How long your full Invisalign treatment will take depends on your specific case. Here, our dentists explain what you can expect from your Invisalign process from start to finish.
The full Invisalign process usually takes the same amount of time as traditional metal braces would, which is about a year from start to finish.
It can be shorter or longer depending on your specific case and the misalignment of your teeth.
The only way to really find out how long your Invisalign treatment will take is to visit your dentist for a consultation.
Getting Started
The Invisalign process starts with a consultation with your dentist. During the appointment, your dentist will complete a comprehensive exam including dental impressions and x-rays, and use this information to create your custom orthodontic treatment plan.
If you decide to proceed with Invisalign treatment, your dentist will forward all of your information to Invisalign technicians to create your custom aligners. This part of process may take up to four weeks.
Treatment Phase
As soon as your clear custom aligners are ready, you can pick them up at your dentist's office. When you're at the office to pickup your aligners your dentist will spend some time making sure that they fit well, then you can take them home with you.
For Invisalign treatment to be effective you will need to wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours every day (only removing them for eating, drinking and cleaning) and change out your aligners approximately every two weeks until treatment has been completed.
Finishing Up
By following your dentist's instructions throughout your treatment, you can expect to achieve a straight new smile in the length of time specified by your dentist.