A straight smile is more attainable than ever, thanks to the various methods available to straighten teeth. Although traditional metal braces continue to be the go-to treatment to improve the look and health of your teeth, other more straightforward methods continue to pop up, one of which is Invisalign.
Invisalign is a popular procedure for those who want to improve their crooked teeth and their confidence. If you’re considering getting Invisalign, there are a few things that you should know.
Some common questions that patients have before getting Invisalign include:
- What exactly is an Invisalign aligner?
- What to expect from the treatment process?
- How long does Invisalign take?
- Who is Invisalign right for?
In this article, we’ll answer all these questions to help decide whether Invisalign is the right choice to improve your smile.
What Is Invisalign?
Let’s start with what exactly Invisalign is.
The Invisalign treatment involves wearing aligners that straighten your teeth. The part about Invisalign that often attracts people is that the clear aligners are removable and made of flexible plastic. These aligners apply the right amount of force to allow your teeth to move as they need to.
Beyond the fact that they’re removable, what primarily differentiates Invisalign from traditional braces is that they don’t require brackets or wires, making them more similar to a retainer. You can have more control throughout the treatment for tasks such as eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth.
Most people won’t notice that you’re wearing Invisalign, as the clear aligners are practically invisible (hence the name!). They’re also an excellent option for those who don’t like spending time in a dental chair, like children or those who get anxious about the dentist.
What Is the Invisalign Treatment Process Like?
There are several stages to the complete Invisalign treatment.
The first step is to consult an Invisalign dentist, which is key in choosing where to go through with your Invisalign treatment. Not every dentist is trained in the process – including your current trusted dentist – so ensure that you select a suitable dental professional before the treatment.
During the consultation, your Invisalign dentist will evaluate the current state of your teeth to determine whether you’re the right candidate for Invisalign. They’ll then present you with a detailed plan of the treatment to give you an idea of what to expect.
From there, they’ll take 3D images or plaster moulds of your mouth to create your initial custom Invisalign aligner.
Typically, you will be expected to wear your Invisalign aligner for 20 to 22 hours a day and get a new set every week or two. Each set will gently shift your teeth in a way your dentist plans. This shift will gradually continue until your straighter teeth reach their perfect position to give you your ideal smile.
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
One common question many people have is: How long does Invisalign take? The amount of time that Invisalign takes is a huge factor that helps people determine whether they should go through with the treatment.
For some people, the Invisalign treatment can be as little as six months. For more complex cases, you may keep them on for a couple of years. However, most patients go through treatment for less than two years. That said, it only takes weeks to start seeing a difference in your teeth.
Your aligner treatment depends on your needs and will be set out by your dental professional during your consultation, although the length of Invisalign treatment time may change throughout the treatment. Factors that affect the length of your treatment include:
- Whether you have an overbite, underbite, or other spaces in your teeth
- Your age, which affects how easy your teeth are to realign
- How well you stick to your treatment and wear your aligners when you need to
The last factor is entirely under your control and has the most significant effect on the length of your treatment. So it’s essential to follow your dentists’ instructions and to wear your clear plastic aligner as often as required, on top of maintaining good dental hygiene.
Who Should Get Invisalign?
Invisalign can work for various people with different dental problems or circumstances. In general, if you have crooked teeth, an underbite, an overbite, severe gaps, or crowded teeth, then Invisalign might be the best solution for you.
Even if you’ve had traditional braces before or currently have braces, you may be a good candidate for Invisalign. In fact, many people who had braces in the past – especially in their youth – and whose teeth have shifted since opt for Invisalign treatment to correct the shifting.
That said, Invisalign can only fix teeth to a certain severity. In severe cases, your teeth may need more work than Invisalign can do, and your dentist may suggest you see an orthodontist for traditional braces treatment or some other form of dental treatment. Make sure to talk to your dentist beforehand to find the best solution for you.
Conclusion: Is Invisalign Right for You?
Invisalign is an excellent option for a wide variety of people. It’s not only convenient, but it can also get you lasting results quickly.
Now that you know the answer to “how long does Invisalign take,” as well as other key Invisalign facts, you’re ready to take the next step and determine whether it’s the best treatment option for you.
At You Make Me Smile, we are Invisalign trained and can help you achieve your perfect smile. Book your consultation with us today if you want to discuss whether Invisalign is the right choice.
