Choosing to straighten your teeth is a big decision, and with today’s dental treatments, there are several options available. One of the most popular choices among adults and teenagers alike is Invisalign. It’s a clear aligner treatment that gently shifts your teeth into better alignment over time. But one question we hear often at Visage Orthodontics Aberdeen is: How long does Invisalign take to work?
The answer to this question is not as simple as you might hope it is because treatment time is based on a variety of personal factors. In this blog, we will lay out everything you need to know about how long Invisalign’s treatment time typically is, what factors can speed up or delay that timeline, and how you can keep your treatment moving forward!
Is Invisalign Worth It?
Understanding Invisalign: What Is It?
Invisalign is a method of treatment that utilises a series of clear and removable aligners to shift your teeth around as opposed to metal braces. Each successive set of aligners will be customised to fit your teeth and they will eventually move into better positions. Depending on your treatment plan you will switch aligners every one to two weeks completely and there will be a small change every time that you switch to the next alinear.
Patients generally prefer using clear aligners over metal braces since they are more discreet and, when eating and brushing their teeth, they will have fewer restrictions. However, the trick with clear aligners is that they must be worn!
Average Time for Invisalign Treatment
For most people the average treatment time is between 6-18 months. This being said, this is a general range and some people will see results in just a few months and others will need closer to two years and have more complex dental issues.
Let’s break it down a bit more:
- Mild cases (small gaps or slight crowding): 3 to 6 months
- Moderate cases (crowding, crooked teeth): 6 to 12 months
- Complex cases (bite problems, severe misalignment): 12 to 24 months
The key factor here is that no two mouths are the same. At Visage Orthodontics Aberdeen, every Invisalign plan is made specifically for each patient. This individualised approach not only delivers the best results, but also affects how long your treatment will take.
How Much Does It Cost for Invisalign?
What Affects Invisalign Treatment Time?
There are several other factors that will affect how long your Invisalign treatment takes:
1. Severity of Misalignment
The more movement of your teeth necessary, the longer the process will take. Small gaps or slightly crooked teeth can be corrected in a shorter time. Treating exceptions related to an overbite, underbite, or crossbite typically involves more time.
2. Consistency of Wear
This is one of the most important aspects. To make your Invisalign aligners effective you need to wear them for 20-22 hours a day. Each time you take them out when you shouldn’t, failing to put them back after you eat, or taking a break for a few days, you can be delaying your treatment. Some people might actually elongate their treatment period without even thinking about it just because they are not regularly wearing their aligners!
3. Age of the Patient
In general, younger people tend to see quicker results. That’s because their teeth move more easily due to ongoing growth and development. Adults can certainly benefit from Invisalign, but their treatment might take slightly longer in comparison.
4. Your Oral Health
We will also take into consideration gum health and bone structure. If there are issues such as gum disease or loss of bone surrounding the teeth, the orthodontist may have to proceed with extra caution. In some cases, the gum disease and/or bone loss must be treated before starting the Invisalign treatment.
5. How Well You Follow Your Orthodontist’s Guidance
It is essential to visit your orthodontist on a regular schedule for appointments and to follow your orthodontist’s instructions. At Visage Orthodontics Aberdeen, we are monitoring your progression closely and making adjustments to your treatment along the way. With regular appointments and wearing the aligners we suggest, you can be more confident your teeth will move according to plan!
Signs That Invisalign Is Working
You may be wondering, how quickly will I see a change? For most people, you will see small changes happen within 1-3 weeks. You will also feel a bit of difference in the aligners as you switch to a new set of aligners because they are designed to move your teeth a little bit more each time.
Here are some signs your Invisalign treatment is progressing:
- You begin to see a slight shift in your teeth alignment
- Aligners start fitting more snugly or feel different week by week
- You feel slight pressure or tightness for a day or two after switching aligners
- These are all normal parts of the process.
Can Invisalign Work Faster?
While there’s no healthy way to rush the process too much, there are definitely ways to help keep your treatment on schedule, or even slightly reduce the time:
Wear your aligners consistently: Don’t remove them unless absolutely necessary
Switch aligners on time: Follow your schedule for changing trays
Keep your aligners clean: Dirty aligners can affect fit and comfort
Avoid damage: Cracked or bent aligners can’t move your teeth properly
Use chewies: These small soft cylinders help ensure the aligners fit tightly against your teeth
What Happens After Invisalign Treatment?
When you finish your Invisalign treatment, your orthodontist will evaluate your case and give you retainers. Most people will require some type of retainer and retainers are often worn at night and are crucial in preventing any backward shifting of your teeth over time.
For some patients minor tweaks may be needed which means getting a few additional sets of aligners for a short period of time. This is common and really just helps you achieve a final look just right.
Final Thoughts
So, how long does Invisalign take? The honest answer is that it depends on your actual case and how well you follow the treatment plan. Many people see changes in a matter of months, and finish treatment in a little under a year or sooner. At Visage Orthodontics Aberdeen, we only offer our clients every opportunity to ensure that their experience with Invisalign is an enjoyable one that gives patients the result they are looking for. We managed to provide individual treatment plans, consistent expert service, and professional instructions every step of the way.
Book your free consultation today!
Start Your Invisalign Journey with Confidence
At Visage Orthodontics Aberdeen, your smile transformation is in expert hands. We provide clear guidance, personalised Invisalign plans, and ongoing support throughout your treatment. Whether your case is mild or complex, we’ll help you understand your timeline and keep your progress on track.
Book your free consultation today and let our team assess your needs, answer your questions, and create a custom plan just for you — no pressure, just honest advice.
