If you have crooked teeth, you may have heard about Invisalign in Jupiter – the clear plastic aligner trays that exert a gentle force on your teeth to gradually shift them into a straighter, more aligned position. You’ve heard they take less time than braces, but you’re not sure how true that is. So, just how long does Invisalign treatment take? Let’s take a closer look.
What Factors Affect Invisalign Treatment Time?
Since no two sets of teeth are created equal, no two Invisalign treatments are exactly the same, either. For that reason, it’s impossible to give an exact timeframe for how long your treatment will take. Typically, Invisalign works its magic within 12 to 18 months, but that depends on a few factors, such as:
- How far your teeth need to move to be properly aligned
- The pace of your teeth movement, which varies from person to person
- How dedicated you are to wearing your aligners for the required 22 hours a day
After your consultation, your dentist can give you an idea of about how long treatment should take, provided, of course, that you wear your aligners for the prescribed amount of time. That treatment time also influences the cost, so it’s also impossible to estimate how much you’ll be paying for your Invisalign.
How Long Does Invisalign Take to Close a Gap in Your Smile?
Again, it depends on your individual case. If you have spaces between your teeth, they must be no larger than 6mm across in order for Invisalign to effectively close them. For a 6mm-sized gap, treatment typically takes closer to 24 months than 18, but there’s always a chance that yours could take less time.
How Long Does Invisalign Take to Correct Crowded Teeth?
Generally, the more severely crowded the teeth are, the longer treatment will take. If your case of crowding is extreme, Invisalign may not be the best treatment for you. Your dentist might instead recommend another method of treatment such as traditional braces.
Does Invisalign Take Longer for Adults?
Not necessarily. While the tooth roots are more firmly planted in adults than in children, this shouldn’t actually influence treatment time all that much. The greater determining factor here is the speed of your tooth movement, which usually has nothing to do with age.
As you can see, it’s difficult to estimate just how long your Invisalign treatment will take. The best way to get an accurate timeframe is to schedule a consultation with your dentist.
About the Author
Dr. Shane Vaughn is a certified Invisalign provider in Jupiter, FL. He obtained his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry. According to him, being able to help a patient achieve a healthier, more confident smile is a truly rewarding experience in and of itself. To schedule an Invisalign consultation with Dr. Vaughn, you can contact him at (561) 747-7172.