How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Really Take?

What Factors Affect Invisalign Treatment Time?

Here are the four factors that influence the Invisalign treatment timeline:

1. Severity of Misalignment: The complexity of the misalignment is the most common reason that affects the treatment duration. Invisalign Express is used to solve minor or mild issues of misalignment in 6 to 12 months. More prominent gaps, crowding, or bite issues need 12 to 18 months to be treated completely. 18 to 24 months or longer is required to treat underbite or overbite issues, severe crowding, and prorated teeth.
2. Patient Age: Bone density and adaptability vary with the age of a patient. Younger and teen patients' bones are flexible, which allows teeth to move in a short time period. Adults require more time due to their dense and hard bone structure. Still, it doesn’t prevent them from attaining excellent results. 
3. Compliance: Invisalign aligners are movable or removable, which affects the duration. The patient's compliance is most important in it. Aligners are worn 20 to 22 hours a day to achieve results within the expected timeframe. Frequent snacking with removed aligners results in increased treatment time. Poor compliance causes the teeth to shift back to their previous position, and the new aligner set doesn’t fit the teeth. 
4. Orthodontist’s Treatment Plan: A specific treatment plan by the orthodontist affects the overall timeline. Composite bumps of tooth color called attachments are attached to the aligners to grip them in place. These attachments are preferred in complex cases. Elastic bands are used in addition to aligners to add extra force for complex bite issues. 

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What Is the Average Timeline for Invisalign?

Typical duration time for Invisalign treatment requires 12–18 months, which varies with the complexity and compliance. Typical duration is for minor crowding, bite issues, and larger gaps. Invisalign Go and Invisalign Express are used to correct minor issues, like small gaps in front teeth, aligning adjustments, and minor crowding. It requires a maximum of 6 months of treatment. Complex cases need 18 to 24 months or longer with the aligners. Braces are recommended in this situation, or the use of a button and elastic band along with Invisalign aligners. 

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How Do Refinements Influence Treatment Length?

Refinements are used with aligners to achieve the desired final position and a perfect smile. It adds 1 to 3 months of duration along with the treatment duration, which is not a sign of failure. The number of patients(70%-80% with Invisalign treatment) requires at least one refinement phase to fine-tune the teeth's position. It is mostly needed due to the biological differences in teeth movement, patient compliance, or complex movements. After completing the initial stage of Invisalign treatment, the orthodontist carefully examines the position of the teeth. They examine to see how well they have shifted according to the treatment plan. A new 3D scan is obtained in case of refinements needed. A new treatment plan is obtained depending on the data, and the patient receives refined aligners. 

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How Often Are Check-Ups During Invisalign Treatment?

Invisalign treatment needs fewer visits to the orthodontist than traditional braces treatment. The frequent visits are yet compulsory to maintain a consistent force on the teeth. Appointments are scheduled every 6 to 8 weeks, during which the orthodontist monitors progress and provides the next set of aligners. Attachment or interproximal reduction is applied to align the teeth's movement. Modern orthodontists use digital monitoring systems to track the treatment process. My Invisalign app is used to take pictures of teeth with a special lens, which allows the orthodontist to track the treatment. 

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Can Lifestyle and Habits Shorten or Extend Treatment?

Yes, the habits and lifestyle of the patient affect the duration of the treatment process. Consistent checkups and strict compliance boost the results and reduce the timeline. Not wearing aligners causes delays in the treatment process, as the teeth have the strength to move back to their old position. Invisalign aligners are required to be worn for 20 to 22 hours each day to ensure effective progress. Frequently eating snacks also reduces the wearing time, which causes delays. Acidic or sugary snacks get trapped in the teeth, which damages enamel and causes cavities. Hot beverages warp the trays of the aligners, and their shape disrupts whihc causes a change in pressure. This delays the dental treatment, and the orthodontist waits for the problem to be fixed.

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What Happens After Invisalign Treatment Ends?

After the end of treatment, the most important thing is to retain the achieved results. The bones and teeth that support teeth become loose at the time of treatment, making them vulnerable to move back to their old position. Teeth take time to settle into their new position, and retainers are used to support and stabilize this adjustment. They are both clear(Vivera), removable(Hawley) and fixed retainers. At the end of treatment, the orthodontist recommended wearing the retainers for 20-22 hours per day. After 6-12 months, the duration is shifted to only nighttime wear. 

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