How Long Does Invisalign Take?

Braces have been a part of most people’s lives, especially as a kid. They were clunky and sometimes embarrassing. Throughout the years the process for braces has evolved to become almost invisible. Invisalign has been on the market since the early 2000’s and has most people throwing out their regular braces. Many ask how long does Invisalign take compared to braces, the answer is about 12 months on the average. Keep reading below to learn more about Invisalign braces.

What is Invisalign

Invisalign is a type of braces that are designed to be nearly invisible. Essentially, they are a mold, also called aligners, created to realign your teeth to the shape you want. They are custom made specifically for your teeth. You replace the aligner every two weeks to move your teeth little by little, eventually getting to the final position you choose. Invisalign is made with 3D computer imaging technology that scans your mouth and teeth. These scans are used to create perfect aligners for the entire process. You will also be able to see the finished product via the 3D computer scans. More than 70% of orthodontists in the US and Canada are certified to treat with Invisalign.

How Invisalign Works

When you get Invisalign braces, they are clear aligners that are custom-made for you. The aligners were created to be virtually invisible and fit snugly over your teeth. Each aligner shifts your teeth slightly, moving them horizontally and vertically and even rotating them when needed. When using a new aligner, there will be some discomfort. After your mouth becomes accustomed to the aligner that will go away after a few days. Your aligners are engineered to use the right amount of force in the right place at the right time. When you change to the next set of aligners (typically every week) your teeth gradually move into position, following a custom treatment plan mapped out by your doctor. Invisalign aligners are removable giving you the flexibility to eat and drink what you want during treatment by simply removing the aligners. And you can also remove the aligners to brush and floss as you normally would for fresh breath and to maintain good oral hygiene.

Braces have been around for a long time and are often a lengthy, expensive, and even somewhat painful experience. Beyond that, braces can be embarrassing to deal with for teenagers and especially for adults. Invisalign can range in price depending on age and amount of alignments needed. They are virtually invisible, so they are discreet to not be embarrassing and gradually change your teeth for less discomfort. It’s even better when you can remove them whenever you need to. Invisalign helps many people attain more aligned and better-looking teeth with less of the negatives associated with braces. After almost seventeen years of production, they have been perfecting their company and their product to become just as effective as traditional braces, yet offer better, more personal results.