When you want straight teeth, but you want them in the most under-the-radar way possible, Invisalign is the answer. The Invisalign method for straightening teeth is done gradually. Over a period of time, the patient wears a series of orthodontic aligners to move different teeth at different times into their proper position until the entire bite is aligned. But you no doubt want to know exactly what kind of time commitment this nearly invisible method of tooth alignment requires before you go all in.

How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Take?

It takes anywhere from nine months to 15 months to complete Invisalign treatment. Most cases average about one year, but depending on the severity of your alignment needs and how quickly your teeth shift, the straightening could take longer. Should you fall into the majority, however, you’ll discover that Invisalign treatment takes about half the time of orthodontic treatment using traditional metal braces. The most important indicator of the length of time of your personal Invisalign treatment is how dedicated you are to following your customized Invisalign treatment plan. The more steadfast you are, the better your treatment will progress, and the sooner you will have a stunning aligned smile.

How Often Do I Have to Wear Invisalign?

Invisalign is a lifestyle, and it’s a commitment. For the treatment to be effective, you must wear the aligners 20-22 hours a day, removing them only to eat and brush and floss your teeth. That means you should only remove your aligners four to six times a day. So you sleep with the aligners in, go to work or school wearing the aligners, and go on dates sporting Invisalign. While these hours may sound overwhelming, let’s put this in perspective: Invisalign gives you freedom. Should you have a special occasion or photo opportunity, the aligners can always be removed momentarily or for brief periods of time. Traditional metal braces are in place until treatment is done, and there is no hiding that method of orthodontia.
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How Many Aligners Will I Have to Wear?

Your dentist determines at the very start of your Invisalign treatment just how many aligners you will be wearing throughout the course of your orthodontic care. In general, Invisalign wearers are issued between 18 and 30 aligners. This number all depends on where your teeth are now and how they need to move to align your smile. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks before being switched out for the next set. The intention of Invisalign is to move your teeth at a gentle yet consistent pace. Because some teeth will take longer to align than others, the length of time for each set of aligners may vary. 

How Often Do I Have to Visit the Dentist?

Braces-wearers spend a lot of time in the dentist’s chair getting their brackets and wires tightened, shifted, replaced, or repaired. They might have an appointment every other week the entire way through their treatment. Invisalign-wearers, however, experience something quite different. You only have to visit the dentist every four to six weeks. At each visit, your dentist will evaluate how well your teeth are moving, whether treatment needs to be altered, and he will also confirm that you’re wearing your aligners as instructed. Know this now: You can’t fool your Invisalign provider. Invisalign aligners have built-in sensors that will tattle on you if you’re not following your customized treatment plan.
Make your appointment with Dr. John Moore, the first and largest elite provider of Invisalign in San Antonio. Even if you’ve been told that Invisalign can’t possibly work for your bite and alignment problems, get a second opinion from Dr. Moore. You may just be surprised how viable a treatment Invisalign is for you.