Invisalign are clear aligner trays that straighten teeth in the same way as metal braces. They are virtually invisible as well as removable, two things that make them a popular choice over other orthodontic options. Invisalign treatment can take as little as six months to complete, but there are several factors that impact this. Read on to learn about the different things that affect your Invisalign timeline.
How Crooked Your Teeth Are
One thing that will affect how long you need to undergo Invisalign treatment is the severity of your orthodontic issues. If your smile is only slightly crooked, you may be able to complete treatment in around six months. But, if your teeth are very crooked and require a lot of repositioning, it may take several years for you to complete treatment.
Your Bite Misalignment
How misaligned your bite is will also impact your Invisalign timeline. Some bite alignment problems can also lead to orthodontic issues. For example, a seriously misaligned bite can cause temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues. This may result in headaches, jaw pain, problems biting and chewing your food, and trouble speaking.
Another potential side effect of having bite misalignment problems is bruxism. This is a condition that’s characterized by grinding of the teeth and clenching of the jaw. If you have alignment issues that are too severe to be corrected through Invisalign treatment, you may need to be treated using traditional orthodontic techniques.
5 Ways to Keep Your Invisalign Timeline on Track
There are also several ways that you impact how long you need to wear your clear aligners. If you want to keep your treatment plan on track, follow these five tips:
- Wear your aligners – Be sure to wear your Invisalign trays for at least 20-22 hours each day so they’re as effective as possible.
- Practice good oral hygiene – Along with once in the morning and once at night, you should also brush after each meal. Make sure to floss, too.
- Switch to your new trays on time – Switch to your new set of aligners on the correct date to avoid treatment delays.
- Prioritize dental visits – Make sure to attend your regular orthodontic appointments so your oral health professional can ensure that everything is going smoothly and make changes if needed.
- Be careful with your aligners – Be sure to clean your aligners daily by thoroughly brushing them. They should also be soaked every day. Don’t use hot water or harsh cleansers as these may damage them. Additionally, take them off when you consume anything other than water.
There are several things that can affect your Invisalign timeline. With the above information, you should be able to keep your treatment on track. Before you know it, you’ll be the proud owner of a gorgeous, healthy new grin!
About the Practice
Rauchberg Dental Group is located in Parsippany and treats its patients with exceptional care. They administer a variety of treatments, including Invisalign. They also offer traditional and ceramic braces if those are a better fit. They can also teach you the right ways to take care of your clear aligners so your treatment goes as smoothly as possible. Call Rauchberg Dental Group at (973) 718-9887 or visit their website for more information on Invisalign or to schedule an appointment with one of their six talented dentists and their skilled team.