Clear aligners, like Invisalign, are an increasingly popular dental treatment. They work by slowly adjusting the positioning of teeth using a transparent structure. But how long do they take to work? Here we cover everything you need to know about clear aligners, like Invisalign, and what to expect from the treatment.
What are Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners are known as invisible braces. They work in a similar way but without unattractive fixtures. Invisalign works by aligning crooked teeth over time. You wear them for 22 hours daily.
At your initial consultation, your dental specialist will create your treatment plan and design your aligners. Once they are ready, you will wear them as instructed, removing them to eat, brush and floss.
You may notice that your jaw feels tight to start with when you first wear aligners. This is normal and should ease after a few days of treatment. If you experience extreme pain or discomfort, contact your specialist.
How Long Do Clear Aligners Take to Work?
Clear aligners, like Invisalign, will vary when it comes to treatment duration. Clear aligners are a bespoke treatment, which no set time scale that fits all. That said, six months is a good guide if you do not have any other issues. For more significant alignment requirements, it can take up to two years to complete the process.
It is fair to expect to be committing about a year to your Invisalign treatment from start to finish. You must ensure you wear them as instructed and do not deviate from the treatment plan; otherwise, this could delay results.
You can expect to start seeing changes after four to six weeks or using clear aligners. No two people are the same, so try not to compare your results with anyone else. If you deviate from your treatment plan, you could hinder the progress of the alignment.
There are several things you can do to help the treatment along. First, be sure to wear the aligners for the full 22 hours a day (apart from when eating and cleaning etc.). Second, look after your aligners and contact your dental practice if they break. You should brush them and remove food and plaque frequently.
For information on clear aligners, such as Invisalign, contact Welling Corner on 0208 3037445.
