How long does treatment take?

Many customers focus on the end result of their orthodontic treatment and overlook the fact that there is often a lot of work required before you get your teeth to their optimal positions.

For example, if you choose conventional braces, you get the benefit of a relatively low cost option that is proven at generating effective results. So many customers take the attitude that, if they can live with the metal look of the braces, it will be worth it for the reduced cost.

However, these customers often don’t realise that their conventional braces need constant adjustments to remain effective over the long-term. You will need to visit your dentist regularly, so that your dentist can adjust the wires and brackets, to ensure that there is enough tension in place to keep on moving the teeth. Missed appointments can therefore result in having to wear your braces for a longer period than originally intended.

With Invisalign, you will still need to visit your dentist but this is more for updates on your progress. Rather than having to adjust fixed brackets, your dentist simply recommends the right time to move up to the next aligner in the series. Therefore, there is no wasted time or periods at which the pressure on the teeth becomes reduced. As long as the patient wears their aligners for at least 20 hours a day, then treatment times can be as little as 12-18 months.

Of course, each case needs to be assessed and judged on its own merits by a qualified dentist or orthodontic specialist. The more serious the case, the more time needs to be allowed for the aligners to work.