Invisalign offers a less invasive option to straightening teeth when compared to traditional metal braces since the aligners are made of a thermoplastic material that slips over the teeth. Also notable, the average treatment time for Invisalign to correct smiles is faster. With Invisalign, smiles can be corrected in 6-18 months. In contrast, braces are worn for an average of 18-36 months.
What Factors Affect the Length of Time Required for Invisalign Treatment?
While these time periods are averages, the length of time needed to straighten a smile with Invisalign is just as unique as each patient and can depend upon the following factors:
- Type and amount of tooth movement required (completely moving, tilting, rotating)
- Genetics
- Root size of the teeth being moved
- Age of the patient
- If there is a large gap or extreme crowding between teeth
- Gum health
Who Can Benefit from Invisalign?
Invisalign can be used to straighten teeth whether the case is mild or moderate. Patients with crowded teeth, overbite, underbite, open bite, gap teeth, and crooked teeth can be treated with Invisalign. Invisalign is a great solution for teens and adults. Children ages 6-10 can begin with Phase 1 of Invisalign treatment (known as Invisalign First) to help form their arches, straighten teeth, improve spacing, and adjust for crowding. Results can begin to be seen in as soon as two months.
How To Fast-Track Treatment to a Beautiful Smile
Wear Invisalign As Directed
One of the benefits to the Invisalign system is that it can be removed (for instance to thoroughly clean teeth, take a photo, or play sports) but this can also be one of the downsides. If the trays are removed for longer than two hours a day, they lose effectiveness. Since this issue can be most problematic with younger patients, Invisalign Teen is designed with a blue dot “Compliance Indicator” that can help identify if the trays are being worn for the recommended amount of time (based on the color fading). This is a helpful feature for both their dentist and parents!
Stick to the Plan
In some instances, a person may become impatient with results and decide to discontinue treatment. It’s important to adhere to the treatment plan. In order to help visualize a new smile, we can project what the results will be and share it with patients. This is often enough incentive to encourage continuing with the process.
Change Aligners
A dentist will develop a treatment plan that will include how often to change aligner trays. Typically, trays should be upgraded everyone to two weeks and a patient should visit their dentist every four to six weeks to be evaluated and get their new set of trays.
Castlebury Dental Offers Invisalign
At Castlebury Dental we can adjust our patient’s smile without referring to an orthodontist. Patients treated with Invisalign are under the care of our in-house dentists, avoid painful and bulky wires associated with traditional braces, and may complete treatment as soon as six months.
Make an appointment at Castlebury Dental to learn how Invisalign may help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.