How Long Will Clear Aligner Treatment Take?

Dental care is quite the commitment, and clear aligners are ideal for people looking for an effective alternative to traditional braces. If you have been considering the treatment, you may be wondering how long it will take. This article will answer your questions and take you through the basics.

How clear aligners work

Clear aligners are one of the few teeth straightening treatments available. Before the procedure, patients will need to undergo an initial assessment or consultation with the dentist. During the appointment, the dentist will help determine the best way to proceed.

To get an estimate of the treatment duration, it is necessary to understand how clear aligners work. The process involves a series of plastic, removable trays worn in incremental sequences. To begin the treatment, the dentist will work on creating a customized plan for the patient. The initial process may include:

• Photographs
• A 3D impression of the teeth
• X-ray examinations
• Determining candidacy
• Recommendation

Depending on the patient’s situation, the trays range from six to 48 per treatment. Consequently, the time of treatment varies according to the uniqueness of each situation. 

The duration of treatment

Estimating the length or duration of treatment comes down to complexity or peculiarity. If the case is not as complex, it will likely take about three to six months. Patients whose cases are more complicated could undergo treatment for up to two years. 

The good news is that the average duration is about 12 months with noticeable changes. Depending on individual experience, changes take place within a few weeks (4-6) of treatment, even though they could be minimal. Differences between individual cases are the major cause of time variation. Therefore, each patient has a role to play. 

Individual role in the process

When the treatment is underway, patients are expected to stay fully committed to get optimal results. It is not enough to go for a customized plan; each person should keep their trays on for about 22 hours each day throughout the procedure. Failure to fully comply with this could impact results negatively. When the trays are kept on for as long as they should be, changes should be visible.

Patients should expect to change their trays every one to two weeks. To monitor their progress or estimate the time for a change, the use of iOS or Android apps may be recommended. These apps work like scanners and predict when the next tray should be fixed. The trays also need to be rinsed daily, preferably after brushing the teeth. Overall, taking proper care of the tray is the patient’s duty. 

Wrapping it up

The time it takes clear aligners to work depends on the patient's situation. However, the average duration is about 12 months. There are several things that you could do to manage that timeframe. In addition to following instructions, measuring your progress is ideal too. It is time to feel more confident about your smile: Your treatment is one consultation away. Visit the general dentist to get started.

Request an appointment here: https://www.lastingimpressionsdentalgroup.com or call Lasting Impressions Dental Group at (832) 784-8212 for an appointment in our Houston office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Clear Aligners in Houston, TX.