Orthodontists typically recommend that treatment with Invisalign braces can last anywhere from 6 to 12 months, depending on the individual's dental alignment issues. Simple cases may take as little as six months, while more complex cases may take up to 18 months. To ensure the best results, it is recommended that patients wear their Invisalign trays for 20 to 22 hours a day, every day, for three to six months. The Invisalign process works by gently pushing teeth into better alignment using micro-movements.
Each new tray is straighter than the previous one, and the small shifts extend over several months or more, so patients feel minimal discomfort throughout the treatment. It is important to wear the trays for the recommended amount of time, as not doing so can extend treatment time significantly. Once you have completed your Invisalign treatment, you will have earned a new smile. Many adults opt for Invisalign braces over traditional metal braces for aesthetic reasons, but this isn't the only benefit of Invisalign.
After your braces are removed or you stop using them, your teeth may move slightly. To prevent this from happening, it is important to use orthodontic retainers to keep your teeth in place while new bone is deposited. For many people, they will start to notice a noticeable difference in their smile after just 2 or 3 months of using Invisalign braces. However, it is important to remember that each person's genetics shape their bone structure and composition, which plays a key role in how long they should use Invisalign.
For this reason, you may not need to wear your orthodontic retainers as often to keep your smile straight.