Invisalign Timeline
The Invisalign timeline is unique for every patient. However, the dental team at Bethesda Family Dental in Bethesda, MD, can make an educated guess about how long you’ll be undergoing this orthodontic treatment, what to expect from day to week to month, and what factors will affect your treatment.
How Invisalign Type Impacts the Invisalign Timeline
Every Invisalign journey begins with a full dental exam, x-rays, and 3D images so your Bethesda Invisalign provider can see what’s happening above and below your gumline. From there, they will be able to explain the alignment of your teeth, determine whether you are a good candidate for the treatment, and make recommendations about what type of Invisalign can work for you. Depending on the version of clear aligners that you need, the Invisalign timeline will vary.
- Invisalign Full: This is the most well-known and common type of Invisalign treatment. Clear aligners are worn on both the top and bottom teeth. Invisalign timeline is anywhere from 12 to 18 months.
- Invisalign Lite: People with minor orthodontic issues like spaces and overcrowding qualify for this treatment. About 14 trays are issued to be worn over six to seven months.
- Invisalign Express: Similar to Invisalign Lite, the Express version is for a relapse from previous orthodontic treatment (often due to not wearing a retainer) or minor spaces in a smile. The Invisalign timeline is only three to six months.
- Invisalign Teen: Designed especially for adolescents, this Invisalign option leaves room for erupting teeth and includes wear indicators to make sure treatment stays on track throughout the entire 12 to 18 months.
The Predictability and Unpredictability of the Invisalign Timeline
There is no way to know what the true movements of your teeth will be and if they will stay in line with what is predicted by your Invisalign provider. The experience of your dentist absolutely allows them to make a close estimate about how many months you’ll be wearing the clear aligners, but there are factors that can’t always be anticipated.
- Some teeth move faster than expected: This can affect the overall timeline as certain teeth may align more quickly than anticipated.
- Some teeth move more slowly: Slower movement may require adjustments to the treatment plan, affecting the expected timeline.
- Non-compliance: Failure to wear the trays as instructed can significantly delay the expected results and affect the overall treatment time.
As treatment begins, patients are sent home with several sets of trays and told to change them out regularly, usually every two weeks. This allows for a gentle, consistent movement of teeth into alignment. Following all the rules about protecting the trays, caring for your teeth, and honoring the timeline will get most patients as close as possible to the estimated Invisalign timeline.
The Benefits of an Investment in Invisalign
If you’re interested in getting straight teeth with Invisalign, you already know that improving your smile will be an amazing addition to your life. Here are just some of the biggest benefits of investing in aligned teeth:
- Improved confidence: If you have straight, white teeth, you’ll have powerful confidence in yourself when you smile, laugh, and speak.
- Great oral health: Straight teeth are healthy teeth, at least for the Invisalign candidates who are diligent about flossing and brushing throughout treatment and after. Along with minimizing tooth decay, aligning your smile can correct teeth grinding.
- Enhanced beauty: If you want to look better in person, online, in selfies, or just in the mirror, straight teeth can do wonders for your appearance. Your looks will be enhanced to positively impact your love life, social life, and professional life.
Talk to Your Bethesda Family Dentist About Invisalign Costs
Schedule a consultation with the dental team at Bethesda Family Dental in Bethesda, MD. Discover whether Invisalign is right for you, and how you can feel financially secure about this amazing transformation for your smile. Contact us today.
