How Long Do Clear Aligners Take to Straighten Teeth?

You’ve heard about those clear aligners that straighten teeth, and you’re wondering how long the treatment takes. Getting a straighter smile with clear aligners is a big commitment, so it’s smart to understand the timeline before you dive in. The short answer is that clear aligner treatment typically ranges from 6 to 24 months. But the exact duration depends on a lot of factors like your specific case and how consistently you wear your aligners. Most plans average around 12 months. As someone considering clear aligners in Buford, Georgia, you probably want all the details on the treatment duration. Keep reading to learn what impacts your personal timeline and how your dentist creates a custom plan just for you.

On Average, Clear Aligners Take 12 to 18 Months

The total treatment time will depend on several factors, including the severity of your teeth misalignment. Minor to moderate crowding or spacing issues can typically be corrected in 12 to 18 months. More complex cases involving bite issues or major tooth movement may take 18 to 24 months.

Treatment Time Varies for Each Patient

Every patient is different, so treatment times can vary. Your dentist will evaluate your unique situation to determine an estimated treatment timeline. They will consider things like:

• The current positioning and crowding of your teeth
• The alignment of your bite
• Any extractions needed
• Your age and dental health overall

Based on these factors, your dentist can give you a good idea of how long you can expect treatment to last. The total time will be broken into stages based on the gradual progression of your tooth movement with each set of aligners.

You’ll Get New Aligners Every Few Weeks

As your teeth move with each set of aligners, you’ll return to your dentist for a checkup and to pick up your next set of aligners. Typically, patients get a new set of aligners every 2 to 4 weeks. The number of aligners needed depends on your treatment plan. It could be anywhere from 10 to 50 sets or more for very complex cases.

Compliance Plays a Role in Treatment Time

For the best results, you must wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day, removing them only to eat and brush your teeth. Not wearing them as directed can prolong your treatment. Your dentist will evaluate how well you are following the recommended wear time at each visit to make sure your progress stays on schedule. With your full commitment to the process, you’ll be flashing your perfect new smile before you know it!

Factors That Determine Clear Aligner Treatment Time

The time it takes to straighten your teeth with clear aligners depends on several factors. The severity of your case and how closely you follow your dentist’s recommendations are the two biggest determinants.

Case Complexity

If you only need minor cosmetic changes or to fix a few crooked teeth, treatment may only take 6 to 12 months. More complex cases involving bite issues or major crowding and spacing problems can take 18 months to 2 years or longer to fully correct. The good news is that even for complicated cases, you’ll start seeing noticeable improvements within the first few months.

Patient Compliance

Clear aligners only work if you wear them as directed. That typically means wearing them for 20 to 22 hours per day, only removing them to eat, drink, brush, and floss. If you frequently leave them out for longer periods, it will prolong your treatment time. Be diligent and committed to wearing your aligners properly and you’ll achieve the best results as quickly as possible.

While the total treatment length for clear aligners varies from person to person, most patients complete treatment between 10 to 24 months. The initial set of aligners is designed to make incremental changes to your smile over several months. Your dentist will evaluate your progress at regular intervals and order new sets of aligners to continue gently guiding your teeth into the proper position.
Though the time frame may seem long, the results of your patience and persistence will be well worth it. Clear aligners can transform your smile without the pain and hassle of traditional braces. Stay committed to the process and before you know it, you’ll be showing off your new perfect smile!

Are you looking for clear aligners in Buford? Request an appointment here: Schedule Appointment or call Buford Family Dental at 678-730-2005. We also serve neighboring towns including Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Cumming, Flowery Branch, Lawrenceville, Oakwood, Braselton and Duluth.