Invisalign has taken the world of modern dentistry by storm and quickly become one of the go-to solutions for straightening crooked teeth or misaligned bites. These nifty clear aligners don’t just do the same job as braces, though – they’re also undeniably more comfortable to wear and far less noticeable compared to metal braces. But how does the Invisalign treatment timeline compare to that of traditional brackets and wires? Here’s more about what you should expect.
How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Usually Take?
Invisalign relies on a system of clear aligners that are worn directly over the teeth. Similarly to braces, they apply focused, gradual pressure that encourages the teeth to shift laterally or vertically into healthier positions. However, the key difference is that the aligners are completely removable and can be taken out whenever it’s time to eat or brush and floss. This is one of the reasons Invisalign is so popular; the inherent convenience cannot be beaten!
Another advantage that Invisalign holds over traditional metal braces is the overall treatment timeline. On average, a patient must wear metal braces anywhere from 18 to 24 months, or perhaps even longer. With Invisalign, the average treatment timeline is about 12 months, though it’s important to remember that every person is unique, and their teeth might move faster, slower, or differently than anticipated depending on the complexity of the issues at hand.
Tips for Managing Invisalign Treatment
Though you cannot technically “speed up” the Invisalign process, there are some things that can be done to keep things on track. Keep the following in mind:
- Adhere to the 22-hour wear time rule; the aligners should only be removed during meals or when carrying out oral hygiene.
- Keep tabs on the aligners; lost or damaged aligners are almost certain to delay progress.
- Oral issues like decay and cavities can also cause setbacks, meaning that routine dental hygiene throughout Invisalign treatment is imperative.
In any case, your orthodontist will always provide you with an estimate of how long it’ll take to complete Invisalign treatment – but it still falls on each patient to step up to the plate and do things properly!
About the Practice
Our team here at Simply Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics has proudly served the needs of families in Nashua and the surrounding communities for several years, offering a wide range of pediatric services for children of all ages including Invisalign clear aligners. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to set up an appointment for your child, please visit our website or call us today for additional information. Telephone: (603) 880-5002.