Everyone dreams of a healthy, confident smile. It is one of those instrumental elements that boosts self-esteem and socialising abilities. Thankfully, with the advancement of dental technology, we are now able to address and correct insecurities with our teeth and smile.
One such advancement in orthodontic procedures is Invisalign®, which is designed specifically to correct misaligned teeth by limiting the inconveniences of traditional braces.
As of 2024, over 14 million people worldwide have used Invisalign® to straighten their teeth. This popularity has been steadily increasing due to its discreet and comfortable design compared to alternative and conventional treatment options.
The invention and demand for Invisalign® strongly reflect the broader trends in orthodontics, which focus more on aesthetically pleasing and convenient dental solutions.
One of the common questions people have when considering Invisalign® is, "How long does Invisalign treatment® last?" This blog will provide a clear breakdown answering this question alongside factors influencing the treatment duration.
Invisalign® Takes 3 to 18 Months to Work
Anyone trying to understand how long Invisalign® treatment lasts, i.e., how long one should wear clear aligners to straighten teeth to the desired position, should be aware that this is a very subjective answer that depends completely on an individual's condition and expectations.
As with any dental procedure, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to Invisalign®. Many factors influence the duration of treatment, and it also depends on your level of discipline when wearing them.
On average, Invisalign® treatment takes between 3 and 18 months. Slight adjustments can take less time than complex cases.
In other words, most people take less than two years to see results from an effective Invisalign® procedure. It's not even unheard of for patients to say that they've noticed results in just a few weeks.
In rare cases, the treatment can last up to 24 months or even slightly longer. If a specific dental condition is too severe for Invisalign® to be effective, the orthodontist may recommend traditional braces or other treatments.
The takeaway is to understand that no two people have the exact treatment requirements because everyone's teeth are slightly different, which impacts treatment time.
Factors that Cause Variation in Treatment Time
The primary factors that influence how long does Invisalign® treatment lasts include the following:
How much do your teeth need to move to achieve the expected results or orthodontic outcome?.
The more distance that needs to be moved or covered, the more extended the treatment duration.
The pace of teeth movement as it differs from one to another.
The complexity of the dental case—the more complex the treatment, the longer the treatment time, and vice versa.
How compliant are you with wearing the aligners for the required 22 hours per day? Falling behind in this discipline can make the treatment take longer and sometimes even be ineffective.
During the initial consultation, the orthodontist will give a clear idea and breakdown of how long the Invisalign® treatment lasts. They will first analyse your condition and develop a treatment plan, including the timeframe and cost.
On your part, as long as you wear the clear aligners as directed, the treatment duration will be close to the orthodontist's estimate.
Teeth Conditions & Recommended Invisalign® Treatment Duration
Tooth Crowding
When your jaw is too small, or your teeth are too large, your teeth can quickly become misaligned due to overcrowding. Minor cases can be fixed quickly and take as little as 6-12 months. Mild cases can take up to a year, and more severe cases can take longer.
However, for some complex cases of tooth crowding, Invisalign® may not be the option to retrieve a healthy smile and bite.
Sometimes, they can advise other treatments in combination with Invisalign® or recommend that you don't use Invisalign® at all. The more tooth crowding you have, the longer the Invisalign® treatment duration.
Gaps in Teeth
This condition, also called diastema, has some limitations for Invisalign® treatment. Gaps in teeth result when the teeth are too small compared to the jawbone. The maximum gap in which Invisalign® treatment can be effective is 6mm, and it will take up to 24 months to reach wider gaps.
Small or minor gaps will take less time. However, if you have single or multiple gaps in the teeth' top or bottom row that are more than 6mm combined, Invisalign® will not effectively give the expected results.
In general, if you have gaps or crowding and your orthodontists recommend Invisalign®, you can expect the treatment to last up to 18 months.
Age & Invisalign® Treatment Duration
While there is some debate around this topic, many orthodontists believe that Invisalign treatment® doesn't necessarily take longer for adults than for kids and teenagers. Age is not primarily considered a determining factor for the duration of Invisalign® treatment.
Everyone has different tooth profiles. Some people's teeth move easily, while for others, it may take longer.
Some orthodontists believe that bone structure, bone density, and other dental issues that arise with age can considerably influence the duration of Invisalign® treatment. This means that older people may have a longer treatment span than adults, kids, and teenagers.
Compliance Matters to Complete Accurate Duration
The accuracy of the treatment duration the doctor gives depends on how disciplined you are in wearing them. One of the distinctive features of Invisalign® is its ability to be removed when eating, drinking, and practising oral hygiene.
While this offers an excellent level of convenience, you need to understand that these clear aligners must be worn for 22-23 hours every day to be effective and to be completed within the estimated duration.
So, before deciding to practice Invisalign®, you need to ask yourself, " Am I disciplined enough to wear the retainers for 22 hours a day?"
If you have doubts about being able to comply, other alternative orthodontics treatments may be a better option.
Simple Takeaway
Here is a breakdown of the average duration of Invisalign® treatment for each tooth condition and stage.
Minor Imperfections - 4 months
Mild crowding - 3 months
Crooked front teeth - 3-4 months
Development - 4-6 months
Mild to severe - 12-18 months
