How Long Does Invisalign Take? What Affects Your Treatment Time? 

As we age, our teeth can naturally shift, crowd, or develop gaps due to factors caused by day-to-day life, like bone changes, chewing pressures, or orthodontic relapses from braces and retainers. That is why Invisalign has become one of the most popular orthodontic treatments for straightening teeth, as it gradually moves teeth into the desired position. 

Invisalign can treat a wide range of mild, moderate, and complex orthodontic cases; suitability will depend on assessment by your dentist or orthodontist. All you need to do is follow the routines and times advised and provided. 

In this guide, we look at how long Invisalign aligners take to be made, how long treatment takes, and the factors that can impact your treatment time. 

How Long Does Invisalign Take to be Made?

Invisalign is a clear aligner system that uses custom-made, removable trays to gradually straighten your teeth without the need for braces but what are the best alignment options for you depends on the advice given from your consultation with your dentist. 

The Invisalign aligner creation process at Beyu Dental, from start to finish, can take 2-4 weeks after scans and treatment approval. 

How Long Does Invisalign Take to Work? 

Invisalign treatment typically takes between 6 and 18 months, although some mild cases can be completed in as little as 4 and 9 months, while more complex cases can take up to 24 months.

Invisalign Treatment Timeline

Factors That Affect Treatment Time?

Invisalign treatment time can be difficult to give an exact duration, as some patients will only require mild treatment, whereas others need extensive work for complex dental issues. 

The amount of time required to wear Invisalign depends entirely on the severity of the following contributing factors: 

• Tooth Gaps: Gaps can develop for several reasons, including genetics, missing teeth, differences between tooth and jaw size, and gum-related issues. Minor gaps are classified as mild and can be fixed within the 4–9-month period, whereas more complex gap cases may take around 18 months for treatment to be complete. 

• Overcrowding: Tooth overcrowding occurs when there is not enough space in the jaw for all your teeth to fit side by side, causing them to overlap, twist, or become unaligned. Minor fixes will fit into the shorter timeline (4 to 9 months), whereas more complex cases can take up to 18 months of treatment. 

• Client Age: Younger clients like teens are susceptible to faster tooth movement than adults, which could result in a more complex gapping or overcrowding issue. The bone density in adults is higher and firmer, which will increase treatment times in comparison to younger clients due to teens having younger bones, meaning they align easier with aligner pressure. 

• Realignment: Every treatment is different, and the need for realignment is common and may be required if teeth do not move exactly as predicted. This can extend treatment time. 

What to do to Reduce Your Invisalign Treatment Timeline?

When using Invisalign, you can reduce the estimated time provided by your dentist. The way to do this is by doing the following: 

• Wear aligners for the assigned time: During daily wear, Invisalign aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours every day. This includes wearing them when sleeping; the 2 hours is factored in for eating and drinking, as they will need removing for this. 

• Provide regular care and maintenance: Clean aligners daily using lukewarm water and a soft toothbrush, or approved Invisalign cleaning crystals. Avoid hot water, as this can warp the plastic. 

• Change frequency: Invisalign aligners should typically be switched to a new set every 1-2 weeks, as advised by your dentist or orthodontist. 

How to Start Your Invisalign Journey 

Knowing how long Invisalign takes is crucial to achieving the perfect smile and keeping on top of tray replacement and maintenance will remove the possibility of extended wear time.  

Wanting to begin your Invisalign journey? At Beyu Dental, we use digital scanning and smile design technology to assess your teeth and talk you through the Invisalign aligners process so we can design a customised treatment plan and create aligners that fit your teeth precisely. 

If you are considering Invisalign in Leeds, visit our Invisalign page to find out more about your options, arrange a consultation, see the finance options available, and discover why we are trusted for providing the perfect smile to thousands of clients.