How Long Does Invisalign Take in Westfield, IN?
If you’re considering clear aligners to straighten your teeth, one of the first questions most patients ask is simple: how long does Invisalign take? The good news is that modern orthodontic technology has made it possible to achieve incredible results faster and more comfortably than ever before.
At our practice in Westfield, we believe orthodontic care should be personal, intentional, and results-driven. Every smile is unique, so the timeline for Invisalign treatment varies from person to person. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to expect, what affects your treatment time, and how you can get the best results possible.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a modern orthodontic system that uses a series of custom-made, nearly invisible plastic aligners to gradually move teeth into their ideal positions. Instead of traditional brackets and wires, patients wear removable aligners to achieve their smile transformation.
Many families searching for Invisalign in Westfield, IN choose this option because it offers:
A nearly invisible way to get the smile you’ve been wanting
Comfortable, custom-fit aligners
The ability to remove aligners for eating and brushing
For adults, teens, and even some younger patients, Invisalign treatment can be an excellent solution for improving both the function and esthetics of a smile.
Average Invisalign Treatment Time
So, how long does Invisalign take in Westfield, IN?
For most patients, Invisalign treatment time typically ranges from:
3-6 months for mild orthodontic issues (i.e. “I lost my retainer and need some minor tweaks!”)
10-18 months for moderate treatment complexity (the variation depends on severity and smile goals)
18–24 months for more significant treatment complexity
Each aligner programs incremental changes to the tooth position, but often times patients can begin to notice visible improvements in their smile within just a few weeks! The exact Invisalign timeline depends on several important factors, most especially treatment complexity and treatment goals. Because we focus on treatment that is customized and personalized to your unique situation, we design each treatment plan to achieve the best possible esthetic and functional result—not just the fastest one.
Factors That Affect How Long Invisalign Takes
When patients search how long Invisalign takes, they’re often surprised to learn that treatment time can vary widely. Here are the biggest factors that influence your Invisalign treatment duration.
1. The Complexity of Your Case
Simple spacing or minor crowding can often be corrected quickly, sometimes even with just a handful of aligner stages. However, more complex issues such as:
Bite alignment problems
Significant crowding or spacing
Rotated teeth
Overbites or underbites
may require a longer Invisalign treatment plan. There are no cookie-cutter approaches here, Dr. Titus carefully plans each tooth movement to ensure your absolute best final results. AI is not generating your smile outcome in our practice, Dr. Titus’s artistic approach to smile esthetics is what is driving your final result.
2. Wearing Aligners as Recommended
This is a BIG one. One of the most important factors in how fast Invisalign works is patient compliance. The fact that Invisalign is a removable appliance is the biggest difference between orthodontic treatment with aligners vs. traditional braces.
For aligners to work, they need to be worn 22 hours per day. If you don’t wear them, they just won’t work. Removing aligners too often or forgetting to wear them can slow down Invisalign treatment time significantly. Patients who follow instructions closely will finish their Invisalign treatmenton time, and sometimes even ahead of schedule.
*The truth is, whenever we have people fail to get the results they’re looking for with Invisalign treatment, it’s because they simply aren’t wearing their aligners enough.
3. Age and Tooth Movement
You’re never too old for orthodontic treatment! We’ve had patients even in their 90s who want to change their smile, and who choose aligners to achieve their smile goals. Invisalign works well for kids, teens, and adults! According to Dr. Adam Reynolds, a trusted family orthodontist in Huntsville, AL, age should never stop you from getting the smile you want. Many older adults see great results with clear aligners.
Sometimes the bone density changes that occur as we age can affect the rate of tooth movement in certain scenarios, especially with regard to certain medications. Make sure to mention any medications you’re taking to your orthodontist to discuss your particular treatment.
4. Excessive Refinements During Treatment
A refinement is simply a series of additional aligners after your initial series. It’s an opportunity to see how far you’ve come in your treatment after your initial aligner series, identify any areas that need to be tweaked, and work toward that precise smile outcome we’re aiming for. It’s rare that your first set of aligners will get to your final result without any modifications needed along the way – refinements are a normal part of your treatment, we expect them and plan for them.
We include refinements into your estimated treatment time – it’s only when refinements become excessive (most commonly due to lack of aligner wear compliance) that your treatment time could be affected
Invisalign vs Braces: Which Is Faster?
Many patients searching for Invisalign vs braces treatment time want to know which option works faster. The answer is…it depends on your particular case and what your smile goals are.
In many cases, Invisalign treatment time is comparable to traditional braces. However, Invisalign can sometimes be faster for mild to moderate alignment issues in exceptionally compliant patients.
Unless there’s an obvious reason to choose one or the other, we don’t try to convince you of either option – our goal is to give you all of your options, highlighting the pros and cons of braces and aligners, and let you decide what works best for your lifestyle. At our practice, we will evaluate your smile goals together, and work toward a plan that that gets you most efficiently and comfortably from start to finish.
What the Invisalign Process Looks Like
Understanding the process helps patients feel confident about starting Invisalign treatment in Westfield, IN. Take a look at our previous blog post to walk through the process!
Step 1: Consultation
Meet Dr. Titus, walk through all your smile goals and come up with a plan together to work toward your dream smile!
Step 2: Digital Smile Planning
Using advanced digital technology, Dr. T maps out your tooth movement step by step, and converts your smile goals into actual aligners that will get you there.
Step 3: Wearing Your Aligners
Each set of aligners is typically worn for 1 week. Simple, but just wear them as instructed and watch your smile change!
Step 4: Progress Visits
We’ll see you periodically to ensure your Invisalign treatment is progressing exactly as planned, making adjustments as needed.
Tips to Finish Invisalign Faster
If you want the shortest possible Invisalign treatment time, there are several things you can do to stay on track.
Wear Your Aligners Consistently
The most important step is wearing your aligners 22 hours per day. This is by far the most important and useful tip!
Switch Aligners on Schedule
Following your aligner interval change instructions helps maintain steady progress in your Invisalign treatment plan. Don’t switch early! You may think this will speed you up but it will, in fact, slow you down.
Keep Your Aligners Clean
Clean aligners fit better and help ensure smooth tooth movement with no impediments.
Attend Your Appointments
Regular check-ins allow us to monitor progress and keep your Invisalign treatment timeline on schedule.
Patients who follow these steps often complete Invisalign treatment in Westfield, IN, efficiently and successfully.
Is Invisalign Worth It?
Many patients researching how long Invisalign takes also want to know whether it’s worth starting treatment.
For most patients, the answer is absolutely yes! Your smile is something you wear for life, and is a key feature in putting your best self forward. We’re here to help you along the way toward getting that smile you never thought possible!
Start Your Invisalign Journey in Westfield, IN
If you’re wondering how long Invisalign takes in Westfield, IN, the best way to find out is with a personalized consultation (FREE!). The exciting part is that many patients are surprised by how efficient and comfortable Invisalign treatment can be.
Whether you’re a parent exploring options for your child or an adult ready to improve your smile, we’re here to help guide you every step of the way.
Your best smile may be closer than you think! :)
