A “perfect” bite is when all of the teeth are perfectly straight. The upper teeth are parallel to your lip and at least half of your bottom teeth are visible when your teeth are closed, and the upper teeth should be somewhat wider than the lower teeth. The backs of the upper teeth rest on the lower teeth.
Unfortunately, very few people have a “perfect” bite, which is why orthodontic treatments are in such high demand. Most of the time, people have some type of malocclusion, including:
- Underbite
- Overbite
- Crossbite
- Open bite
In many cases, these issues also encompass crowding and/or gaps between the teeth, as well as crookedness.
Invisalign clear aligners are an alternative to traditional braces for resolving misalignment issues and creating a perfect, straight smile. Here is what you need to know about the treatment timeline for Invisalign clear aligners at Mount Zion Dental in North Miami Beach, Florida.
Why Does Invisalign Treatment Length Vary So Much?
The average Invisalign treatment timeline ranges from 12 to 18 months. However, patients with mild to very mild malocclusion often see full resolution within 4 months, and those who have severe malocclusion often need up to 24 months for full resolution.
There are several factors that impact the length of your treatment time:
- How much movement is required to shift teeth into their appropriate position
- The density and structure of the jawbone
- Complexity of malocclusion- the more complex the misalignment, the more trays and time will be required
- Compliance in wearing the aligners- if you do not wear them as directed, they will not be effective
There are a few other factors that can impact the timeline for your Invisalign treatment:
How Long Does Invisalign Take to Close a Gap?
Research has shown that Invisalign is effective for resolving tooth gaps no larger than 6 mm. This treatment may resolve gaps that are slightly larger, but it may take up to 24 months. If a gap is significantly larger than 6 mm, traditional braces may be recommended. If a gap is smaller than 6 mm, it may take less than 12 months to resolve.
How Long Does Invisalign Take For Crowded Teeth?
Typically, Invisalign takes 6 to 12 months to resolve mild crowding, and up to 18 months for moderate crowding. This is not typically the best option for significant crowding.
Your dental professional can recommend the best treatment option for you. In some cases, Invisalign alone may be appropriate, while other cases may require a different approach. Sometimes, Invisalign may be used in conjunction with another treatment method.
Does Invisalign Take Longer to Straighten Teeth For Adults?
There has been some research that indicates that teeth are harder to move in adults/older patients than in teens/younger patients. However, the truth is, age doesn’t really factor into the effectiveness of this treatment.
The major factors include compliance in wearing the aligners as well as the structure and density of the jawbone.
Recommended Daily Time for Wearing Invisalign
Experts recommend that Invisalign clear aligners be worn for at least 20 to 22 hours a day. It is important to note that the longer you wear them each day, the more effective they will be. In some cases, you may be able to expedite the process.
Each aligner should be worn for 1 to 3 weeks, based on your treatment plan. When you switch to a new aligner, keep the old one just in case you lose your current one so that you will have something to wear while a new one is ordered.
Why Should You Go For Dr. Maria Cook?
If you’ve noticed that you have mild to moderate dental malocclusion, schedule your consultation with Dr. Maria Cook at Mount Zion Dental today. She offers quality, compassionate patient care, and will work with each and every patient personally to ensure that they understand the treatments recommended for them.
In addition to treating your dental issues, we can educate you on how to best take care of your natural teeth and/or your restorations. We will work with your dental insurance provider to help you maximize your benefits. If you do not have dental insurance, we will be happy to explain our financing options to help you get the treatment you need when you need it and worry about the bill later.
We are located in North Miami Beach, near Miami Gardens. We strive to create a welcoming atmosphere to ensure that you feel relaxed from the moment you walk through our doors. Our office hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Invisalign FAQs
Dr. Cook and the team at Mount Zion Dental understand that treatment options for improving your smile can be overwhelming. Therefore, we are always willing to discuss your questions and/or concerns. Below are some of the most common questions we’ve gotten regarding Invisalign treatment:
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Can teeth be straightened in one day?
No, it is not possible to straighten teeth in one day. However, we can make them appear straighter with dental bonding or dental veneers.
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Can teeth be straightened at any age?
Yes, teeth can be straightened at any age- as long as the patient has all of their permanent teeth. However, older patients often find that it takes longer to straighten their teeth.
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Can I straighten my teeth in 2 months?
Most people begin to see some resolution in their misalignments within the first few weeks. However, very few people see a full resolution within the first 2 months. However, every patient is different.
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What age is best to straighten teeth?
Age is not a major factor in teeth straightening. The primary factors include compliance and genetics. The density and structure of the jawbone can impact the effectiveness of Invisalign.