A Clear Guide to Your Smile Timeline
If you’re considering clear aligners like Invisalign to straighten your teeth, one of the first questions you probably have is: how long does Invisalign take to work? The answer depends on a few factors, including your specific case and how consistently you wear your aligners. In this post, we’ll break down the average clear aligner timeline, what can affect treatment time, and how you can stay on track for a confident, straight smile.
Average Treatment Time
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- Mild spacing or crowding: 3–6 months
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- Moderate crowding, spacing, or bite issues: 6–12 months
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- Severe alignment issues or bite correction: 12–24 months
Your orthodontist will give you a more accurate estimate based on your individual needs after your initial consultation and 3D scan.
What Affects How Long Invisalign Takes?
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- Complexity of Your Case: More involved cases usually require more aligners and longer treatment.
- How Consistently You Wear Your Aligners: Invisalign works best when worn 20–22 hours per day, every day.
- Age: Younger patients may see faster results due to more responsive tooth movement.
- Follow-Up and Compliance: Attending scheduled check-ins and switching trays on time is key.
Can You Speed Up Invisalign Treatment?
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- Wear your aligners exactly as directed
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- Avoid removing them too often
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- Keep up with your appointments
How Will I Know My Estimated Invisalign Timeline?
At your first visit, we’ll take a 3D digital scan of your teeth. Using advanced treatment planning software, we’ll create a custom preview of your smile journey—including an estimated treatment length and how your teeth will move over time.
Invisalign in Glendale, CA
At LA Smile Co. Orthodontics, we’ve helped hundreds of patients achieve confident, healthy smiles with clear aligner therapy. Whether you’re looking for a fast fix or a full smile transformation, we’ll design a plan that works for you—and guide you every step of the way.
If you’re considering other treatment options, we also offer braces in Glendale and clear ceramic braces.
Ready to Start Your Invisalign Journey?
Schedule your complimentary consult at our Glendale office today! We’ll answer all your questions and help you take the first step toward the smile you’ve always wanted.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign Treatment Time
How long does Invisalign treatment usually take?
Most Invisalign treatments take between 6 to 18 months. Some mild cases can finish in as little as 3–6 months, while complex cases may take up to 24 months.
Can Invisalign work faster than braces?
In some mild to moderate cases, Invisalign can be faster than traditional braces—especially if worn 20–22 hours per day and changed on schedule.
What can slow down Invisalign treatment?
Removing aligners too often and not wearing them (along with any elastics), missing appointments, or having complex dental issues can all delay your Invisalign progress.
How often do I switch to a new Invisalign tray?
Typically every 1 to 2 weeks, but your orthodontist will guide your specific schedule based on your progress.
Does Invisalign hurt more or less than braces?
Depending on the individual, Invisalign tends to cause less discomfort than braces, though you may feel mild pressure when switching to a new tray.