Want a straight smile but dread the thought of wearing braces for years? You may not need that kind of extensive treatment. In fact, you might be able to change your smile in less than a year. When your Philadelphia orthodontist examines your teeth and takes digital x-rays and photos, they see exactly what’s going on with your smile and determine whether you’re a good candidate for a speedy course of Invisalign.

Factors That Affect How Long You Wear Braces

Not everyone is fortunate enough to have orthodontic treatment completed in under a year, but there are several factors that influence this diagnosis, whether you wear metal braces or Invisalign:

• Compliance: All braces come with rules. Whether you’re sporting metal brackets and wires on your teeth or have removable clear aligners, there are obligations you must follow to keep your orthodontics in good condition and promote the speed with which your teeth straighten. It’s easier to misbehave with Invisalign since the trays can be removed anytime – the key is to wear them as instructed by your orthodontist, which is 20 to 22 hours a day.
• Complexity: If you have a complex misalignment, it doesn’t matter how well you comply with treatment rules. Sometimes teeth just take longer to move and you must be patient as your orthodontist shifts them into their proper positions. This doesn’t mean you aren’t a good candidate for a discreet treatment like Invisalign, but it does mean that the one-year mark might not be a reasonable benchmark.
• Comfort level: Many adults are interested in Invisalign. Some adolescents want Invisalign Teen. But other patients would prefer conventional metal braces that stay attached to your teeth until treatment is complete. Your preferences will impact how long you wear braces. Your comfort level is important to your orthodontist, but it’s also essential to listen to the recommendations of the expert when it comes to using the most effective treatment to correct your misalignment.

Types of Invisalign Treatment

The average wear time for Invisalign is about one year. Some patients need more time in aligners, others need less. Here’s how the process can shake out:

• Invisalign Full: The traditional Invisalign treatment where aligners are worn on both top and bottom teeth. Treatment can last for a year to 18 months depending on the patient.
• Invisalign Lite: Lasts for a shorter time and corrects minor orthodontic problems like spaces and overcrowding. Treatment time is only about six months.
• Invisalign Express: Minor spaces, a relapse from prior orthodontic treatment, or side effects from not wearing retainers can often be corrected in this three- to six-month treatment.

There is Invisalign Teen too, of course, which could fit into any of the above categories and is carefully created for developing mouths and still-erupting teeth. There is also Invisalign First for little kids who need interceptive orthodontics for issues like crowding.

Get a Straight Smile in Philadelphia

Every patient is different. Every mouth is different. Your goals for your smile and your wishes for the speediest treatment possible might not always align, but your Philadelphia Orthodontists will do everything to create the most effective and efficient treatment for your misalignment. Schedule a consultation with Drs. Roberts & de Marsche at Philadelphia Orthodontists in Center City.