Average Time Individuals Wear Invisalign Liners
One of the big questions patients ask us about Invisalign is: “How long will I need to wear the Invisalign liners?” Each set of your aligners will be worn for approximately two weeks, and then you’ll replace that aligner with a new one, slowly moving your teeth into position. The average treatment time for patients ranges between 9-15 months. However, every patient is unique. It’s difficult to know how long you may need to wear Invisalign liners until you have a full evaluation of your teeth.
Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces
If wearing Invisalign liners for 9-15 months seems like a long commitment, compare that to the length of treatment with traditional braces. Orthodontists often advise patients to wear their braces for two to three years. Straightening your teeth can take significantly longer if you go with braces. Invisalign offers many other benefits over braces as well. You don’t have to deal with the discomfort of metal and wires in your mouth — which can often rub your cheeks and lips, causing sores. It’s easier to eat with Invisalign than it is with traditional braces, since you can simply remove the liners for a short time while you eat. Most patients find Invisalign to be more comfortable and they are far less noticeable than traditional braces.
What Happens After Treatment
Once your teeth have moved into position and you’re done wearing Invisalign liners, you’re not quite done with treatment. It’s important to keep your teeth in place after treatment, so you’ll need to wear a retainer when you go to bed at night to prevent teeth from moving out of their new, straight position. You may be required to wear your retainer during the day as well for the first few months.
Is Invisalign Right for You?
If you’re interested in Invisalign, you’ll need to have a consultation with your orthodontist or dentist to figure out if Invisalign is a good choice for your unique case. During the consultation, X-rays may be taken and you’ll be asked about your oral health and general health history. Invisalign is an excellent choice for patients dealing with gapped teeth, crooked teeth, protruding teeth, overbites, underbites and crowded teeth. However, for patients with severe crossbites, skeletal discrepancies or overcrowding issues, Invisalign may not be the best option.
If you’d like to learn more about Invisalign and whether it’s the right choice for you, contact Natomas Crossing Dental Care today and schedule your Invisalign consultation.