How Long Does Invisalign Take?
How long does Invisalign take? It’s one of the first questions most people ask when they come in for a consultation. While the average Invisalign treatment takes around 12–18 months, the exact timeline depends on your teeth, your treatment goals, and how closely you follow your dentist’s advice.
Let us walk you through the Invisalign treatment procedure step by step, explain how long Invisalign takes to work, and outline key factors that can affect your treatment time.
Invisalign Procedure
Initial Consultation:
The Invisalign experience can be slightly different for everyone. However, all cases will start the same. You’ll begin by booking a consultation with your dentist, where they will:
Take pictures of your face, smile, profile and teeth
Take a 3D scan of your teeth
Examine your teeth and take x-rays
Determine if you are a suitable candidate
Design a treatment plan tailored to you
If your dentist determines you are a good fit, you may choose to go ahead with your Invisalign treatment.
Your Aligners
Once you’re ready to begin, your dentist will design a series of custom Invisalign aligners using advanced 3D scans or Impressions. Each aligner is mapped out to gently guide your teeth into their ideal position until you reach the smile you’ve been waiting for.
Depending on your case, you may only need a handful of aligners, or up to 30 for more complex adjustments. Each aligner moves your teeth by up to 0.25 millimetres, and you’ll switch to a new aligner every one to two weeks.
By following your dentist’s instructions and wearing your aligners as directed, you’ll keep your treatment on track and see your results take shape faster.
Results
During your Invisalign journey, you’ll have regular check-ups with your dentist to make sure everything is progressing as planned. To keep your treatment on track, you’ll need to wear your aligners for 22 hours a day, only taking them out to eat, drink, brush, and floss.
Sticking closely to your treatment plan is the key to achieving the best results. If you’d like to learn more or get personalised advice, our friendly team is here to help.
Average Treatment Time
The average duration for most patients is approximately 12-18 months. That being said, everyone's needs and conditions are different, and many factors can affect treatment times.
Factors that Affect Invisalign Treatment Time
Severity of Your Case
Invisalign works by gradually shifting your teeth over time. So naturally, if you have severely misaligned teeth, your treatment time will be vastly different from someone with a minor overbite, as the teeth need to move a greater distance.
This is why our dentists provide you with a personalised treatment plan to give you an idea of how long your treatment should take before you begin treatment.
Your Oral Hygiene
If your teeth are in poor condition before starting Invisalign, you may need to undergo other treatments first to ensure the best possible results. Make sure your teeth are in good condition by attending regular dental check-ups & cleanings.
To get the best Invisalign results, make sure that you also look after your teeth during your Invisalign treatment. Poor dental hygiene can cause the aligners to not work effectively.
Age
Invisalign works for people of all ages. Age can play a small role in treatment time, as younger patients often see faster results because their teeth and bones are more malleable and respond better to change.
Compliance
For Invisalign to work effectively, you will need to wear your aligners for 22 hours every day, clean your trays routinely and maintain a good level of dental hygiene. If you choose not to follow your dentist’s instructions, Invisalign may not be as effective, and your treatment could take longer.
How Long Do I Need To Wear My Invisalign Aligners Per Day?
To achieve your desired outcome without treatment delays, you’ll need to wear your Invisalign aligners for 22 hours per day. Invisalign trays will need to be switched out every 1-2 weeks to keep the process moving, and the number of aligners you will need depends on your treatment goals and the severity of your case.
Why Choose Cambridge City Dental for Invisalign?
For over 25 years, Cambridge City Dental has been helping patients achieve straighter, healthier smiles. Our experienced dentists take the time to understand your needs and create a treatment plan that works for you. Book a free Invisalign consultation today and discover exactly how long your treatment will take.
FAQ
Is Invisalign more effective than traditional braces?
There are many key differences between Invisalign and traditional braces. The faster option can depend on a few factors, including the complexity of your case, your lifestyle and how closely you stick to your treatment plan.
How quickly do you see results with Invisalign?
Some patients notice small changes within the first few weeks of wearing Invisalign. However, visible improvements usually become clear after a few months. The exact timing depends on how consistently you wear your aligners and the complexity of your case.
Can Invisalign treatment be completed in less than a year?
Yes, in some mild cases, treatment may only take 6–9 months. For example, if your teeth require only minor adjustments such as a relapse of previous orthodontic treatment, you may need fewer aligners. Your dentist will give you an estimated timeline after your initial consultation.
What happens if I don’t wear Invisalign for 22 hours a day?
Wearing your aligners less than the recommended 22 hours per day can delay progress and may extend your overall treatment time. It can also cause your aligners to fit incorrectly, meaning you may need additional trays to get back on track.
Is Invisalign suitable for all ages?
Invisalign works for both teenagers and adults. Younger patients often respond faster because their teeth move more easily, while adults may take slightly longer. Your dentist can determine if Invisalign is the right option for you based on your age and dental needs.