Invisalign is one of the most comfortable aligning devices for everyday life. Its effectiveness and the way it works are similar to that of traditional metal braces. But it has significant advantages such as invisibility and the option of taking it off if need be. That is why many people choose this solution. But of course, the patients also want to know when their Invisalign will start working.

When Will Invisalign Start Working?

How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign straightens your teeth by applying pressure and gradually shifting them into the desired position. Sometimes, the teeth have to be moved not only horizontally but vertically, too. And sometimes, they even need to be rotated to be perfectly aligned. On top of that, the periodontal ligaments around each tooth have to adapt to the new position.
All these processes take time, and your Invisalign trays are designed to apply the right amount of pressure to your teeth within this time. The gradual shift of your teeth also guarantees the precision of the aligning and minimizes discomfort that might occur in the gums. The total time to achieve the optimal results might vary from person to person and depends on many different factors. The average time you need to allow before you see the first subtle difference is about 12 weeks.

Factors That Affect the Length of Treatment

There are several factors that may affect the total length of treatment and the time we need to allow for the first changes to come.

The Complexity of Your Case

If your misalignment is severe, it might need more work and time to achieve the perfect smile. Sometimes, several problems at once have to be fixed. For example:

• Closing gaps might take as little as 6 weeks
• Dealing with crowded teeth might take 6 months or more, depending on the severity of your case
• Correcting overbite may take around 6 to 18 months

The Consistency with Which You Wear Your Invisalign

It is true that Invisalign is a comfortable solution for everyday wear. However, at first, it can still be difficult to get used to constantly having something in your mouth. Some people can get tempted to take it off for some time. Others forget to put it on after meals or in the mornings.

To achieve the results you want within a reasonable amount of time, the aligners should be worn for 20-22 hours a day. Consistency is crucial to successfully straighten your teeth. Also, always make sure that you change your trays on time.

The Overall Health of Your Teeth and Gums

Most of the patients with such problems as gum recession can still wear Invisalign aligners. However, severe gum disease can cause loose gums and even tooth loss, which can make the treatment more complicated or prolong its time. Consult your dentist for more in depth information if you have gum disease.

Some Genetic Factors

Such predetermined factors as the shape of your jaw and the amount of space you have in your mouth can also affect the length of your Invisalign treatment, as sometimes it can be more difficult to properly align the teeth due to the lack of space.

iTero 3D Scan Will Show You the Preview of Your Results

We plan every treatment using iTero Scan, which provides us with 3D models of your mouth and allows us to see how the teeth will move during treatment, as well as the final results. Your dentist will show you the preview at your appointment. This amazing tool helps the patients understand what changes and in which order they can expect.

Comparing Invisalign to Braces

Even though the time of Invisalign treatment is comparable with that of braces, patients do tend to see results a little faster with traditional braces.

The difference in time exists due to the fact that the wires and brackets of traditional braces apply force simultaneously to all teeth. Because of this, all teeth, even the straight ones, will move before falling into the correct alignment later. The Invisalign trays are designed to plan the movement of each individual tooth. Thus, the straight teeth do not need to be moved, and small adjustments are gradually made to the teeth that actually need work.

These specifics of Invisalign treatment can make it a bit longer before you start seeing the first results compared to metal braces, as the changes are not that radical right away. However, Invisalign treatment can actually take less time than braces treatment overall.

Invisalign is a very effective and comfortable solution for teeth alignment. Just remember to wear your trays consistently and be patient. Our specialists at Stonebrook Dental can give you the most accurate estimates of the time you will need to spend wearing Invisalign and what issues exactly have to be fixed to align your teeth properly.