How long does it take to straighten teeth? This is a question that many people have. The answer, of course, depends on the individual and the severity of their case. In some cases, straightening teeth can take as little as six months. For more severe cases, it may take up to two years. Invisalign is a popular option for straightening teeth, and most people see results within 12-18 months. 

How is Invisalign Different Than Braces?

Braces, as you may know, are visible from a mile away. They consist of metal wires and brackets that are attached to the teeth. This makes them difficult to hide, especially for adults who have professional careers. Invisalign, on the other hand, is almost invisible when worn. The trays that hold the clear aligners can be removed, making them easy to take out to eat or brush teeth.

The aligners fit snugly over the teeth and gradually shift them into the correct position. This makes it faster and easier than having to move each tooth by hand. Invisalign works through a series of clear trays that are changed every week.

What Can Invisalign Correct?

With this treatment, you can correct a wide range of issues with your smile. Some of the most common problems include gaps, crowded teeth and overbites. It is possible to also correct underbites and crossbites with Invisalign, depending on how severe each case may be. For example, a minor underbite might require the use of Invisalign for only six months or less. Severe cases, however, may take up to two years.

An overview of conditions that can be corrected with this treatment include:

• Crowded teeth
• Deep bite/overbite
• Open bite
• Crossbite
• Gapped teeth
• Underbite

Invisalign Benefits

While Invisalign is more expensive than braces, many people prefer the clear aligners for the following reasons:

• More comfortable than traditional metal braces
• Clear so they are barely noticeable
• Removable for eating, drinking, and cleaning
• Shorter treatment time compared to metal braces
• Fewer office visits required for aligner checks
• Potential for less frequent adjustments

How Long Does It Take to Straighten Teeth?

With Invisalign, most people see results within 12-18 months. This is much faster than traditional braces, which can take up to two years. However, the length of treatment will depend on the individual case. Some people may need to wear the aligners for longer, while others may see results in a shorter amount of time.

The Invisalign Process

The Invisalign process begins with a consultation with Premier Dentistry of Eagle. During the consultation, Dr. Shane S. Porter will examine your teeth and discuss your treatment options. If you decide to go ahead with Invisalign, the next step is to have impressions made of your teeth. These impressions are used to create a 3D model of your teeth, which is used to create the aligners.

Each set of aligners will be worn for about two weeks before moving on to the next one in line. Typically, patients will need to wear between 12 and 32 sets of aligners during treatment. However, this can vary depending on a person’s specific case.

Caring For Your Aligners

It is important to care for your Invisalign aligners properly so that they last longer and work as intended. This includes keeping them clean each day, as well as brushing and flossing your teeth thoroughly. If you are not sure how to care for your aligners, our team can give you instructions.

You should also avoid eating hard foods, chewing gum, and smoking while wearing your aligners. These habits can damage the aligners and cause them to break. If you do damage your aligners, it is important to contact our office as soon as possible so that we can make the necessary repairs.

Is Invisalign for Everyone?

Invisalign is a great option for adults who want to straighten their teeth without the hassle of traditional braces. However, it’s not for everyone. You may not be a good candidate for Invisalign if you:

• Have severe dental problems
• Don’t have fully developed teeth
• Have gum disease
• Are not committed to the treatment process
• Need oral surgery to correct a problem

In general, Invisalign is a great option for adults who want to straighten their teeth without the hassle of traditional braces. However, it’s important to keep in mind that not everyone is a good candidate for this type of treatment. Factors such as dental health, gum disease, and age can impact whether or not you are a good candidate.

Straighten Your Smile with Premier Dentistry of Eagle

If you’re interested in learning more about Invisalign, contact Premier Dentistry of Eagle today. We offer a wide range of dental services, including cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics. Our office is located in Eagle, Idaho, but we also serve the surrounding area.