Invisalign Process and Timeline Q&A

Each case is unique, so your orthodontist will advise you on your specific needs and estimate how long your Invisalign treatment will last.
 
Invisalign treatment time will be discussed with your orthodontist at your first consultation. The treatment plan will include an estimate of the time it will take for the treatment to be completed, recommended treatments, and the cost of Invisalign. Your treatment will likely be close to the orthodontist’s estimate if you wear your aligners as directed.
 
It is possible to complete Invisalign treatment in as little as six months for simple cases. Straightening your teeth with Invisalign usually takes 12 to 18 months. Treatment may take 24 months or slightly longer for more complex cases, such as crowded teeth. An orthodontist can recommend traditional braces or a combination of other orthodontic treatments in cases of severe crowding for which Invisalign won’t be effective. Because every person’s teeth are slightly different, the treatment time varies from person to person.

When you arrive for your first appointment with your dentist, they will examine your mouth and talk to you about your cosmetic dentistry goals. Your dentist can advise you whether Invisalign is right for you. This type of teeth alignment process may not be suitable for everyone. Your dentist will likely discuss other options with you if that is the case. Invisalign treatment protocol and estimated treatment length will be discussed if you are a candidate.
 
Next comes the process of digital molding. Depending on your schedule, this may happen at your first dentist appointment or a separate one. With the help of digital scans, photographs, and X-rays, an accurate model of your mouth and teeth can be created. Using these, the Invisalign laboratory will prepare your custom aligner trays.
 
You will be able to pick up your Invisalign trays once they are ready. To keep your trays in place, your dentist may place small attachments on your teeth. The buttons are temporary, clear, painless to install, and virtually invisible. As soon as your aligners are fitted, your dentist will check whether they fit, and your aftercare program will be explained.
 
It’s time to return to the dentist a few weeks after your first tray is fitted. You will be checked by your dentist for tooth movement and tray fit. A series of Invisalign trays completes the process. It is not necessary to return for regular appointments with Invisalign, unlike metal braces. Rather, check in periodically to see how you are doing. Your dentist won’t have to see you every time you change aligners. An additional set of aligners may be ordered if your treatment is not progressing as expected.

For patients looking to speed up the Invisalign process, carefully adhering to the instructions they received from their orthodontist is the best practice for ensuring the most efficient and effective results. It is also important to practice good overall oral hygiene health to avoid any potential setbacks or distractions from completing the Invisalign process.

In most cases, patients who complain about their treatment taking longer than expected have not worn their aligners as frequently as they should have been wearing them. The trays should be worn for at least twenty-two hours a day, according to most orthodontists. The remaining two hours are for eating, drinking, and brushing your teeth. Although some patients may not be able to wear their aligners this long every day, this is the best way for those who want their treatment to be completed as quickly as possible. A specific Invisalign timeline for each person will be created based on their requirements.

Traditional braces often take significantly longer to complete than Invisalign. Invisalign is available at NuSmile Dental & Orthodontics. Dr. Lawrence Wu, DDS, and his team will provide you with the best care. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 1319 Blossom Hill Rd, San Jose, CA 95118. We serve patients from San Jose CA, Los Gatos CA, Campbell CA, Santa Clara CA, Cupertino CA, Sunnyvale CA, Saratoga CA, and Mountain View CA.