Invisalign: Can You Achieve a Perfect Smile Faster than Braces?

How long does Invisalign treatment take?  

Imagine having perfectly straight teeth one year from now. With Invisalign, achieving a perfect smile in a short space of time is entirely possible, especially for minor imperfections. Find out how long this discreet alternative to braces might take to transform your smile.  

Is Invisalign faster than braces? 

On average yes. The average length of treatment for traditional braces is between 18 months and two years. With Invisalign, most treatments take between 12 and 18 months. It’s important to know that you need to be a good candidate for Invisalign. Some complex alignment problems can’t be solved using Invisalign – which is why traditional braces may on average take longer.  

Invisalign works faster on young adults as their teeth are able to move more easily into place. It might take slightly longer to achieve the same results on adult teeth with Invisalign. Even so, Invisalign is more discreet and comfortable than traditional braces and most adult patients find that the time passes quickly.  

How will I know how long my Invisalign treatment will take? 

One of the advantages of Invisalign over traditional braces is that your orthodontist can give you a clear timeline for your treatment. At Gentle Dental our orthodontists use a digital simulator to show how your teeth will move into place during your treatment. You’ll not only have an accurate idea of how long it will take to complete your treatment, you’ll also be able to see what your new smile will look like.  

Learn more about the consultation process here. 

Is there any way I can speed up my treatment? 

No. It’s unlikely you can speed up your treatment plan. Aligners are designed to move your teeth into place slowly. Wearing your custom-made aligners as much as possible is the fastest way to a straighter smile. To stick to your treatment plan you’ll need to wear your clear aligners between 20 and 22 hours per day. If you forget to wear your aligners your Invisalign treatment will take longer than expected.  

What is the best age for Invisalign? 

While younger teeth respond more quickly to any type of orthodontic treatment, Invisalign is best for any patients who are committed to wearing and looking after their aligners.  

If you’re a teenager or a parent of a teenager we might recommend traditional braces over Invisalign. Younger teenagers sometimes forget to wear their aligners all day (particularly if they’ve removed them to eat). Plus, they will need to clean their teeth after each meal – something that can be difficult to do while at school.  

What happens after I’ve completed my Invisalign treatment?  

After most types of orthodontic treatment, your dentist will recommend that you wear a retainer at night. Wearing a retainer helps keep your teeth in their new position. This is especially important following your treatment as the ligaments in your mouth often want to pull your teeth back into their original position.  

Wearing a retainer at night will prevent changes to your smile. It's normal to wear a retainer at night even years after your braces or Invisalign have been removed.  

What types of dental issues aren’t treatable with Invisalign? 

Not all orthodontic issues can be treated with Invisalign.  

Overcrowding 

Teeth that require a lot of rotation often can’t be realigned just with Invisalign. If you have overcrowded teeth your dentist might recommend traditional braces instead.  

Large Gaps Between Teeth 

Invisalign can reliably close about 6mm of space on the upper or lower arch. If you have several big gaps between teeth a better option might be traditional braces or if you are missing a tooth a dental implant. 

Dental bridges and other prior work 

Some types of prior dental work like dental crowns or porcelain veneers can make it difficult for an orthodontist to place the Invisalign attachments to your teeth. 

How do I know if I’m a good candidate for Invisalign? 

If you’re interested in Invisalign book a free consultation at Gentle Dental. Our friendly orthodontists can discuss your concerns, what you want to achieve, and whether you are a good fit for Invisalign at your initial appointment.