Invisalign has revolutionized orthodontic treatment by offering a clear, comfortable, and convenient alternative to wearing braces. Dr. Bates is an expert in orthodontic treatment with Invisalign, even using Invisalign for some of the most complex orthodontic cases, including surgical cases. 

Invisalign clear aligners are custom-made for each patient based on a digital scan of your teeth. This scan enables Dr. Bates to plan your treatment with ultimate precision digitally, achieving the same stunning results as he would with traditional braces, and in many cases, faster than with traditional braces. One of the most common questions patients have is: “How long does Invisalign treatment take?”

Invisalign Treatment Time

At Bates Family Orthodontics in Lynchburg, Virginia, the average length of comprehensive treatment with Invisalign clear aligners ranges between 14 to 18 months. This duration is typically shorter than the average length of comprehensive orthodontic treatment with traditional braces in our practice, which is around 20 to 22 months.

For adult patients who have previously had orthodontic treatment, but didn’t wear their retainers as well as they should have and want to improve their alignment/esthetics, treatment is often even shorter (6-12 months). 

For simple realignment of a couple of teeth that have gradually shifted or a small gap in the teeth, Dr. Bates is often able to address the concern in as little as 6-12 weeks! The patient below had misplaced their retainer and wanted to have their lower teeth re-aligned. Dr. Bates was able to treat just the lower arch in just 10 weeks.

Factors Influencing Invisalign Treatment Time

Several key factors can influence the length of your Invisalign treatment period:

• Complexity of Movements: The more complex the tooth movements (and/or treatment plan), the longer the treatment may take. Invisalign clear aligners are simply another tool that orthodontists use to apply forces to your teeth in a coordinated fashion in order to accomplish desired tooth movements.
• Initial Malocclusion: Your initial malocclusion (bite and alignment) at the start of treatment plays a significant role in your Invisalign treatment timeline.
• Compliance: Wearing your Invisalign trays as instructed (and elastics when applicable) —typically 22 hours per day—is crucial for timely progress and optimal results. Taking proper care of your aligners throughout the entire process also helps shorten the treatment time.

Bates Family Orthodontics Is Proud To Offer Custom Invisalign Treatment Plans.

Invisalign offers a tailored approach to teeth straightening, with treatment times varying based on individual needs. At Bates Family Orthodontics, we are committed to providing personalized care to help you achieve the smile you’ve always desired and will create a custom treatment plan for your specific situation. To determine the most accurate treatment timeline for your specific case, we recommend scheduling an initial consultation with Dr. Bates.

For more information on the Invisalign process or to book an appointment, please visit our Invisalign page.