How Quickly Do Teeth Move with Invisalign?

The Invisalign^® treatment is very popular with people who want to improve their smiles. However, many who are considering undergoing the treatment wonder how quickly teeth move with Invisalign. For many years, metal braces were the only treatment for misaligned teeth. It is only natural, therefore, that prospective patients are curious about this treatment and how these clear aligners move teeth.

 

Introduction of Clear Aligners

If you do not know how the Invisalign treatment works, you are probably skeptical about its effectiveness. The first thing you need to understand is that it is not a fly-by-night treatment. Way back in 1997, five innovative minds created Invisalign using Align Technology. Their shared goal was to use technology to straighten and reposition teeth. In 1999, Invisalign made its debut.

 

How Invisalign Moves Teeth

This treatment is a nearly invisible way to align teeth and correct an imperfect smile. Compared to traditional metal braces, clear aligners are nearly imperceptible. They move teeth into their proper position over time; therefore, you should not expect overnight results. Nevertheless, you can sometimes expedite results by wearing your aligners for 22 hours per day. With traditional braces, however, you cannot speed up the results.

 

How Long Does It Take to Start Noticing Results?

When you choose Invisalign as your teeth-straightening option, you are on your way to a healthy and beautiful smile. Nonetheless, it is natural to wonder how long the treatment will start showing results. The first thing you need to understand is that each custom-made clear aligner moves your teeth gradually and gently into their proper position.

 

The treatment will move your teeth vertically and horizontally. It can even rotate your teeth when necessary. The specially engineered aligners use the right amount of force at the right time and in the right place. As you periodically change your aligners, your teeth will slowly straighten out. Each aligner tray moves your teeth very slowly.

 

During this gradual alignment, your gums will be slowly and gently reforming around each tooth until all misaligned teeth shift into their proper position. Your gums will then grip your teeth tightly. For the best results, this treatment slowly aligns your teeth. This will ensure a healthy and attractive smile, in addition to minimizing discomfort.

 

It is unrealistic, therefore, to expect big improvements in one or two weeks. The speed with which Invisalign moves teeth varies between patients. Some begin to notice subtle changes within two to three months, while others may have to wait a bit longer. You simply need to be patient and wait for it to happen.

 

Factors to Consider

The time it takes to see results depends on several factors. These include:

 

• How often you wear your aligners
   

• How complicated your treatment is
   

• The condition of your gums
   

• The shape of your jaw
   

• Your diet
   

• Your genetics
  
   

One of the best things about this teeth-straightening treatment is the use of 3D models of the mouth to plan the treatment process. This allows patients to see a time-lapse series of images that show how their teeth will move. This way, patients can have a better idea of what to expect and the order in which changes will start taking place.

 

To learn more about the Invisalign treatment, contact Ofir Orthodontics at our office in Downey, California at (562) 396-9820 to book an appointment today.