Dentist Questions Invisalign

How long is Invisalign treatment?

I'm considering getting Invisalign treatment because I have a small gap in my teeth. The gap isn't severe, so my dentist is certain that Invisalign treatment will help me. How long does this treatment usually last for patients?

18 Answers

Invisalign treatment varies depending on the specific needs of a patient. However, in most of my cases, the treatment lasts 8 months.
The treatment can take anywhere from 7 weeks to a year. It depends on the complexity of the case. I have completed very minor adjustments in 7-10 weeks. The results should last indefinitely as long as you wear your final retainer to keep the teeth in place.
Length of Invisalign treatment can depend on many factors, even if the goal is closing a small space. Generally, treatment times range from 6 to 18 months.
It certainly depends on the complexity of the case and the treatment goals, but most cases in my office take between 6-12 months of active treatment, followed by retainers. Some minor cases can be done in less than 6 months. Your dentist can do a "clincheck" and tell you the exact number of weeks before treatment starts. You can see the exact tooth positions the teeth will be in every week and an animation of all the movements. Sometimes a mid course correction is necessary if the teeth are not tracking correct and can extend the treatment time by weeks.
Every situation is different, so treatment will vary. In my office, the closure of a small gap typically takes a few months, but it is hard to determine for sure without a full exam and evaluation.
The treatment time for most cases is about 11 months. For something like yours it could be as little as 4-6 months. After treatment you will want to maintain the correction by wearing retainers at night so you don't have any relapse.
For a treatment as limited as you describe 6 months is likely adequate to correct the problem. If other misalignment is being corrected as well it may take significantly longer. Your doctor should be able to give you a fairly accurate estimate.
Hello,

Closing a gap between your front teeth doesn't take too long at all. It all depends on the size of the gap (bigger=longer), the age of the patient(younger=quicker), the amount of bone around those teeth (less=longer), and if you are taking any medications at all, that could affect the movement of teeth.

Dr. Favalli
Hello!

Invisalign is very effective and efficient. Every patient is different, but most patients can take anywhere from 6-12 months. If it is a small gap, it shouldn’t take too long.
I hope I answered your question.
Each case is unique. Treatment is normally less than a year.
The treatment will last until the teeth are in there proper position. That is accomplished with a series of clear plastic trays called aligners that are worn usually for two weeks at a time. Therefore, depending on how many aligners you need each being worn for two weeks, that will determine the time for the treatment to be completed. A small gap between your teeth may only take 4 -5 aligners to correct but this is only a guess. Your dentist will be able to give you a good approximate time table before you start.
It depends how severe of a case you are. It can be as little as 6 months or go 3 years or longer. If you only have just a slight gap like you stated, it shouldn't take more than 6 months.
You have made a great decision to consider proper alignment of your teeth. Every case is different; on average if there are no unforeseen conditions, 4-6 months of active treatment followed by 6 months of full-time retainer wear.

Regards,

Dr. Roemer
It could be less than 6 months.
3-6 months, it depends how small is your gap :)
6-12 months with Invisalign!
Your treating dentist is the one to answer your question. A retainer or composite bonding may be needed to keep that space closed.
Treatment times will vary significantly between every patient. We take impressions and initial records and submit everything to Invisalign. They give us a report that tells us estimated treatment time and how many sets of trays that it will take to correct the gap. Visit a local orthodontist or general dentist for a consult. We offer free Invisalign consults at my office.

My opinion only. Always seek a licensed dentist or MD’s opinion before treatment.