Patience is a virtue, but we live in a fast-paced society — and no one wants to wait unless it’s absolutely necessary. The faster we can accomplish our goals, the better. If you are thinking about undergoing orthodontic treatment, it is only natural if you want to straighten your teeth as quickly as possible. Hence, you may wonder, “How long does Invisalign in Fairfax take? Is it faster than traditional braces?” Let’s talk about the answers to these important questions.
Invisalign Timeline
The average Invisalign timeline is about 12 months from the time a patient begins wearing their aligners to when they complete the treatment and begin wearing their retainers. However, keep in mind that every case is different. Here are some factors that will have a bearing on how long you have to wear Invisalign:
- The nature and extent of your dental misalignment. Mild misalignment that is mostly aesthetic in nature may take just a few months to correct. More severe cases could require 18 months or longer to address.
- Your age. The older you get, the harder your bones become and the more challenging it is to move the teeth. Hence, middle-aged adults and seniors may have a longer treatment timeline than younger people.
- Compliance with treatment. Patients who do not wear their aligners as recommended find that their overall treatment timeline gets extended. You should keep Invisalign in your mouth for a minimum of 20 – 22 hours each day. And if you ever accidentally lose or break an aligner, you should seek professional help as soon as possible.
Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces
Traditional metal braces typically take 18 – 36 months to completely straighten teeth, which makes Invisalign a great option for individuals who want to experience results as quickly as possible. However, keep in mind that traditional braces are often used for more severe cases of misalignment than Invisalign, which naturally leads to a longer overall treatment.
Getting Started with Invisalign
If you would like to find out how long Invisalign will take for you, schedule a consultation with a local Invisalign provider. Your dentist in Fairfax will evaluate the positioning of your teeth and used advanced technology to map out your treatment. Then, you will have an idea of what you can expect in the months ahead.
If you decide to move forward with the treatment, you can expect a positive experience from beginning to end. Your dental team will be there to support you every step of the way. Plus, the many freedoms that Invisalign allows you, such as the ability to eat whatever you want and smile with confidence, will help the time to fly by!
Invisalign offers a quick and effective way to straighten teeth. You could have a transformed smile in a matter of months!
About the Author
Dr. Malcolm J. Murray is the leader of our team at MJM Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. He has more than 15 years of experience in his field, and he is proud to offer Invisalign as one of his many services. To learn more about Dr. Murray and how he may be able to serve you, contact us at 703-934-5540.
