How Long Do You Need Wear Invisalign?

Invisalign consists of clear aligners used in dental treatment. The aligners are made from flexible plastic materials that fit securely over teeth. These materials are much less visible than the wires and brackets of traditional braces, making Invisalign more aesthetically pleasing. If you are planning to straighten your teeth with Invisalign, you may need to wear them until they straighten completely.

How Long Does Invisalign Take to Straighten Teeth?

The time Invisalign takes to straighten teeth depends on the case. Simple cases can take six months to fix, while complex ones may take longer.

On average, it may take 12 to 18 months to straighten your teeth with Invisalign. Complex cases of teeth misalignment may take up to 24 months to fix. The duration varies from patient to patient because people have different teeth with varying needs.

What is Involved with Wearing Invisalign?

Wearing Invisalign starts with visiting a dentist for a dental exam. The dentist will examine your teeth's spacing and position and create a three-dimensional image of your teeth and jaw. They will use this image to develop a plan for moving your teeth into their correct positions.

The plan will guide your dentist to tailor-make plastic aligners for your teeth. These aligners will put gentle pressure on your teeth, slowly changing their position and moving them into a more proper alignment.

Based on your dentist's advice, you will change out of one set of Invisalign to a new one once every week or two. You will need to wear Invisalign for 20 to 22 hours every day.

What Can Affect How Long You Wear Invisalign?

Certain factors can affect the length of time you need to wear Invisalign. They include:

Age

Age can affect how fast your teeth move into position. Teenagers can expect to wear Invisalign for shorter durations because their teeth move more readily than grownups.

This does not mean adults can always expect to use Invisalign for longer durations. It all depends on how fast your teeth can move. Some adults may have shorter treatment durations than teens.

Teeth Gaps

Teeth may have gaps for two reasons. First, the teeth could be small regarding the jawbone, and second, it may result from an overgrowth of gum tissue.

Smaller tooth gaps will resolve within a few months, while bigger ones may take up to 18 months to repair. The duration will also depend on how the teeth react to the treatment.

Teeth Crowding

If you have slight tooth overcrowding, you may need to wear Invisalign for only six months. Treatment for moderate overcrowding can last 12 months, while severe cases can take longer to resolve.

Not Wearing Invisalign as Instructed

Following your dentist's instructions will help resolve your teeth alignment issues faster and more effectively. 

If you do not wear or maintain your clear aligners per your dentist's directions, your teeth may start moving back into their former positions.

What Happens When You Complete Invisalign Treatment?

If your teeth are likely to shift back to their original positions, your dentist may recommend wearing retainers after completing your Invisalign treatment. Each person's situation is different, so ask your dentist if retainers are necessary.

For more on Invisalign and how long you need to wear them, visit The Center for Cosmetic and Family Dentistry at our offices in Destin, Navarre, or Panama City Beach, Florida. Call 850-810-0300, 850-810-0600, or 850-409-6400 to book an appointment today.