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Clear aligners are becoming increasingly popular. People prefer clear aligners over traditional braces because they can correct misaligned teeth without anyone knowing, and they are much more comfortable. However, before visiting your cosmetic dentist in 37206, you may want to know how effective this orthodontic treatment is.

While clear aligners are more comfortable, you may wonder how long they take to work. We’re here to help you better understand Invisalign®‘s effectiveness and how it works.

How Does Invisalign Work?

Clear aligners like Invisalign are invisible plastic trays that fit your teeth precisely and gradually realign them. You need to exchange your aligners progressively to achieve this alignment, as each new aligner aids the tooth movements in small increments. Generally, you might need to replace the tray after one or two weeks.

You should wear these aligners for at least 22 hours every day and take them out only to eat and before eating or brushing. If you don’t wear your aligners regularly, you won’t be able to see your desired result.

How Long Does Clear Aligner Treatment Take?

Some people may find that their clear aligner treatment takes six months, while others may need up to eighteen months. There are several factors that influence the complete duration of your treatment. Some of them are:

Complexity of the Dental Problem

Certain orthodontic issues, like small spaces between teeth or mild crowding, can be resolved in as little as six months. On the other hand, cases of severe crowding or more complex issues may require a longer treatment period.

Age

Clear aligners have been shown to produce faster results in teenagers because growing teeth move more quickly at this age, but they’re also a viable option for adults. In fact, many prefer this option as it’s less noticeable than traditional braces.

Still, adults should anticipate a slightly longer treatment duration, as their bones are more developed and less flexible.

Oral Hygiene Practices

Maintaining clean and healthy gums and teeth is key to ensuring you finish your treatment on time. Improper oral hygiene can lead to gum inflammation, slow down tooth movement, and even stop the progression of your treatment.

Compliance

You will receive instructions from your orthodontist on how to wear your aligners properly and an explanation of how long they take to work. You should commit to wearing them as directed to guarantee your treatment is completed successfully. If you do not consistently wear your aligners, your treatment may take far longer than your doctor had anticipated.

Orthodontist’s Treatment Plan

Seeking advice from a qualified and experienced orthodontist is crucial for getting the best results possible with clear aligners. We can accurately diagnose your condition and design a personalized treatment strategy.

Find a Cosmetic Dentist in 37206

Clear aligners are an effective and unnoticeable way to get the orthodontic treatment you need. If your dental issues are light, you can expect a short treatment period—as long as you wear them properly, that is!

Failure to follow instructions and not wearing the aligners regularly could prolong the treatment and offer unsatisfactory results. If you’re interested in learning more about this treatment, contact us and schedule an appointmentcom/request-appointment!

*Invisalign®, the Invisalign logo, and iTero®, among others, are trademarks and/ or service marks of Align Technology, Inc. or one of its subsidiaries or affiliated companies and may be registered in the U.S. and/or other countries.