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How Long Does it Take for Invisalign® to Work?

Invisalign Orthodontists Grand Rapids, MI

Have questions about Invisalign® treatment? You’ve come to the right place. Our Invisalign orthodontists understand that you’re anxious to improve the appearance of your smile. Yet, it’s important that you don’t rush the Invisalign process by skipping any steps.

While you may see results from Invisalign within a few weeks, the average treatment time is 12 to 18 months. So, you’ll need to have enough self-discipline to wear them 20 to 22 hours a day.

Continue reading to learn what else you can expect while wearing Invisalign braces.

Can I just wear my aligners at night?

No, you can’t only wear them at night. It’s important that you wear your Invisalign braces between 20 and 22 hours a day. Otherwise, your teeth won’t move according to schedule.

While you may feel some slight discomfort when you first wear Invisalign, you must continue wearing your clear teeth aligners as directed by our orthodontists. Otherwise, you won’t be able to make progress as quickly as you’d like.

Can you eat with Invisalign trays in?

No, you can’t eat while wearing your Invisalign. Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign braces are removable so you can continue eating your favorite foods during treatment. This means that you won’t have to stay away from foods that are hard to chew, like caramel. However, it’s important that you brush your teeth after eating so you don’t stain your Invisalign clear aligners.

What is the average treatment time for Invisalign?

The average Invisalign treatment takes between 12 and 18 months. However, each patient is different, which is why it’s important to schedule an appointment with one of our Invisalign orthodontists.

The length of your treatment will depend on many factors, including how consistently you wear your teeth aligners and the severity of your case. For example, you may need to wear Invisalign braces for longer if you need to correct a slight overbite.

Do I have to wear a retainer for the rest of my life?

Once you’ve completed Invisalign treatment, we can understand the reluctance you may feel to wear yet another oral appliance. However, it’s important that you wear your retainer as directed by our Invisalign orthodontists. Otherwise, your teeth will gradually shift to their original positions.

While you may not see your teeth moving at first, the changes become more noticeable over time. For example, your retainer may feel tight and uncomfortable if you haven’t worn it for a few days. Your retainers will fit for as long as you consistently wear them.

It’s normal for your teeth to slightly shift once you stop wearing Invisalign braces. This is the result of everyday wear and tear on your teeth as you bite down, chew, swallow, and speak. The retainer is designed to prevent noticeable changes so you can maintain a beautiful smile.

Try Invisalign For Yourself

Our Invisalign orthodontists in Grand Rapids and Grandville want to help you achieve your best smile. Once we straighten teeth and correct bite issues, you may be surprised by how confident you feel. To request an appointment, call Armbrecht & Wierenga Orthodontics at (616) 455-4800.

This blog post has been updated.