Invisalign treatment typically takes between 6 and 18 months, depending on the complexity of your case, how consistently you wear your aligners, and your body’s natural response to treatment. Some people start noticing improvements in just a few weeks, while others require a longer commitment to achieve their ideal smile.
If you’re considering Invisalign, understanding the factors that influence your treatment timeline can help set realistic expectations. Here’s what you need to know about how long it takes to straighten your teeth with clear aligners.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses a series of clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth gradually. Each aligner is custom-made to fit snugly over your teeth and is designed to shift them slightly closer to their final position.
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign does not use metal brackets or wires. Instead, the aligners are made from a smooth, transparent material, making them a discreet and comfortable alternative for people looking to improve their smiles.
Benefits of Invisalign
- Virtually invisible: No metal brackets or wires.
- Removable: Can be taken out for eating and cleaning.
- More comfortable: No risk of irritation from metal.
- Easier to maintain oral hygiene: Brushing and flossing are simpler than with braces.
- Faster results for mild cases: Some patients see noticeable changes within months.
While Invisalign offers many advantages, the exact length of treatment varies based on individual factors.
Is Invisalign Faster than Traditional Braces?
For mild to moderate cases, Invisalign often provides faster results than traditional braces. However, for severe bite corrections, braces may be required for more complex alignment.
The best treatment option depends on your individual needs and goals, which your dentist can help determine during a consultation.
Factors That Affect Invisalign Treatment Time
Case Complexity
The severity of your misalignment is one of the biggest factors influencing your treatment time.
- Mild cases (small gaps or slight crowding): 6 to 9 months
- Moderate cases (crooked teeth or mild bite issues): 12 to 18 months
- Severe cases (significant crowding or complex bite problems): 18 months or longer
If only a few teeth need adjusting, treatment may be relatively short and straightforward. However, if you need bite correction, your Invisalign journey may take longer.
How Long to Wear Your Aligners
For Invisalign to work effectively, you must wear your aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours per day. The only times they should be removed are:
- While eating or drinking (except water)
- When brushing and flossing
- When cleaning your aligners
Not wearing them consistently can slow progress or even cause treatment setbacks. If aligners are left out for too long, teeth can shift back, extending the treatment timeline.
Age & Bone Structure
Teenagers may see faster results because their teeth and jawbones are still developing. Adults may require a longer treatment period since their bones have fully matured, making tooth movement slower.
This doesn’t mean Invisalign isn’t effective for adults—it just means patience and consistency are key to achieving the best results.
Compliance with Treatment Plan
Your orthodontist will create a custom Invisalign plan that outlines how your teeth should move over time. Sticking to this schedule is crucial for staying on track.
Key steps to follow:
- Switch aligners as instructed (usually every 1 to 2 weeks).
- Attend regular checkups (typically every 6 to 8 weeks).
- Follow any additional recommendations from your dentist.
Delays in switching aligners or missing dental appointments can slow your progress and may even require adjustments to your treatment plan.
What to Expect During Invisalign Treatment
Invisalign treatment follows a structured process designed to gradually shift your teeth into alignment. Understanding each stage can help you feel more confident about your treatment plan and timeline.
Consultation & Digital Scan
The first step in your Invisalign journey is a consultation with your dentist to determine if clear aligners are the right solution for your dental needs. The consultation consists of a few parts:
- Oral examination: Your dentist will evaluate your teeth, gums, and jaw to assess alignment issues.
- 3D digital scan: Instead of traditional impressions, a digital scan creates an accurate three-dimensional model of your teeth.
- Custom treatment plan: Using Invisalign’s advanced software, your dentist will create a personalized plan that outlines how your teeth will move with each aligner.
- Estimated timeline: Your dentist will provide an estimate of how long treatment will take based on your specific case.
Once you decide to move forward, your custom Invisalign aligners will be created. This process typically takes a few weeks before your first set is ready.
Receiving & Wearing Your First Aligners
Once your aligners are ready, you’ll visit your dentist to pick up your first set and learn how to wear and care for them properly. Here’s what to expect at this appointment:
- Aligner fitting: Your dentist will check that your aligners fit comfortably and securely.
- Attachment placement (if needed): Some patients require small, tooth-coloured attachments that help aligners grip teeth more effectively.
- Wear instructions: You’ll receive guidance on wearing your aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours per day.
- Speech adjustments: Some patients experience a slight lisp when first wearing aligners, but this typically resolves within a few days.
Your aligners may feel tight at first, which is normal. This mild discomfort is a sign that your teeth are shifting as planned.
Wearing & Changing Aligners
Each aligner is designed to apply gradual pressure, guiding your teeth into the correct position over time. Aligners are usually worn for one to two weeks before switching to the next set. Your dentist will provide a specific schedule to follow.
New aligners may feel tight or cause mild soreness for the first day or two. The pressure should subside as your teeth adjust. Since aligners are removable, you can take them out for eating and brushing. However, wearing them for at least 20 to 22 hours per day is essential to stay on track with your treatment plan.
Routine Checkups & Progress Tracking
Throughout your treatment, you’ll have regular dental visits to monitor progress and ensure your teeth are moving as expected.
Most patients need checkups every six to eight weeks to assess their progress. Your dentist may modify your treatment plan if refinements or adjustments are needed. At a checkup, your dentist will examine how well your teeth are responding to the aligners.
If necessary, additional refinements or new aligners may be ordered and you’ll receive your next set of aligners to continue treatment.
These visits ensure that everything stays on schedule and that any potential delays are addressed early.
Completing Treatment & Using Retainers
Once you’ve worn all your aligners and your teeth have reached their final position, your Invisalign treatment is complete. However, this does not mean your teeth will stay in place on their own.
After treatment, your teeth need time to stabilize in their new position. Without a retainer, there is a risk that they will begin to shift back over time. Your dentist may recommend one of the following:
- Clear retainers (Vivera): These are similar to Invisalign aligners and are nearly invisible.
- Hawley retainers: These are made from acrylic and metal wire and are removable.
- Fixed retainers: These are bonded to the back of the teeth for permanent retention.
Retainers should be worn full-time (about 22 hours per day) immediately after treatment. After a few months, you can transition to wearing them only at night.
Wearing your retainer as instructed is essential to maintaining your results. Teeth naturally tend to shift over time, so long-term retainer use is recommended to keep your smile aligned.
Key Takeaways About the Invisalign Process
- Initial consultation: Digital scans and a custom treatment plan are created based on your dental needs.
- First aligner fitting: Your dentist ensures a proper fit and explains how to wear and care for your aligners.
- Aligner progression: You will switch aligners every one to two weeks to maintain steady movement.
- Routine checkups: Regular visits every six to eight weeks help track progress and make adjustments if needed.
- Final results & retainers: Wearing a retainer prevents your teeth from shifting back after treatment.
Invisalign provides a convenient and effective way to straighten teeth, but following the treatment plan consistently is essential for achieving the best results.
How to Speed Up Invisalign Treatment
While the length of treatment varies from person to person, there are ways to keep your Invisalign plan on schedule:
- Wear aligners for 22 hours a day: Avoid removing them unnecessarily.
- Follow your aligner schedule: Change aligners on time to maintain steady progress.
- Keep up with checkups: Regular appointments ensure your teeth are shifting correctly.
- Maintain good oral hygiene: Clean teeth and aligners prevent delays caused by dental issues.
Some patients may also benefit from Invisalign attachments, which are small tooth-coloured bumps added to certain teeth to help guide movement more effectively.
Start Your Smile Journey with West 85th Dental
If you’re considering Invisalign, our team of dental professionals is here to guide you every step of the way. At West 85th Dental in Calgary, we use modern digital scanning technology to create customized treatment plans that provide precise, predictable results.
Book your Invisalign consultation today and take the first step toward a straighter, healthier smile!
