How Long Does the Invisalign Process Take?
Did you know that an estimated one out of every five orthodontic patients is an adult? More and more, people of all ages are deciding to invest in their smile by having it straightened. But, as a busy adult, you may not want to spend years in orthodontic treatment. The good news is that you don’t have to! Today, there are choices like Invisalign in Bend that are faster than traditional braces.
This invisible method of straightening the teeth is one of the best new procedures that modern dentistry has to offer and is a fantastic alternative to braces for many reasons. Keep reading to learn how much sooner you can straighten your teeth and whether Invisalign might work for you!
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
The average Invisalign treatment is 12 months, compared to an average time of 18-24 months for braces.
Having said that, it’s important to note that every case is unique! The best way to find out how long your treatment would be is to schedule a consultation with a dentist in Bend who has been certified to provide Invisalign.
Here are some of the factors that can affect the total time you spend in Invisalign:
- Compliance – The clear aligner trays should be worn for a minimum of 22 hours per day. This allows two hours to remove them for meals, brushing and flossing, and important events like interviews or photographs. If the trays aren’t kept in for 22 hours a day, it will take longer to complete treatment! Teenage patients typically struggle with compliance more than adults.
- Severity – The good news is that nearly all patients with mild or moderate bite issues, and some with severe bite issues, are candidates for Invisalign. But more involved cases will require a higher number of trays and therefore take longer. In particularly severe cases, your dentist may recommend braces as the best treatment.
- Age – As we age, our bones become more “set,” so the teeth can take a bit longer to shift into their corrected positions. But even after taking that into account, many adults are still done in a 12-month time frame.
Will Invisalign Work For You?
In addition to straightening your smile quickly (and invisibly), you’ll be glad to know that Invisalign works for a wide variety of smile imperfections. Here are just some of the issues that Invisalign is perfect for:
- Crowding
- Spacing
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Deep bite
In addition to being able to correct so many different orthodontic problems, you’ll be glad to know that Invisalign has a 96% satisfaction rating amongst patients.
So, if you’re an “impatient patient,” rest assured that you can straighten your teeth safely, quickly and reliably with Invisalign!
