be made with a 3-D rendering of your teeth.
• Step #3: Invisalign will create your first set of aligners.
• Step #4: Begin wearing the trays for at least 22 hours a day.
• Step #5: Attend follow-up visits every four to six weeks to check your progress.
• Step #6: Complete your treatment!

Thanks to modern techniques and innovations in dentistry, you don’t have to use traditional, metal braces to achieve your smile goals. In as little as 12 months, you can have a picture-perfect smile brought to you by virtually invisible treatment!

About the Practice

With two general dentists and three specialists, Ralph Avenue Dental Care helps patients of all ages at one convenient location! Their hand-selected team is united by a passion for dentistry and helping patients achieve the smiles of their dreams in a relaxing, stress-free environment. If your misaligned teeth are negatively impacting your self-confidence, then visit their website or give them a call at 718-531-0300 to see if Invisalign is right for you.