How Long Does Invisalign Take to Straighten Your Teeth?

 Dr. Kurtz | April 27, 2023

According to the experts, nearly everyone has some type of malocclusion. While many people can live with their malocclusion, many others need treatment to prevent further issues. Some of the most common issues associated with missing teeth include difficulty speaking and eating, tooth decay, and more.

For many years, traditional metal braces were the only option for straightening these malocclusions. However, in the late 1990s, Invisalign was introduced to the market as an alternative. Invisalign clear aligners offer a discreet way to resolve a variety of malocclusions.

Dr. Jeremy Kurtz at Invisalign Toronto has completed more than 4,000 Invisalign cases, earning him the VIP Diamond, Top 1% of Invisalign Providers. He has two convenient locations to serve you.

In this article, we'll explain how long Invisalign takes to straighten teeth.

Why Does Invisalign Treatment Length Vary So Much?

There are several factors involved in the Invisalign treatment timeline. The primary one is the type and severity of your malocclusion. The more severe your malocclusion, the longer treatment will take.

Another factor involved in your treatment timeline is your compliance with wearing the aligners. The aligners are designed to be removed for eating and drinking, and for brushing and flossing teeth. However, you should put them back in immediately following those actions. For maximum effectiveness, aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day. There is some research that indicates you may be able to expedite treatment by wearing them longer.

Age can also be a factor in your Invisalign treatment time. Treatment often takes longer in adults because their jawbones are fully formed and it's not as easy to shift the teeth into their appropriate position. The jawbones of younger patients, on the other hand, are usually softer, which makes it easy to shift the teeth.

While Invisalign is a more convenient option because it does not require as many visits to the dentist, you still must visit regularly to evaluate your progress. This will allow the dentist to make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan to ensure the shortest treatment time possible.

How Long Does Invisalign Take to Close a Gap?

There are several types of gapped teeth that Invisalign can fix, including:

  • Midline diastema:

    a gap between the upper or lower front teeth, most noticeable

  • Tongue thrust:

    in some cases, a gap is due to the tongue being pressed against the top teeth

  • Thumb-sucking:

    prolonged thumb-sucking in childhood can cause gaps to appear

  • Missing teeth:

    congenitally missing teeth can cause gaps, especially between front teeth

  • Enlarged frenulum:

    if the soft tissue running between your lips and gums (frenulum) becomes inflamed, it can cause gaps to form between front teeth

Invisalign can close most minor teeth gaps in as little as 3 months- depending on the compliance of the patient with wearing their aligners. Patients with more severe gaps may require up to 18 months, depending on their compliance with wearing the aligners.

How Long Does Invisalign Take For Crowded Teeth?

Invisalign can resolve mild crowding within about 3 months- but may take up to 18 or more for severe cases. Treatment time depends on the severity of the crowding and misalignment, as well as the patient's compliance with wearing the aligners.

It is important to note that while Invisalign can effectively treat most cases of crowding, it is not appropriate for all cases. If a patient has severely rotated teeth, that is 20° or more, this may not be the best option for treatment.

Does Invisalign Take Longer to Straighten Teeth For Adults?

Yes, there is some research that indicates Invisalign treatment may take longer for adult patients because their jawbones are fully developed. Younger, teen patients may see their malocclusion resolved sooner because their jawbones are still pliable.

Recommended Daily Time for Wearing Invisalign

Invisalign clear aligners are designed to be removed for eating/drinking and for practicing oral hygiene. However, they should be worn for at least 20 hours a day- more is better. In some cases, you may be able to expedite treatment by wearing them for more than the recommended amount of time.

Why should you go for Dr. Jeremy Kurtz?

Dr. Jeremy Kurtz has completed more than 4,000 Invisalign treatments. He is a top 1% VIP Diamond provider. He has the experience and expertise to successfully treat all types and severities of malocclusion. He has two convenient locations to serve you, which are easily accessible from anywhere in the city.

Schedule your consultation  with Dr. Kurtz and the team today. We are located at two locations i.e, 350 Front St , and 485 Lawrence Ave. We even offer video consultations for those who are unable to get into the office.

Invisalign FAQs

If you're like most of our patients at Invisalign Toronto, you have questions about Invisalign treatment. Dr. Kurtz will be happy to help you understand anything you need to know. In the meantime, we've answered some of the most common questions we hear below:

  • Can teeth be straightened in one day?

    Typically, it takes a minimum of 12 months to straighten teeth. However, you can make your teeth appear straighter with dental veneers or dental bonding.

  • Can teeth be straightened at any age?

    Dr. Kurtz and the team at Invisalign Toronto recommend that patients have all of their adult teeth to qualify for treatment. We can evaluate children as young as 7 years old, but treatment typically starts around age 12 or 13.

  • Can I straighten my teeth in 2 months?

    If you have a very mild malocclusion, you may be able to see resolution within 2 months- if you wear your aligners as directed. However, most patients require at least 6 months.

  • What age is best to straighten teeth?

    Teeth straightening procedures should start after all of the adult teeth have come in, usually around age 12 or 13.

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