Some patients may be surprised to find that Invisalign can move their teeth in as little as two weeks. However, the amount of time it takes to see results can vary depending on the individual's dental issues. Regardless of how long it takes, Invisalign trays are designed to move teeth to the desired position. Your dentist will advise you to wear each tray for a minimum of two weeks, as this ensures that your teeth move in the gradual way that was planned.
Even if you think your teeth have already been moved to the desired position before the two-week period ends, it is important to stick to the plan. Interrupting treatment by leaving the tray out for a few days or moving to the next tray ahead of time may slow your progress. Invisalign can move teeth up to 0.25 to 0.5 mm per tray. This means that your teeth will gradually shift over time. Orthodontists may recommend slightly slower treatment times to reduce any discomfort, but it is possible to change the teeth the maximum amount with each new tray change.
Most people begin to notice some movement within the first two months after receiving their first set of alignment trays. With Invisalign, a perfect smile can be achieved in as little as 12 to 18 months for most adults. Your doctor will tell you how long you should wear the aligners each day, but people generally wear Invisalign aligners 20 to 22 hours a day for the best results. It is important to take care of your teeth between appointments, and Invisalign clear aligners are designed to fit your teeth perfectly. You should not change the tray prematurely, as your teeth may not be ready for that yet, but you can use the trays for the maximum amount of time each day. Yes, Invisalign clear aligners can treat almost all common teeth straightening problems, from the simplest to the most complex.
Treatment with Invisalign actually takes less time overall than with metal braces. During your consultation, your Invisalign doctor will help you determine what Invisalign treatment could do for your smile. Aligners change the position of each tooth individually, while metal aligners work by bringing all the teeth together in a general direction. Patients tend to see results more quickly with braces, because all of their teeth move more or less randomly throughout the treatment. To move the teeth the set amount of 0.25 to 0.5 mm per tray, each tray applies sufficient force to push the tooth roots through the jaw.
Invisalign clear aligners are specifically made of flexible plastic, a patented thermoplastic material called SmartTrack created exclusively for Invisalign treatment. The aligners are then molded to the individual shape of your mouth and are designed in a shape that applies gentle pressure to your teeth.
