Understanding the Invisalign Treatment Timeline
You have decided to make an investment and straighten your teeth. If you are trying to avoid traditional metal braces, you are likely considering Invisalign®, which is offered by Dr. Stephen Malki at our River Edge, NJ practice. But just how long does treatment take?
Here, we discuss the Invisalign treatment timeline, including everything you can expect from your first consultation to your last follow up appointment. By familiarizing yourself with the treatment process, you can decide if this orthodontic treatment is right for you.
Invisalign: A Brief Recap
The Invisalign system is a leading orthodontic alternative that straightens teeth using a series of clear, removable, plastic aligner trays. With no metal brackets, bands, or wires, Invisalign is more comfortable and more discreet than traditional braces.
Your Initial Consultation
During your initial consultation at our office, Dr. Malki will perform a thorough assessment of your teeth and gums. This is an important step to make sure there are no other serious issues present, such as tooth decay or gum disease. X-rays may also be taken to evaluate the health of the underlying jawbone.
Closely listening to your concerns, Dr. Malki will help you determine if Invisalign is a treatment option for you.
Creating a Personalized Treatment Plan
Once candidacy is determined, we will take impressions. These will be used to fabricate a 3-D model of your teeth and bite.
Working closely with the Invisalign lab, Dr. Malki will plan out your treatment. Your new aligner trays will be custom-made and sent to our office.
When your Invisalign trays arrive, we will schedule you for a visit so you can try on the first set of aligners. If the fit looks good, you can begin treatment.
Active Treatment: Wearing Your Aligners
Your Invisalign trays should be worn a minimum of 22 hours per day, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. Because they are virtually invisible, no one will even notice you are wearing them.
Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign trays do not need adjustments. Instead, you will simply change out each set of aligners for a new set approximately every two weeks. You will still visit our office for occasional checkups, but your dental visits will be fewer compared to those who wear braces.
How Long Will Invisalign Treatment Last?
Treatment time for Invisalign is comparable to traditional braces. Therefore, depending on the severity of your misalignment, you can expect treatment to last approximately 18 to 24 months.
Those with minor orthodontic concerns may be able to complete their treatment in as little as six months. Each patient is different, however, and treatment times can vary accordingly.
It is important to note that the success of Invisalign treatment is mostly dependent on patient compliance. For your teeth to move in a safe and effective manner, it is vital that you wear your trays for the set amount of time every day.
Learn More about Invisalign
If you would like to find out more about Invisalign treatment, schedule a consultation with Dr. Malki. By assessing your unique dental needs, he can help you determine if Invisalign will effectively address your cosmetic concerns. To reach a team member, or to schedule a visit at our practice, call our office at (201) 646-0800 or contact us online anytime.