Invisalign is a fantastic type of dental treatment that can offer patients the benefits of braces without much of the social stigma that comes attached to those apparatuses. Invisalign, true to its name, is completely invisible to the naked eye, all while it shapes the teeth into a more pleasing form. Below, we cover 4 factors that affect Invisalign treatment length.
4 Factors that Affect Invisalign Treatment Length
Before you decide to go through with Invisalign treatment, you might be curious about what kinds of things can affect the duration of your procedure and results. If this type of question is on your mind, then take a look at this overview on the subject before you visit the orthodontist.
General Treatment Timelines
Most patients will experience some kind of movement with their treatment within the first two weeks of treatment. That being said, the average duration for a total realignment of one’s teeth is 12-18 months. Most patients also have to wear a retainer after their treatment to maximize their results.
However, most patients’ experiences with their own Invisalign treatments will be somewhat unique. This is partially due to the nature of one’s individual teeth, which have their own forms and rates of growth. Despite the variability in Invisalign treatments, it’s overall considered to be highly effective, and millions of patients receive this type of treatment each year without any issue. Here are some of the things that can impact your treatment length.
1. Teeth Crowding
If your orthodontic issue is minor teeth crowding, then your treatment might only last for about six months. For moderate cases, it can take up to a full year. For individuals with more severe cases of teeth crowding, the duration of their treatment can take more than 12 months.
2. Gaps in One’s Teeth
Individuals with gaps in their teeth have the potential to extend their Invisalign treatment lengths. Minor gaps will only take a few months to correct. However, more severe cases can make one’s treatment extend for up to 18 months. The exact amount of time that it takes sometimes has to do with how one’s teeth respond to treatment.
3. Compliance With Your Dentist’s Directions
Even if there are only minor alterations being performed on your smile by the Invisalign treatment, you may encounter problems if you don’t follow your dentist’s directions. Sometimes, these problems are compounded by the fact that people have a tendency to remove their Invisalign liners, as it’s quite easy to do so.
Dentists consistently recommend wearing Invisalign liners for at least 22 hours out of each day – or as your doctor recommends. This will not include times when you have to take them out for eating, cleaning or brushing your teeth.
4. Patient Age
A patient’s age has the potential to significantly impact the effects of their treatment. For example, teenagers can expect faster treatment, as their teeth tend to grow faster than those of adults. However, adults don’t always have longer treatment durations. Ultimately, it comes down to the individual details of how a patient’s teeth grow in general.
Advantages of Invisalign Treatment
The appearance and feel of Invisalign are its primary selling points. In fact, the purpose of Invisalign’s invention and current surge in popularity was to make the treatment noticeable to patients during their ordeal.
Invisalign is beneficial not only because it is undetectable and won’t alter your appearance but also because many individuals find it to be more comfortable than braces.
Furthermore, Invisalign can be taken out of the mouth for activities like eating and similar ones. It is, therefore, a genuinely non-invasive therapy method. For optimal outcomes, it is recommended to leave it for 20 to 22 hours a day for the first few months, essentially forever.
However, Invisalign has a few drawbacks. One is that in order to benefit as much as possible from the treatment, patients will have to impose discipline on themselves. Furthermore, Invisalign therapy typically carries a higher price tag than braces treatment. As a result, not all patients who might be interested can obtain it as easily.
Additionally, taking out and putting back in their Invisalign may irritate some individuals. Naturally, a lot of this depends on individual preferences. You’ll be able to discuss with your dentist whether or not they think you will ultimately benefit from Invisalign over the other types of dental treatments available.
Getting Invisalign in Tarzana
The Smile Specialists of California are one of the best places you can choose to receive Invisalign in Tarzana. If you’re interested in discussing whether or not this type of treatment would work for you, contact us today in order to schedule an appointment.