Invisalign before and after photos are always popular with Invisalign patients. If you’re new to the world of Invisalign, you might be asking yourself what Invisalign is, how long it takes to get straight teeth, or even if your orthodontist can help you at all. This article will cover everything you need to know about the life expectancy of Invisalign, as well as answer some other questions that you might have regarding this type of treatment plan.
What are your expectations?
Your treatment time varies depending on your goals and how quickly you’re able to adjust to wearing aligners. For adults, it usually takes about 12 months for teeth to shift into their final positions; kids typically see a faster progression. Regardless of age, your progress with aligners depends on how often you wear them and how well you care for them. You’ll likely wear an aligner full-time during your treatment and part-time after that—in fact, removing an aligner can cause teeth to shift back toward their original position, so keep them in as much as possible. That being said, many people get through before and after invisalign faster than initially planned—some even go years without having to get additional aligners! To make sure you stay on track, schedule regular checkups with your dentist or orthodontist.
When you decide to get braces, there are several things you should consider…
When you decide to get braces, there are several things you should consider. Just because your friends have it done and love it doesn’t mean that you will too. First, schedule a consultation with an orthodontist. The dentist will evaluate your case and let you know if orthodontic treatment is necessary. If it is, ask about payment options, treatment time frames and financial incentives such as dental plans or interest-free financing. An initial exam will include x-rays and a visual examination to determine whether your teeth need straightening or adjustments to their bite pattern for optimal chewing function.
The first question most patients ask is How long will it take?
The typical length of treatment with Invisalign depends on how much your teeth move. This will range from about 9 months for mild tooth movement to about 15-18 months for more significant tooth movement. Because most dental offices have a mix of patients, and because every patient moves at their own rate, a plan can take anywhere from 8 to 18 months to complete, depending on your specific situation. Next people want to know How long does it last?: The good news is that you should be able to maintain your straightened teeth indefinitely with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. Even if you experience some minor crowding over time or if your teeth shift back slightly (which many do), you should still be able to keep them straight compared with what they were before starting treatment.
A good rule of thumb is one year per tooth. For example, if you have a full set of teeth that need straightening, it would take about 2 years.
Getting your teeth straightened is a big investment, so it’s understandable that you want to get as much use out of your aligners as possible. But there’s really no telling how long your specific treatment will take, because it depends on a number of factors (everything from what exactly you need straightening to how quickly you make progress). It might be tempting to keep using aligners for a few extra months or years after your orthodontist says they’re not necessary anymore—but don’t. You’ll need those aligners back eventually, and letting them languish in some dark corner could actually damage them.
Consult your orthodontist if you’re not sure when you’ll be done.
The truth about your new braces will likely be different from what you imagined. However, having realistic expectations will keep your stress levels down and make the process go much more smoothly. It’s a good idea to consult with an orthodontist who specializes in adult braces before you get started, so that they can give you their opinion on how long it might take to straighten your teeth. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions as they work on you; being open with them means they can better plan out your treatment, while also working toward your goals. It may take some time, but you’ll soon have a smile that looks great!
Realistic expectations will keep your stress levels down and make the process go much more smoothly.
We tend to be pretty good at managing expectations in most areas of our lives, but when it comes to dental and orthodontic procedures, we often have a hard time keeping our expectations realistic. It’s easy to see why: Orthodontics is an extremely complex field and few (if any) dentists will be able to meet your every demand—especially if you’re not able to explain exactly what you want. On top of that, some demands are simply unreasonable (like getting a perfect smile in four weeks). Unfortunately, those unrealistic demands often lead us to feel disappointed in ourselves or like our doctors are incapable.
