When working with an Invisalign provider, you want to have an improved smile as soon as possible. We get it; no one wants to spend years with their orthodontic treatment. The first question patients ask is: how long does Invisalign treatment take? Below, we break down the average timeline and what can affect your treatment duration.

How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Take?

The basic answer to this is anywhere from 6 months to a couple of years. However, that range does not help much. You want to know how long it will take for you. The only way to receive a personalized estimate is to consult with an orthodontic specialist.

However, our goal is to give you a better idea of what your treatment might look like before you have that appointment. Below, we break down a few factors that can influence how long Invisalign treatment can take.

Misalignment Severity

The state of your teeth will prove the most significant factor. All other factors considered, having nearly aligned teeth will mean a shorter treatment duration. Patients with more crowding or misalignment will need longer treatment.

Minor alignment correction may take only about 6 months. However, remember that Invisalign may not be compatible with severe alignment issues. So, there is usually an upper limit to how long the treatment will take. Patients rarely have to wait more than 18 to 24 months for full treatment.

If you have severe tooth misalignment, you would likely need traditional braces. If you qualify for Invisalign, you most likely can complete the treatment within 1 to 2 years.

Case Complexity

Even if you do not have severe misalignment, the complexity of treating your teeth can vary. It is not only a matter of having crooked or crowded teeth. Some patients may need additional steps before their treatment. For example, maybe you need a tooth removed to make room for the others. Or perhaps you may require an expander first. Each case will have its unique aspects that can impact treatment duration.

Keeping Your Trays In

Invisalign works by maintaining constant pressure on your teeth. This pressure will gradually move your teeth into their new positions. Every moment counts.

Ideally, patients will keep their Invisalign trays on for at least 22 hours each day. You can remove them, but limit this time to meals and when you clean your teeth.

For the rest of the time, you will want those trays sitting snugly on your teeth. This includes wearing them at night while you sleep. Spending too much time with your trays off will only prolong your treatment.

Your Specialist’s Experience

Your Invisalign specialist will be responsible for ensuring your trays fit properly and are doing their job. You will want an attentive, experienced specialist who always dedicates enough time to tracking and adjusting your treatment.

Poorly fitted trays may not exert enough pressure on your teeth to move them into position. We recommend working with an experienced provider with a track record of success. Ask if they are a certified provider of Invisalign, and check before-and-after photos of previous patients. If you do not feel confident in your provider’s knowledge and experience, you may want to look elsewhere.

Age

The good news about Invisalign: theoretically, you can have the treatment at any age. The less good news: the treatment may be slightly slower for adults. However, this difference should not be too substantial.

Invisalign can work slightly faster for teens because their jawbone structure is less dense. This allows their teeth to shift more readily. Again, this likely will not make a huge difference. However, it may shave off a couple of months of treatment for a teen compared to an adult.

However, an adult may have established better oral hygiene habits. For teens, a parent may need to encourage them to keep their retainers in long enough for the treatment to work. For adults, you may have an easier time wearing your retainers for the required time each day.

Individual Differences

Lastly, some people may naturally have a quicker response to the treatment. The rate at which one person’s teeth move can differ from another’s. Even if they are the same age, different patients simply have unique genetic and physiological factors that influence treatment duration.

The Sooner You Start, the Sooner You Finish

Take the first step in orthodontic care by visiting your local dentist soon. Invisalign treatment will take some time, but that first step is the most important.