Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that is designed to straighten the teeth and align the bite. It also has cosmetic benefits as it can improve your smile. Aligner-based orthodontics is a different method than braces, providing a more discreet and comfortable way to straighten your teeth. In most cases Invisalign treatment takes less time than braces.

How quickly will Invisalign straighten your teeth? It varies from one patient to another, but here’s an idea of what you can expect in terms of treatment duration. 

What is Invisalign and How Does it Work?

Invisalign uses clear plastic trays called aligners that fit over your teeth. You’ll wear a series of aligners that are designed to shift the teeth into the proper position so that they are straight and your upper and lower teeth meet together properly. The aligners are virtually invisible, allowing you to get the orthodontic treatment you need in a discreet way. 

Aligners are also removable, which means there are no food restrictions during treatment and no special brushing or flossing techniques required. The aligners are made of smooth plastic that won’t irritate the soft tissues of your mouth. 

Average Treatment Time For Invisalign

Invisalign treatment typically ranges anywhere from 6 to 18 months. Once impressions are made of your teeth and your treatment plan is created, you’ll have a more accurate estimate of how long the process will take for you. A series of aligners is created for you that will gradually shift your teeth into the desired position. You’ll wear each aligner for about 2 weeks, then switch to the next. The total number of aligners multiplied by 2 weeks gives you the total number of weeks for your treatment. 

Factors That Affect Treatment Time 

There are a number of factors that determine how long it will take for Invisalign to straighten your teeth: 

• Severity of your case. The biggest factor in the length of your treatment time is the extent of your orthodontic needs. The greater number of movements your teeth need to make and the further your teeth need to be shifted, the longer your treatment will take. Each aligner is capable of making subtle movements of your teeth. As you switch from one aligner to the next, your teeth will eventually reach the final desired position. 
• Wearing your aligners. In order for the aligners to do their job, you need to wear them at least 22 hours a day. If you don’t, you’ll need to wear each aligner for longer than 2 weeks to achieve the desired results. This will extend your total treatment time. 
• Going to appointments. Throughout Invisalign treatment you’ll have periodic appointments to monitor your progress and make sure your teeth are making the necessary movements. These appointments also allow your dentist to make any needed adjustments to your treatment plan to help keep your progress on track, otherwise there could be delays that will lengthen your overall treatment time. 
• Your age. Invisalign treatment may take longer for adults than for children and teens. This is because children and teens are still growing, especially during adolescence where significant growth spurts are common. Invisalign can take advantage of growth spurts and the growth hormones that are present to shift the teeth more easily. Adult teeth are settled in place, making them more difficult to move and resulting in longer treatment. 

Is Invisalign Quicker Than Braces?

In many cases Invisalign treatment is shorter than braces treatment. The main reason for this is the fact that Invisalign can only treat mild to moderate orthodontic conditions. Patients with extensive orthodontic needs may not be candidates for Invisalign and will need braces. Some patients will finish braces treatment in a shorter time than some Invisalign patients. 

Where Can I Get Invisalign?

If you’re interested in Invisalign treatment, you can often get this treatment from your dentist without a referral to an orthodontist. Queens Crown Dental provides Invisalign treatment for patients of all ages who are ideal candidates. After a brief evaluation we can determine whether or not Invisalign would be right for you. 

Call 808-526-2800 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.

Invisalign is the latest technology in orthodontics, providing a discreet and comfortable way to straighten your teeth and align your bite. When it comes to orthodontic treatment, metal braces have been used for centuries, but not everyone is happy with their appearance while wearing them. Clear brackets provide a slightly more subtle look, but the archwire is still very visible, and they are difficult to keep clean. 

Invisalign was created as an alternative to the traditional orthodontic treatment method, offering patients a different option that can be just as effective. Here’s how Invisalign works. 

The Invisalign Method

The Invisalign system uses clear plastic aligners to gradually shift the teeth into the proper position. The aligners fit snugly to your teeth and are virtually invisible. You’ll wear a series of aligners, each for about 2 weeks, until your teeth have reached the desired position. 

Benefits of Invisalign 

Invisalign is in high demand due to its many benefits:

• Discreet. The aligners are nearly undetectable on your teeth, allowing you to straighten your teeth discreetly. 
• Comfortable. The smooth plastic is comfortable and won’t irritate the inside of your cheeks and lips or your tongue. 
• Convenient. The aligners are removable for eating and cleaning your teeth. You don’t have to give up your favorite foods or use special tools for brushing and flossing. 

The Invisalign Treatment Process 

The process of Invisalign treatment includes the following steps:

1. Consultation. The first step in the Invisalign process is a consultation. We will discuss the details of Invisalign treatment to help you determine whether or not you would like to try it. 
2. Evaluation. An evaluation of your teeth and bite will determine whether or not you are an ideal candidate for Invisalign. Patients who need mild to moderate orthodontic corrections are typically good candidates for Invisalign. 
3. Planning your treatment. If you decide that Invisalign treatment is right for you, we begin planning your treatment. Digital images called impressions are made of your teeth and entered into a computer software program that is used to design your treatment. 
4. Creating your aligners. A series of aligners are created that will gradually shift your teeth into proper alignment over time. 
5. Wearing your aligners. You will be instructed on how to wear your aligners for best results. Most patients will wear each aligner for about 2 weeks, then switch the next aligner in order. You’ll need to wear your aligners as much as possible, at least 22 hours a day, only taking them out to eat and clean your teeth. 
6. Monitoring your progress. Your dentist will monitor your progress periodically and make any necessary adjustments. 
7. Retention. Once you have worn all of your aligners and your teeth are in the proper position, you’ll need to wear retainers to maintain your results over time. 

Is Invisalign Effective?

Most patients find Invisalign to be highly effective at achieving the results that were expected. As long as your dentist recommends Invisalign for your individual needs, and as long as you wear your aligners as directed, your treatment should be successful. Your compliance is a key element of that success, meaning you need to wear your aligners at least 22 hours a day every day throughout your treatment. 

Where Can I Get Invisalign? 

Another benefit of Invisalign is that you can receive the treatment from your dentist without a referral to an orthodontist. Queens Crown Dental provides Invisalign for patients who are candidates for this orthodontic treatment. Not only will it transform your smile, it will improve the health and function of your teeth. 

Call 808-526-2800 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.