Clear aligners, also referred to as invisible braces, can be used to straighten misaligned teeth. Aligners can help both teens and adults. While this problem is usually fixed during childhood, there are cases where adults may end up needing to have the problem corrected. Invisible braces can help to straighten your teeth and give you a great smile.

Clear aligner treatment can take between 10 to 36 months, depending on the severity of the misalignment and how much the teeth need to be moved:

Less complex cases: Treatment may take around 3–6 months.

 
More complex cases: Treatment may take up to 2 years.

 
Severe cases: Treatment may take longer than 24 months. 

Some people may notice changes within a few weeks of treatment, even if they are minimal. Others may not see a noticeable difference until 2–3 months into treatment.

During treatment, you may need to wear your aligners for 20–22 hours a day, but this may vary depending on the stage of treatment. You should follow your dentist's instructions closely. You can try to remove your aligners while eating, but you should also try to brush and floss your teeth regularly to keep your mouth healthy and help your treatment progress smoothly. 

 

Clear aligners

Clear braces have become an increasingly popular choice for individuals seeking orthodontic treatment. They offer a more aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional metal braces, allowing patients to straighten their teeth without drawing too much attention to their orthodontic appliances. One of the most common questions patients have when considering clear braces is how long the treatment will take. The duration of treatment can vary widely depending on several factors, which we will explore below.

Aligners are a series of custom-made tight-fitting mouthpieces that slip over the teeth. With clear aligners, tooth-colored attachments are usually placed on the teeth to help them move the teeth. These dental appliances can be removed for brushing, flossing and eating. The treatment time can vary based on several factors. It usually takes several months for clear aligners to work.

 

How clear aligners work

Once a dentist or orthodontist eventually decides the ideal way to correct a patient’s bite, a plan for moving the teeth will be made. A dentist or orthodontist will have to plan where the teeth move and the order they will be moved. A patient will be fitted for several versions that will make slight adjustments to move the teeth over the time of treatment. A patient will get new aligners every few weeks. The aligners are made from an acrylic material or clear plastic and they fit tightly over a patient’s teeth.

Most times, the aligners are worn for two to three weeks. A patient is responsible for putting in and removing the aligners. Clear aligners move teeth slowly and gently. These appliances will be used to move the teeth until they reach the desired position. The number of aligners required to fix misaligned teeth varies based on a patient’s orthodontic problem and how much it takes to fix it.

Initial Consultation and Treatment Planning

How do clear braces work Iriston House Dental PracticeThe first step in determining the length of your treatment with clear braces is to have an initial consultation with our orthodontist at Iriston House Dental Practice. During this appointment, the orthodontist will conduct a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and jaw structure. They may take X-rays, photographs, and digital scans to create a comprehensive picture of your dental health. This initial assessment is crucial for developing a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

Based on the findings from the initial consultation, the

orthodontist will discuss your treatment options and provide an estimate of how long your treatment with clear braces is likely to take. This estimate is based on the complexity of your case, the severity of your dental issues, and your treatment goals.

Average Treatment Duration

While the duration of treatment with clear braces can vary based on the factors discussed above, there are some general guidelines to consider. For many patients, the average treatment time ranges from 12 to 24 months. This can vary significantly depending on individual circumstances. For example, patients with minor alignment issues may complete their treatment in as little as six months, while those with more severe problems may require three years or more to achieve their desired results.

Factors Influencing Treatment Duration

Severity of Dental Issues

One of the most significant factors influencing the duration of treatment with clear braces is the severity of your dental issues. Minor misalignments, such as slight crowding or spacing, can often be corrected more quickly than more severe problems, such as significant crowding, large gaps, or complex bite issues. On average, treatment for minor cases can take as little as six months to a year, while more complex cases may require 18 months to two years or longer.


Age of the Patient

The age of the patient can also impact the length of treatment. In general, younger patients tend to respond more quickly to orthodontic treatment because their bones are still growing and more adaptable to change. However, adults can also achieve excellent results with clear braces, though their treatment may take slightly longer due to the denser bone structure and slower rate of tooth movement.

Patient Compliance

Patient compliance is a critical factor in the success and duration of treatment with clear braces. Unlike traditional metal braces, which are fixed to the teeth, clear braces require patients to be diligent about wearing them for the recommended amount of time each day, typically 20-22 hours. Failure to wear the braces as directed can significantly extend the treatment duration. Patients must also follow their orthodontist’s instructions regarding oral hygiene and care of the braces to avoid delays caused by complications such as cavities or gum disease.

Treatment time

Treatment time with aligners varies depending on how much the teeth need to be rotated or moved. The more crooked the teeth are and the more a person’s bite is off, the longer it will take to straighten the teeth. Most times treatment takes between 10 and 24 months. The treatment time for an adult who had braces as a child can be shorter, especially if the teeth only shifted slightly over the years. Treatment can take just about 10 weeks in that case.

Sometimes, a patient may need a refinement of the teeth using braces because traditional braces are more precise than aligners. This process helps to make other smaller adjustments after the treatment. It may take a few months, which makes the whole process longer. Seeing a dentist or orthodontist for a checkup regularly is recommended.

 

Treatment Plan and Adjustments

The specific treatment plan developed by the orthodontist will also influence the duration of your treatment with clear braces. This plan will include the type and frequency of adjustments needed to move your teeth into the desired position. Clear braces often require periodic adjustments to maintain the appropriate level of pressure on the teeth. These adjustments are typically scheduled every 4-8 weeks, depending on your progress and the orthodontist’s recommendations.

During these adjustment appointments, the orthodontist may replace the clear aligners or adjust the wires and brackets if you are using a system that combines clear braces with traditional braces components. These regular check-ups are essential for ensuring that your treatment is progressing as planned and making any necessary modifications to your treatment plan.

 

 

Accelerated Treatment Options

For patients seeking to shorten their treatment duration, there are several accelerated treatment options available. One such option is the use of high-frequency vibration devices, which can help stimulate bone remodelling and speed up tooth movement. These devices are used in conjunction with clear braces and require patients to use them for a few minutes each day.

Another accelerated treatment method is micro-osteoperforation, a minimally invasive procedure that creates small perforations in the bone surrounding the teeth. This technique can enhance the effectiveness of orthodontic treatment by promoting faster tooth movement.

 

Make your smile beautiful

If you want to get a better smile, you should get clear aligners. Treatment can take anywhere from 10 to 24 months. In the case of an adult who had braces as a child, it takes a shorter time to straighten teeth. The treatment time varies based on the complexity of a case. The whole process can take more time if a dentist recommends using braces to make other smaller adjustments after treatment. If you are thinking of getting clear aligners, contact your dentist.

 

Post-Treatment Care and Retention

Once the active phase of your treatment with clear braces is complete, it is essential to follow our orthodontist’s recommendations for post-treatment care and retention. Retainers are typically prescribed to maintain the new position of your teeth and prevent them from shifting back to their original alignment. The duration and type of retainer use will vary based on your specific case and the orthodontist’s recommendations.

Wearing your retainers as directed is crucial for ensuring the long-term success of your treatment. Regular dental check-ups and maintaining good oral hygiene are also important for preserving the health and appearance of your newly aligned teeth.