Everyone loves the idea of straightening their teeth, but many believe they simply don’t have the time to invest in treatment. But just how long does Invisalign take? While every smile is different, most people can expect a treatment time that fits comfortably into their lifestyle, so there’s no reason to put it off. Here’s a simple breakdown of what affects your Invisalign timeline and what you can expect along the way.
What Is the Average Invisalign Treatment Time?
For many patients, Invisalign or clear aligner treatment takes about 12 to 18 months. However, some mild cases may finish in as little as 6 months, while more complex issues can take 24 months or longer.
The only way to get an accurate gauge of how long your treatment will take is to sit for a consultation. Your dentist or orthodontist will be able to estimate your treatment time after examining your teeth and bite, so you won’t be left to guess.
What Affects How Long Invisalign Treatment Takes?
No two smiles move exactly the same way, so treatment time can vary quite a bit from person to person. Some of the main factors include:
- The Complexity of Your Case: Mild crowding or small gaps are usually faster to fix than rotated teeth or major bite problems. If your teeth don’t fit together properly, your plan may take longer because you’ll need both alignment and bite correction.
- Your Oral Health: Healthy gums and jawbone structure help teeth move more predictably. Conditions like gum disease or significant bone loss may slow things down or require additional care.
- Appointment Attendance: Regular check-ins allow your dentist or orthodontist to make sure everything is moving as planned. Missing visits or delaying tray changes can also stretch out your timeline.
- Treatment Compliance: Invisalign aligners need to be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day. Taking them out too often or forgetting to put them back in can slow progress and extend your treatment time.
Invisalign offers a discreet, comfortable way to straighten your teeth on a realistic timeline. Most patients find that 12 to 18 months is a small trade-off for a straightened smile that can last a lifetime. If you’re curious about how long your treatment might take, give your dental team a call. They can set up a consultation with you to take the first step.
About the Practice
At Rauchberg Dental Group, we’re dedicated to making your Invisalign treatment as smooth as possible. Our team uses advanced digital planning to create personalized plans that will help you stay on track and achieve a gorgeous grin as soon as possible. From your first consultation to your final aligner, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Call (973) 718-9887 to schedule an Invisalign consultation with our expert team or visit our website to find more information.