How Long Do I Need To Wear My Invisalign?

Some of the most common questions that new patients have when exploring Invisalign concern the length and involvement of treatment. How long will treatment take? How many hours do you have to wear the aligner trays each day? Invisalign are still relatively new to the market when compared to traditional metal braces, so it’s not surprising that potential patients might have questions regarding the timeline. Let’s take a closer look at these questions and get some answers so that you can continue to explore Invisalign treatment with your eyes wide open.

What is the total estimated treatment time?

The first step in determining your total treatment time is to find an Invisalign provider in your area. Whether that’s a trained dentist or an orthodontist, you can find a provider using Invisalign’s own locator tool.

Once you’ve scheduled an appointment, the consultation and pre-planning phase begins. An expert will evaluate your current smile and, with the help of digital technology, create a step-by-step treatment plan that moves your teeth back into proper alignment. At this time, the doctor will be able to estimate how long the process will take. Invisalign has stated that treatment could be completed in as little as 6 months, but many cases will likely take longer to achieve best results.

How long do I have to wear my Invisalign every day?

The flexibility of Invisalign and the freedom to take them out at any time is one of their biggest selling points. Unfortunately, this freedom can be a double-edged sword. With the ability to take them out whenever and wherever you want, you may be tempted to do so more often than you should. It’s recommended that you wear your trays 20–22 hours per day for best results and to make sure you stay on schedule.

Invisalign Teen features compliance indicators that measure the time spent in your mouth. If the blue dot has faded over the two weeks that you have each set of trays, then you know you’ve reached your goal of 20–22 weeks. If the dot is still visible, you’ll be able to readjust and strive for better results in future sets.

Noble Orthodontics Answers Your Questions

Still have more questions about Invisalign? No problem! Send us a message or call our offices today, or schedule a consultation to take the first step in your Invisalign treatment process. We look forward to hearing from you!