If you are thinking of getting your teeth straightened with orthodontic treatment, you might be wondering how long it takes to complete it. Unlike many other dental procedures that can be completed in one or two sittings, orthodontic treatment takes much longer and requires patience and commitment. If you are considering getting your teeth straightened with Invisalign aligners, this article is for you. This article provides an overview of the Invisalign process and how long does it to straightened misaligned teeth. Continue reading to find out more.
How Long Does The Invisalign Treatment Take?
Like any other orthodontic treatment option, the treatment times for Invisalign aligners to fix your misaligned teeth depends on various factors. An important factor is the severity of your problem; the greater is the tooth misalignment or any other orthodontic problem, the longer it will take to straighten your teeth. According to the manufacturers of Invisalign, on average, Invisalign aligners may take anywhere between 12 months – 18 months to fix an orthodontic problem.
Another factor is the orthodontist’s expertise. Naturally, if you visit a qualified and experienced orthodontist, they will utilise the most effective, quickest, and least invasive treatment plan to fix your crooked teeth. Finally, the duration of treatment also depends on how well patients adhere to their dentist’s instructions.
How Long Does It Take To Get Invisalign Trays After Scans?
Once your dentist has completed the digital scanning of your teeth, the next step is to send these scans to an Invisalign authorised dental laboratory, where they will be used to fabricate a customised set of numbered aligners for you. It generally takes four weeks for your orthodontist’s office to receive your prepared aligners back or send them directly to your home address.
How Many Times A Day Can I Remove Invisalign?
Unlike the fixed braces, the Invisalign aligners are removable. This means that you can remove them whenever you like. However, if you remove them very frequently, the aligners will not do their job optimally. That is why orthodontists recommend removing your aligners only when necessary. You can remove your aligners for eating or cleaning purposes, but you should put them on again – after washing and cleaning them – as soon as you are done.
Do You Really Have To Wear The Aligners For 22 Hours?
In short, yes. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, wearing your aligners for at least 22 a day is essential to ensure that your orthodontic treatment progresses at an optimal rate. Failing to wear your aligners for the required time may cause unnecessary delays in your treatment. As mentioned earlier, you should wear the aligners throughout the day – even during sleep – and only remove them for essential tasks like eating and oral hygiene care.
How Long Does Invisalign Take For 1 Tooth?
Several options are available when it comes to straightening a single misaligned tooth:
However, only the orthodontic treatment options truly fix the problem; the other cosmetic options only mask the deformity.
When you wear the Invisalign aligners to fix a single crooked tooth, your orthodontist will design them so that they exert gentle pressure on that gradually to move it into optimal alignment. Since only the movement of a single tooth is required in this case, it can be completed in considerably less time than that required for more complicated orthodontic problems. Although it may take up to six or eight weeks to realign the tooth, you may start seeing improvement in a matter of weeks.
Do Metal Braces Work Faster Than Invisalign?
Both metal braces and Invisalign aligners are effective options for aligning teeth. However, they differ significantly in the way they work. While the traditional braces remain attached to your teeth and move them because of the tension in the orthodontic wires, the Invisalign aligners are worn over your teeth. The clear aligners are designed to constantly exert gentle forces on your teeth to move them in the desired direction and angulation.
Invisalign aligners offer a convenient, less painful, and aesthetically pleasing option for correcting tooth misalignment. While Invisalign aligners may complete mild to moderate cases of crowding much faster than the fixed braces, the time required for them to fix an orthodontic problem ultimately depends on patient compliance. Your aligners won’t work unless you wear them as per your orthodontist’s instructions.
On the other hand, the metal braces remain fixed to your teeth, and you cannot remove them at your own will. This means that they will continue to their job without any interruption. That is why metal braces sometimes fix the orthodontic problem earlier than the Invisalign aligners. Furthermore, metal braces are also better suited for timely fixing more complicated orthodontic issues involving the bite. After a detailed clinical examination, your dentist may be able to recommend a treatment option that best suits your dental needs and fixes your orthodontic problems in the shortest amount of time. Once you have made up your mind regarding an orthodontic treatment option, the next step is to find a reliable orthodontic practice.
If you live in Didcot or Oxford, let us take care of all your orthodontic and general dental problems. At The Oxford Smile Clinics, we have the expertise and facilities to treat virtually all dental problems under one roof in a relaxing, soothing and pain-free environment. So, book a free Invisalign consultation appointment with us today and take your first step towards a charming, attractive, and healthy smile.