No Insurance? No Problem! See How Our Discount Membership Plans Can Help.
Learn More
Updated: February 26, 2025
We all want to smile with confidence, but the idea of wearing visible braces isn’t very pleasant. Fortunately, Invisalign offers a solution that allows you to improve your smile discreetly and comfortably.
Using custom-made, clear aligners, Invisalign gradually shifts teeth over time to correct a wide range of dental issues without compromising your lifestyle.
Invisalign treatment typically takes between 9 and 24 months, depending on the individual’s dental needs. The duration can vary based on factors such as the severity of misalignment, patient compliance with wearing aligners, and the specific treatment plan prescribed.
While some patients may achieve their desired results in as little as 9 months, many people complete treatment within 12 to 18 months, and others with more complex issues may require up to 24 months for optimal alignment and a perfect smile.
Invisalign treatment time can vary significantly based on several factors. While the average duration is between 9 and 24 months, certain elements can speed up or slow down the process. Understanding these factors can help you set realistic expectations.
Compliance is a major factor in the speed of Invisalign treatment. Aligners should be worn for 20-22 hours a day and only be removed for eating, drinking, and brushing. Inconsistent wear can delay progress.
Regular checkups are necessary, and if aligners aren’t worn as instructed, the treatment time may extend well beyond the initial estimate. The more diligently you follow your plan, the faster you can expect results.
The severity of your dental misalignment greatly impacts treatment time. Mild misalignment or slight crowding may only take a few months to correct.
However, more complex cases, such as severe overcrowding or a significant bite issue, require more movement to achieve proper alignment, extending treatment duration. Your dentist will design a personalized plan to target specific issues.
For patients with noticeable gaps between their teeth, the treatment time will vary based on the size and number of gaps. Small gaps may close relatively quickly, while larger gaps need more gradual, precise tooth movement.
Invisalign aligners use gradual pressure to close gaps, which can take time. The more significant the gaps, the more time your teeth will need to shift into their proper positions, lengthening the overall treatment process.
Age can influence how quickly your teeth move during Invisalign treatment. Younger patients, especially those still in their late teens or early twenties, often experience faster tooth movement due to more flexible bone structures.
As we age, our bones become denser, making tooth movement slower. Older patients may experience a slightly longer treatment time because of these physiological changes. However, with proper care and consistent aligner wear, people of all ages can achieve excellent results.
Invisalign is an advanced orthodontic treatment that uses a series of custom-made, clear plastic aligners to shift your teeth into their ideal position gradually.
Invisalign works effectively for a range of orthodontic issues, including crowding, gaps, overbites, underbites, and crossbites, offering a discreet, comfortable alternative to traditional braces.
The process begins with a consultation where your dentist or orthodontist takes 3D digital scans of your teeth and creates a personalized treatment plan.
Using sophisticated software, they map out the movement of your teeth over time to determine how each aligner will gradually reposition them.
Each aligner in the series is designed to be worn for about one to two weeks, after which you switch to the next set of aligners in the series.
The aligners apply gentle, controlled pressure on your teeth to move them incrementally. Each set of aligners is slightly different, ensuring continued progress throughout the treatment.
Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign aligners are removable, making it easier to eat, brush, and floss without restrictions. This flexibility allows patients to maintain their regular oral hygiene routine.
Throughout the treatment, your dentist will monitor your progress, making adjustments as necessary to ensure the best possible results.
One of the primary benefits of Invisalign is its aesthetic appeal. The clear, custom-made aligners are virtually invisible, allowing patients to straighten their teeth without the noticeable appearance of metal brackets and wires.
Another significant advantage is the comfort Invisalign provides. The aligners are made from smooth plastic, eliminating the discomfort and irritation often caused by metal braces.
Traditional braces require periodic adjustments to tighten the wires, which can lead to soreness.
Invisalign aligners, on the other hand, apply gentle, consistent pressure, and because they are removable, patients have the flexibility to eat, drink, and clean their teeth without any restrictions.
Furthermore, Invisalign typically requires fewer dental visits, as patients simply switch to the next set of aligners every one to two weeks.
Each Invisalign treatment is customized to the patient’s needs. Using 3D imaging technology, the dentist creates a personalized treatment plan that maps out the exact movement of each tooth.
This technology helps ensure a more precise and effective outcome than traditional braces.
While comprehensive Invisalign treatment typically takes between 9 and 24 months, there are several strategies to help speed up the process and achieve your desired results faster. Here are some tips to help shorten your Invisalign treatment time:
Invisalign offers a remarkable blend of flexibility, comfort, and effectiveness when it comes to orthodontic treatment.
The time it takes to complete treatment depends on your individual goals and the specifics of your case. However, what remains consistent is the opportunity to enjoy a straight, beautiful smile without the restrictions of traditional braces.
By following your treatment plan and keeping your appointments, you can confidently undergo the process and achieve a beautiful smile that reflects who you are.
Our custom Invisalign treatments are transforming Chicago smiles every day! Visit one of our two locations to learn how we can give you the smile you always wanted. You can schedule a dental consultation at our Archer Ave. clinic or at our Belmont Ave. office.
