[rev_slider alias="inner"]

How long does it take to straighten teeth using invisible aligners?

(845) 782-4288  Request an Appointment

How long does it take to straighten teeth using invisible aligners?

How long does it take to straighten teeth using invisible aligners?

Treatment time with invisible teeth aligners or Invisalign is based on how much the teeth need to be moved or rotated. An average Invisalign and clear aligners treatment usually takes between 10 and 24 months.

The more your bite is off or the more crooked your teeth, the longer it will take. 

The time it takes to straighten teeth using invisible aligners like Invisalign or other clear aligner brands can vary widely based on several factors:

  1. Severity of Malocclusion: The more severe the dental issue, the longer the treatment time. Minor issues might be corrected in as little as six months, while more complex cases involving severe crowding, spacing, or bite issues may take two years or more.
  2. Patient Compliance: Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners are removable. This feature allows for more flexibility, but it also requires discipline from the patient. For the treatment to be effective, the aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day, only removing them for eating, drinking anything other than water, and brushing teeth. If a patient doesn’t wear the aligners as directed, it can prolong the treatment process.
  3. Individual Response to Treatment: Just as people’s bodies react differently to medications or exercise, so too can the speed at which teeth move vary from person to person. Some people’s teeth may move more quickly than others.
  4. Follow-up and Adjustment Frequency: The frequency of changing to a new set of aligners can also affect the duration of treatment. Most aligner systems instruct patients to switch to a new set of aligners every 1-2 weeks.
  5. Use of Supplementary Treatments: Sometimes, orthodontists may recommend using supplementary treatments along with aligners, such as rubber bands for bite alignment, or “attachments” (small tooth-colored dots of dental bonding material) that help the aligners grip the teeth. These can impact the treatment timeline.

Contact Dr. Jacquie Smiles for a more accurate estimate and your free Invisalign consultation. 

Please contact Dr. Jacquie Smiles today to learn more about orthodontic treatments for your misaligned teeth with Invisalign. Call us at (845) 782-4288  or fill out the contact us to receive additional information. Our office is conveniently located near 70 Gilbert Street, Suite 202, Monroe, NY 10950.

10 Different types of misaligned teeth

WHAT IS MALOCCLUSION?

Malocclusion means the teeth are not aligned properly. Misaligned teeth usually develop during childhood habits as well as an inherited condition and can be passed down from one generation to the next. Malocclusion is a term used in dentistry to refer to the misalignment of teeth when the jaws are closed. 

Please contact Dr. Jacquie Smiles today to learn more about orthodontic treatments for your misaligned teeth with Invisalign clear braces and invisible aligners by calling (845) 782-4288  or filling out the contact us to receive additional information.

10 DIFFERENT TYPES OF MALOCCLUSION

Here are some of the common malocclusion below. There are 10 different types of misaligned teeth, from crooked teeth, and overbites to underbites. 

1. CROSSBITE

A crossbite is where your upper teeth bite inside your lower teeth. It can affect your front or back teeth.

2. DIASTEMA

A diastema is a space between two teeth, usually the front teeth. 

3. IMPACTED TOOTH

An impacted tooth is one that’s unable to erupt through the gum normally. It is blocked from breaking through the gum. 

4. MISSING TOOTH

Missing teeth, or hypodontia, may occur as a result of teeth not developing properly or through some kind of trauma.

5. OVERCROWDING

Overcrowding is caused by a lack of space, resulting in teeth that are crooked and overlap. It’s the most common reason for orthodontic treatment among adults.

6. OVERJET

An overjet is where your top teeth extend past your bottom teeth horizontally (not to be confused with an overbite). 

7. OVERBITE

An overbite can cause your front teeth to bite down on your gums.

8. OPEN BITE

An open bite is where the front teeth don’t overlap the lower teeth. An open bite affecting the front teeth is known as an anterior open bite.

9. SPACING

Spacing can occur between two or more teeth. Some of the causes can include missing teeth, small teeth, tongue thrusting, and thumb sucking.

10. UNDERBITE

A crossbite that affects the front teeth is known as an anterior crossbite, or perhaps more commonly as an underbite.

Causes

Malocclusion is often linked to genetic factors, premature loss of baby teeth, disproportionate jaw or teeth sizes, prolonged use of a pacifier, thumb sucking in early childhood and injuries that result in the misalignment of the jaw. Other cause include tumors in the mouth or jaw, certain dental problems such as improper fit of dental fillings, braces, or retainers, and certain habits such as tongue thrusting.

Symptoms

Symptoms of malocclusion may include difficulty or discomfort during chewing or biting, speech problems, including the development of a lisp, breathing through the mouth rather than the nose, and frequent biting of the inner cheeks or tongue.

Diagnosis

Misaligned teeth  is usually diagnosed through routine dental exams. The dentist can often detect problems with the alignment of your teeth and jaws by looking at your teeth and asking you to bite down several times. In some cases, X-rays, plaster models of the teeth, and special computer imaging can be used to get a more detailed look at the teeth and jaws.

Treatment

Treatment for malocclusion can involve a variety of strategies, including the removal of teeth to correct overcrowding, braces to correct the position of the teeth, repair of irregular or misshapen teeth, surgery to reshape or shorten the jaw, wires or plates to stabilize the jaw bone, and in less severe cases, no treatment might be necessary.

Impact on Oral Health

Malocclusion can lead to oral health problems if not addressed early. Impact on oral health may include increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease, due to difficulty in cleaning overcrowded or misaligned teeth. It may also cause discomfort or difficulty when chewing, speaking, or cleaning the teeth. It can sometimes cause pain and discomfort in the jaw muscles and might affect the shape of a person’s face.

Prevention

While not all causes of malocclusion can be prevented (such as those due to genetics or uncontrollable factors), some preventative measures can be taken. These include avoiding thumb sucking and pacifier use beyond the age of 3, maintaining good oral hygiene, and receiving regular dental check-ups.

SCHEDULE A MALOCCLUSION CONSULTATION TO TREAT YOUR MISALIGNED TEETH 

Please contact Dr. Jacquie Smiles today to learn more about orthodontic treatments for your misaligned teeth with Invisalign clear braces and invisible aligners by calling (845) 782-4288  or filling out the contact us to receive additional information. Our office is conveniently located near 70 Gilbert Street, Suite 202, Monroe, NY 10950.