Katherine Heigl, Kendall Jenner, Serena Williams, and Justin Bieber…
Do you know what these celebrities have in common? If your guess is they all got Invisalign, you’re right.
Now, if you’ve been meaning to invest in your smile like these stars, you’re probably wondering, “how long does it take for Invisalign to work?” Of course, it would be great if you don’t need to wait too long before you see your desired results, but that depends on a number of factors.
Here, we’ll talk about how Invisalign works, who makes a good candidate, the results you can expect, and more.
Let’s Talk a Bit About Clear Aligners
Like braces, clear aligners are orthodontic devices used to straighten teeth. Unlike braces, however, aligners don’t use brackets connected by wires. Each Invisalign aligner is custom-made so that it fits right when worn over the teeth.
Aside from Invisalign, there are other makers of invisible aligners. Before you go for a cheaper option, though, it’s good to understand their disadvantages compared to Invisalign aligners.
One, some generic aligners are made of hard plastic. Invisalign aligners, on the other hand, are made from a specially engineered material called SmartTrack. This ensures every Invisalign aligner is comfortable to wear.
Another thing to note about some cheaper aligners is anyone can get them even without visiting a dentist. Now, that’s not a pro because without the supervision of a dental professional, how would you know if your aligner’s working to move your teeth properly? You might be using your aligners as directed, but there’s no guarantee you’ll get good results since no expert checked if your teeth and gums are healthy enough for clear aligners.
So How Does Invisalign Work?
When you go in for your Invisalign consultation, your orthodontist uses virtual modeling software to take impressions of your mouth. From these impressions, your dentist and his/her team will make your invisible aligners.
Now, you should keep in mind that this isn’t a one-time process. You’ll wear different custom-fitted Invisalign aligners over the course of your treatment. The reason why you need a series of aligners has to do with how teeth move.
It’s a gradual process, which is why when your teeth adjust to new positions, you need a new tray. With your last Invisalign aligner, your teeth would have moved to their right positions.
Who’s a Good Candidate for Invisalign?
The ideal Invisalign candidate is someone who has mild to moderate orthodontic issues. These include those with crowded teeth, slight gaps, and so on. There are some patients, however, who can still get Invisalign after getting the required procedure for their advanced dental problem.
For example, if you have an overbite or underbite, your dentist might recommend a different orthodontic treatment to address that first. When that’s fixed, Invisalign clear aligners can be the final corrective procedure.
Aside from dental problems, another factor that plays a role in whether you’ll be a good candidate for Invisalign is your age. Clear aligners aren’t for small children or younger teenagers because their teeth are still growing. For older teens and adults, though, invisible aligners are perfect because they’re discreet and removable.
On to the Question: How Long Does It Take for Invisalign to Work?
Now that you have some idea about the Invisalign process, it’s time to understand the timeframe for Invisalign treatment.
While some patients report seeing improvements in as early as the first few weeks, the full duration of treatment takes about a year. Your dentist might also recommend that you wear a retainer after treatment to prevent your teeth from moving out of place.
As for compliance, it’s definitely one of the biggest factors that will dictate how soon you’ll be wearing your last Invisalign aligner. You see, some patients wear their aligners for less than the recommended 22 hours a day.
Doing this can extend your treatment time even if your teeth only need minimal correction. Always remember to wear your Invisalign clear aligners even when you’re sleeping to get fast results.
Not Noticing Visible Results?
Let’s say you’re in the middle of your Invisalign treatment, but you’re not seeing the results you’re expecting. Don’t worry, it doesn’t mean your Invisalign aligners aren’t working. You just have to remember that the process of shifting teeth into their proper positions takes time.
To make the whole thing seem shorter, try taking a picture every two weeks, or every time you get a new aligner. This will help you notice the differences (however slight) in your smile.
Another tip you can try is to use a remote monitoring app. The way it works is a bit technical, but the simplest explanation is you’ll be able to see firsthand whether your teeth are moving or not. By using this app and knowing how fast your being compliant can achieve results, you’ll be more motivated to wear your aligners well.
The last tip is to just trust the process and your dentist. If you’re wearing your Invisalign aligners well, and you’re following your dentist’s orders, there’s no reason you wouldn’t be able to transform your smile.
In case, you still have concerns about your aligners, it doesn’t hurt to talk to your dentist. He or she should be able to assure you that everything’s going according to your treatment plan.
Ready to Invest in Your Smile?
Now that you know more about Invisalign clear aligners, are you ready to ask your dentist about them?
If yes, don’t hesitate to ask him or her “how long does it take for Invisalign to work?” Yes, it’s already covered here, but you have to know how long it will work for you, which is something only your dentist can answer.
For more dental tips and advice, feel free to browse our other posts. We also have other health and fitness articles, as well as posts on other topics including style, living, and culture.
