How Long Does Treatment with Clear Aligners Take?
Grayslake, IL – One of the most commonly asked questions an orthodontist gets is “how long will my treatment take to complete?” Patients are anxious to see their new smiles but moving teeth to their new locations and perfecting bites doesn’t happen overnight. If you opt for clear aligner treatment, how long can you expect treatment to last?
As Dr. Michael Stosich, a top rated orthodontist based in Round Lake IL, explains, there is no cut-and-dry answer to this question. He can provide an estimate for how long treatment can be expected to take in an ideal situation, but many factors can go into the length of your treatment time.
On average, however, clear aligner treatment can be completed between 4-18 months. Some patients who need very minor correction can even see their treatment completed in as little as a few months. But what determines who long your treatment will take?
- The severity of your malocclusion – The more difficult your case, the longer you can expect treatment to take.
- Your age at treatment time – If you are younger and still have the benefit of a growing jaw, treatment will be easier to complete. And if you’ve already undergone phase 1 treatment, your straightening phase can zip right by. Older patients may spend a bit more time in treatment because they will have additional factors that can play into their treatment plan.
- Your body – We have no idea how your mouth is going to respond to treatment until we start. Some people are lucky and have mouths that react quickly, while others take a bit more time.
- Your compliance – Perhaps the biggest single indicator of how long your treatment will take is your willingness to comply with the treatment plan. Clear aligner treatment is an excellent option for many reasons, one of which is that the aligners are removable. But because they can be removed, you have to remember to wear them properly. Your aligner trays should only be removed when eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. For the best results, wear your trays a minimum of 22 hours a day. We know it can be tempting to take them out for a date or big event, but as soon as you make one excuse to remove them, it’s easier to come up with more.
Dr. Stosich is an expert in Invisalign treatment and also uses his own patented iD Clear Aligners by SureSmile. His clear aligners are more precise and efficient, resulting in shorter treatment times for his patients. iDentity Clear Aligners are a great treatment option for even the most severe malocclusions.
If you’re ready to discover the benefits of Invisalign or iD Clear Aligner treatment, schedule your appointment today.
