Having proper dental hygiene involves many different things: brushing and flossing regularly, visiting your dentist twice a year, not eating too much sugar. But one thing that is often overlooked is getting your teeth straightened—this is actually an important part of keeping your mouth and teeth in optimal health. If you’ve considered straightening your teeth, specifically with Invisalign, you might be wondering, “How long will Invisalign take?” Keep reading to find out how long you can anticipate wearing Invisalign.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is very similar to braces. Like traditional metal braces, Invisalign works to straighten teeth and correct overbites and underbites. Gradually, Invisalign stretches the connective tissue around your teeth to make them moveable. Once they move, the bone around the teeth will regrow to hold them in their new, straight position. 

Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign trays are clear, making them much less noticeable than silver braces. The trays are also removable, so, while you should leave them in for most of the day, you are able to take them out while you’re eating and if you have a special event to attend. This can make them a much more attractive option for older teens and adults, who might not want to wear highly-visible braces.

How long will Invisalign take?

How long you need to wear Invisalign trays depends on a variety of factors. Typically, people need to wear them from six months to two years, but the exact length of time is determined based on the following factors:

Patient age: Typically, the older the patient, the longer the treatment will take. Younger patients, specifically teens, are still growing, so they are able to regenerate bone more quickly. Adults, on the other hand, have pretty much stopped growing, so it takes them longer to stretch out the ligaments around the teeth and longer to regrow bone. While Invisalign is still highly effective for adults, just be aware that treatment time does tend to increase the older you are. 

Type of issues: Some orthodontic issues, like small gaps or minor crooked teeth, can be fixed much more quickly than bigger issues, like overbites or underbites. Bigger gaps between your teeth will also take longer, as the teeth have farther to move to close the gaps. 

Compliance with treatment: Scheduling and attending your orthodontic appointments according to your orthodontist’s treatment plan is an important part of your Invisalign treatment. If you don’t show up to appointments or keep having to reschedule them, your treatment will take longer, since your orthodontist isn’t able to make the necessary adjustments. Because of this, it’s important to follow the instructions laid out by your orthodontist to ensure timely treatment. You will also need to wear your aligners 20-22 hours per day for your best chance of staying on schedule with your treatment. 

If you’ve been considering getting Invisalign, or are a current Invisalign patient, hopefully this blog answered your questions about how long will Invisalign take. If you are ready to learn more about Invisalign treatment, including if it’s right for you, contact Bruno Orthodontics today for a free consultation!