How Long Does It Take To Straighten Teeth With Invisalign

Wondering how long does it take to straighten teeth with Invisalign? We've got you covered! Invisalign is a great option for anyone looking for straight teeth.

Invisalign has reached its 1 millionth smile in the Asia Pacific this year, but it already has over 8 million customers worldwide. This means it has fixed over 8 million smiles, including those of over 1.4 million teenagers.

This proves the effectiveness of Invisalign braces, but how long does it take to straighten teeth? Even though they’re clear, thus less noticeable than other types of braces, you still don’t want to wear them forever.

Don’t worry, though. You don’t have to wear them for long. Find out how long it usually takes and how you can find an “Invisalign dentist near me.”

Invisalign braces may work as soon as 6 months or it might take up to two years. Although it might take less or more time than that, it all depends on where you started and what your goals are. The more complex your case is, the longer it will take for Invisalign braces to work. 



Learn below what might affect your wait for your perfect smile. 

Invisalign braces are clear plastic aligners. They act as a mold to guide your teeth into the right alignment. 

These trays are removable so that you can remove them when you eat and brush your teeth. As you’ll have to replace them often, it also makes sense for them to be easily removable. 

How do you start the treatment? Let’s get on it below. 

1. Invisalign Dentist Near Me

First, you’ll have to find a good dentist. As Invisalign braces can take more than a year, you should find someone you’re comfortable with. 

You can start your search by going on Google and using, “Invisalign dentist near me” as a keyword. This way, you’ll find a dentist experienced with this type of braces. 

2. 3D Digital Image

On your first appointment, the dentist will create a 3D image of your teeth. They usually create an impression of your teeth, which they’ll send to the Invisalign company. 

The company will then scan it to create a digital image. 

3. Custom Plan

Based on this image, the dentist will create a customized plan for your specific issues. Invisalign braces work by moving one tooth at a time. Once that’s corrected, you need new ones for the next tooth for correction. 

While creating the treatment plan, the dentist will figure out how many trays you’ll need. This will then factor in your treatment time. 

The planning stage can take up to 4 weeks, which already includes the delivery of your aligners. In that sense, the treatment doesn’t begin until 4 weeks. 

4. Attachment

When the aligners are ready, the dentist will attach the first trays. This doesn’t usually take longer than 10 minutes. They’ll also schedule your next visit at this time. 

You’ll get instructions on how long you have to wear each tray. They’ll also teach you how to clean Invisalign braces, so take note. 

At our office, we make sure you have every bit of information you need.

Now that you know more about Invisalign braces and how they work to help you gain straight teeth, let’s see what can affect your treatment time. Keep in mind that this can alter from patient to patient.

1. Spacing or Crowding

The spacing between your teeth will factor into the time it takes for Invisalign to work. It will matter if you have an overbite, which is when your upper teeth are more forward than the lower teeth, or an underbite, which is when your lower teeth are more forward than your upper teeth. 

You might also have large gaps between your teeth, or they may be crowding. This can depend on the size of your jaw. If it’s smaller, for instance, it can cause crowding. 

If you have a missing tooth, it can cause a gap. The missing tooth creates a space, which might cause the neighboring teeth to move. A mouth disease might also cause a gap, aside from natural causes. 

That said, your dentist will make an estimate based on your crowded teeth or how far apart they are. If some teeth have rotated, that will add to the estimated time. 

2. Age

Invisalign braces work best for younger people. Their teeth are easier to realign using braces, which is why it’s more common among middle schoolers and high schoolers. 

Of course, you can’t usually go younger since you have to wait for the permanent teeth to replace the baby teeth. By age of 12 or 13, kids usually already have a full set of permanent teeth, aside from the wisdom teeth. Invisalign for kids is only a good idea after this age.

3. Your Commitment

Like we said above, you have to wear the braces for around 20 to 22 hours per day. That means you’ll be wearing it even while you’re sleeping. Are you prepared to make that commitment?

Pain is common, especially after you change the aligner trays. This usually happens every two weeks. 

Sans pain, it can still be quite uncomfortable. You might feel uncomfortable for the first few days, but some people feel it for the duration of the treatment. 

That’s why many people might slip up on wearing it from time to time. 

If you stick to the recommendations, though, you’ll get rid of it in the estimated time. Otherwise, expect to wear it for longer than your dentist’s estimate. The less you wear it, the longer you’ll be stuck with it. 

You also have to visit your dentist often. Like we said above, the trays align one tooth at a time. Once that one tooth is good, you have to use new trays for the next tooth. 

The dentist will usually give you the aligners you need once treatment begins. Still, those follow-up visits are important. 

You won’t be able to proceed with the treatment plan when you don’t make your scheduled visits. This leads to a longer treatment time for you.

How long does it take to straighten teeth? With Invisalign, it can range from six months to two years. That said, it’s not only one of the fastest methods to straighten teeth but it’s also one of the most efficient.

Interested in using Invisalign braces to get that perfect smile? We’re here for you.

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No need to search for “Invisalign dentist near me” anymore; contact us today and let’s see how we can help.