Though traditional braces are a great way to straighten one’s smile, Invisalign clear aligners are preferred by many patients since they’re nearly invisible. Invisalign is also removable, which makes it easier for patients to clean their teeth and eat virtually anything without issue. If you’ve been thinking about getting Invisalign to close gaps and correct alignment issues, you may be wondering how long it will take. Read on to learn about the Invisalign timeline and what impacts it.
How Crooked Your Teeth Are
One major factor in how long your Invisalign timeline will be is how crooked your teeth are. If your smile is only a little bit crooked, you can generally expect treatment to be completed within as little as six months. But, if you’re smile is incredibly crooked, you may need to wear your aligners for several years.
Your Bite Misalignment
Bites that are severely misaligned will take longer to fix than ones that just need minor adjustments. If your bite is extremely misaligned, this can lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues. This can cause headaches, jaw pain, problems biting and chewing, and trouble speaking. Bruxism is another potential side effect. This condition is characterized by jaw clenching and teeth grinding. Additionally, serious bite problems may need to be fixed using orthodontic appliances like braces.
How You Affect Your Invisalign Timeline
Along with the above factors, there are also several ways that you affect your Invisalign treatment timeline, including:
- Wear your aligners – If you don’t wear your aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours per day, this can put your Invisalign timeline off track.
- Practice good oral hygiene – Brush and floss your teeth after each meal. This will prevent aligner staining and lessen your risk of cavities.
- Switch to your new trays on time – Make sure to put on your new set of aligners when your orthodontist tells you to. Additionally, try doing so before bed so you can sleep through the first few hours of discomfort.
- Prioritize dental visits – Visit your dentist throughout treatment so they can keep track of your progress and ensure that everything is going as planned.
- Be careful with your aligners – Avoid using hot water to rinse your aligners since this can warp them. Use cool water and let them soak in an Invisalign solution or one made for retainers or dentures to eliminate bacteria.
As you can see, several factors affect your Invisalign timeline. By practicing good oral hygiene, attending regular checkups with your orthodontist, and taking good care of your aligners, you can stay on track to the smile of your dreams!
About the Practice
Are you a resident of Highland Park who’s interested in getting Invisalign to correct issues with your smile? Dr. Jessica Cohen and her talented team are here to help. They offer durable, removable, and virtually invisible clear aligners so you can make your way towards the gorgeous grin you’ve always wanted. Call Jessica Cohen Orthodontics at (224) 427-6800 or visit their website for more information on the Invisalign timeline or to set up an appointment.