One of the things many prospective dental patients inquire about Invisalign is the treatment timeline.
One of the things many prospective dental patients inquire about Invisalign is the treatment timeline. While Invisalign has been around since the late 1990s, most people just now learning about it still consider it innovative. That is especially true when Invisalign treatment is compared to traditional braces. This article shares what to expect from the usual Invisalign treatment timeline.
Average Invisalign Treatment Timeline
Every Invisalign treatment is personalized to fit the precise needs of individual patients. For this reason, there is no universal answer to the question, “How long does Invisalign treatment last from beginning to end?” A patient’s Invisalign treatment might be longer or shorter than someone else’s, often lasting anywhere from 12 to 18 months. However, there are exceptions.
When Will Patients Start Seeing Results?
Each new set of Invisalign aligners you receive will move your teeth closer to where they should be. It may take a while before you notice results from your treatment. For instance, some patients may start seeing results from their Invisalign treatment within two weeks, while others might have to wait three months.
If you have undergone Invisalign treatment for five months without seeing results, please schedule an appointment with your Invisalign dentist or orthodontist to ensure it’s still on track to producing lasting results.
Invisalign vs. Braces: Which is Faster and More Effective?
If you are attempting to select between Invisalign and metal braces, you might be curious about which treatment generates results faster. The answer depends on whether you are wondering about short- or long-term results. Patients usually notice results faster with traditional metal braces in the short term because they apply pressure to all your teeth simultaneously.
Moreover, your straight teeth are left in position while Invisalign plots each misaligned tooth individually. The movement might start in small increments with succeeding Invisalign trays. This is why you might notice more immediate results with braces than with Invisalign. Overall, Invisalign produces long-term results more quickly, while braces typically produce short-term results faster than Invisalign.
Tips for Avoid Extending Your Invisalign Treatment
-
- Wear your Invisalign aligners for however long your orthodontist tells you to daily during your treatment
- Patients are usually advised to wear their Invisalign clear aligners for at least 20-22 hours daily. Otherwise, treatment can be delayed.
- Keep track of your Invisalign aligners to avoid prolonging your treatment
- If you wore your previous Invisalign set long enough, you may be able to advance to the next set ahead of schedule if your dentist or orthodontist says it’s okay. In most cases, he or she will order a replacement set of aligners for you.
Catonsville Dental Care Can Handle All of Your Oral Care Needs
Catonsville Dental Care offers a wide variety of services when it comes to oral health. We have the experience and understanding to diagnose and treat any problem you have as quickly and painlessly as possible. With four dentists available at our office and a commitment to comfort, safety, and relaxation, you can’t find a better provider for your health. We look forward to helping you keep your smile perfect all year long and talking with you about your needs. To schedule an appointment or consultation, visit us online or give us a call at 410-747-1115. For more tips and tricks, follow us on Facebook, Flickr, X, and YouTube.