While a couple of months may seem like a vague answer, the truth is that everyone is different. The patient’s age and the condition of the malocclusion can be factors. Invisalign aligners work differently than metal bands and brackets so never compare your progress with anyone straightening teeth with traditional metal braces. Talk with your dentist to ascertain when you should expect to see teeth movement.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Once you’ve discussed the options available for you regarding teeth straightening, the next steps involve taking x-rays, photographs, and impressions. These are the tools used by the Invisalign lab to build your teeth straightening program.
Invisalign uses 3D digital technology to map out how each aligner will work. A series of aligners are fabricated that are designed to be replaced every two weeks. With each new aligner, the patient will notice how snug it fits. Over the next two weeks, teeth are being shifted as each new aligner dictates.
This process is repeated until the conclusion of your teeth straightening program. Periodic visits to the dentist to make sure you’re progressing correctly are required.
Many patients notice some change by the end of the second month, but it is not uncommon for a noticeable change to take until about halfway through the program.
Steps to Guarantee Invisalign Success
In order to see progress with Invisalign, the aligners must be worn a minimum of twenty to twenty-two hours every day. Also, the aligners need to be changed according to the schedule provided by your dentist. Keep in mind that each person is unique and some adjustments may take longer than others.
No matter how long your teeth straightening program takes, the final step is very important … that is wearing the retainer. Once your teeth have shifted to a correct occlusion, it takes a period of time for the teeth and bones that hold them in place to develop a memory of their new location. That is what the retainer does.
To learn more about Invisalign orthodontic treatment, contact our team at Hulen Crossing Family Dental today to schedule a consultation.
