Oral Health Resources | 19 December, 2024

How Long Does Invisalign Take?

Thought about getting Invisalign but not sure how long the treatment will take? Transforming your smile is a big decision to make so it’s a good idea to understand some of the key points involved in the treatment and the factors that influence how long Invisalign treatment will be for you.

Invisalign is a modern alternative to traditional braces that uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten your teeth over time. Unlike traditional metal braces, each aligner is custom made to fit your teeth and shift them into the

What Factors Affect Invisalign Treatment Time?

The duration of your Invisalign treatment will vary depending on several factors. Understanding these factors will give you a clearer idea of how long it will take to achieve your desired smile.

Complexity of the Case

Some Invisalign cases are more complex and may require additional treatments, such as refinements. If your case involves other dental concerns, it could extend your overall treatment time.

Severity of Misalignment

The degree of your misalignment plays a key role in determining treatment length. Mild issues may take less time to correct, while more severe crowding or gaps could require longer treatment time.

Following Your Treatment Plan

For optimal results, Invisalign aligners should be worn 22 hours per day. Following your dentist’s instructions carefully will help ensure your treatment progresses as desired. If you don’t adhere to your dentist’s instructions your treatment may be delayed.

Regular Checkups

Check-ups are essential to monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed. Missing appointments or not switching to new aligners on time can lead to delays in the treatment process.

Average Invisalign Treatment Times

Invisalign treatment typically lasts between 6 to 24 months on average, though this can vary. Below is a general overview of treatment times based on different case types:

Type of Case                Estimated Treatment Time

Invisalign Go                15 to 30 weeks

Invisalign Lite               6 to 12 months

Invisalign Express        3 to 6 months

Invisalign Full               12 to 24 months

Please note these timelines are based on an average, and your own treatment time might differ based on your individual needs.

Invisalign for Specific Scenarios

Some dental concerns may require a more personalised treatment plan, which can influence the overall duration of your Invisalign treatment.

  • Crowded Teeth. Invisalign can help with crowded teeth. Treatment typically lasts 12 to 18 months, although more severe cases may take longer.

  • Gaps Between Your Teeth. Invisalign is often used to close gaps between your teeth. If the spaces are small, treatment may be shorter, around 6 to 12 months, while larger gaps may require more time.

  • Bite Issues. Invisalign can correct bite problems such as overbites, underbites, or crossbites by shifting your teeth and jaw for better alignment. Treatment for bite issues usually takes 18 to 24 months.

Daily Wear Requirements for Invisalign

Invisalign treatment requires specific commitment from each patient to ensure the best results. These include:

  • Wearing Aligners for 22 Hours a Day. To get the best results, you need to wear your aligners almost all the time. Only remove them to eat, drink and brush your teeth.

  • Switch Aligners as Instructed. Aligners are typically changed every 1-2 weeks. Following the instructions from your Invisalign dentist is important to ensure your treatment progresses as planned.

  • Keep Your Aligners Clean. Make sure you thoroughly clean your aligners daily to avoid any buildup of bacteria or plaque. Your Invisalign dentist will take you through the best way to clean your aligners.

  • Attend Regular Check-ups: Regular appointments with your orthodontist or Invisalign dentist are essential for monitoring progress and making any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

How to Shorten Invisalign Treatment Time

Although you can’t drastically shorten the overall duration of your Invisalign treatment, there are a few steps you can take to potentially speed up the process:

  • Wear Your Aligners as Directed. Following your dentist's instructions diligently is the best way to ensure your Invisalign treatment remains on track. The more consistently you follow your treatment plan the quicker the treatment will progress.

  • Stay on Track with Your Appointments. Regular check-ups and follow-ups help ensure your treatment is progressing as planned and allows for any necessary adjustments to be made.

  • Maintain Good Oral Hygiene. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy prevents issues that could delay your treatment.

Is Invisalign Suitable for Everyone?

Invisalign is a very effective treatment for many people, however it may not necessarily be suitable for everyone. You should consider the following:

  • Age. Invisalign is usually recommended for adult and teen patients, who will follow the treatment plan to a tee. Invisalign may not be suitable for children so your dentist or orthodontist will likely recommend traditional braces or other orthodontic treatment.

  • Severity of the Case. If you have more severe misalignment or jaw issues, traditional braces may be a better option for you. Invisalign works best for mild to moderate misalignment.

  • Commitment. Invisalign requires a high level of commitment. If you’re not committed to wearing the aligners consistently (22 hours a day), your treatment may take longer or be less effective.

Key Points about Invisalign Treatment Time

  • Invisalign treatment typically lasts between 6 to 24 months, depending on the severity of your misalignment and how well you follow the treatment plan.

  • Factors like the severity of your case, compliance with daily wear requirements, and treatment complexity will influence how long your treatment takes.

  • Specific scenarios like crowded teeth, gaps, and bite issues may require different treatment durations.

  • Wearing your aligners as instructed, attending regular checkups, and maintaining good oral hygiene can help shorten treatment time.

  • While Invisalign is suitable for many, it may not be the best option for those with severe orthodontic issues. You can go through your options at your Invisalign consultation.

Why Choose Lumino for Invisalign?

At Lumino, we offer personalised Invisalign consultations to assess your individual needs and then create a treatment plan tailored to you. Our Invisalign trained dentists have helped transform the smiles of thousands of Kiwis for almost 20 years and we're proud to have more Diamond Invisalign providers than any other dentist group in New Zealand. 

We are committed to guiding you through every step of your Invisalign journey, from the initial consultation to the completion of your treatment. With our state-of-the-art technology and highly skilled care, you can trust us to help you achieve the smile you've always wanted.

If you're ready to start your Invisalign journey and want to learn more about how long it will take for your specific needs, book a consultation with one of our experienced Invisalign trained dentists at Lumino. We're here to help guide you every step of the way to achieve the healthy straight smile you’ve always wanted.

Ready to begin your Invisalign journey? Book a no-obligation consultation with one of our Lumino Invisalign specialists today and take the first step towards your best smile!