How Long Does Clear Aligner Treatment Take?

If you’ve been mulling about getting clear aligners, you’ve probably wondered how long the treatment takes. The general consensus is that clear aligners work faster than braces, but how long does it take to get straight teeth? Well, keep reading to find out everything you need to know.

What Is Clear Aligner Treatment?

Clear aligner treatment is a type of orthodontic treatment that utilizes custom clear aligners to straighten misaligned teeth. After taking impressions of your teeth, the cosmetic dentist sends them to a lab to create your custom aligner trays. Once ready, patients must wear these trays for a specific period until their teeth straighten perfectly.

Clear Aligner Treatment Duration

Straightening your teeth, regardless of the technique, is a complex and lengthy process that involves repositioning your teeth in their sockets. That said, Clear aligner treatment takes anywhere from 12 to 18 months to complete. This is much faster than braces, which can take up to 36 months to work. 

However, the results are different for everyone. We recommend coming in for a consultation for a personalized treatment plan and all your questions answered.

Factors Affecting the Length of Your Clear Alignment Treatment

The length of clear alignment treatment varies from one patient to the next. That said, here are some of the most common factors affecting the duration of clear alignment therapy.

Complexity of Your Case

Clear alignment therapy takes longer for patients with complex cases of dental misalignment. That’s because the teeth have a longer distance to travel to achieve proper alignment. The treatment takes much shorter (usually six to eight months) for patients with only mild cases of misalignment.

Commitment

Your commitment to following the dentist's instructions is another major factor determining the length of treatments. Patients must wear clear aligner trays for 20 to 22 hours daily to achieve the desired results. Treatment is prolonged for patients who fail to wear the aligners for the stipulated time.

Genetics

Your genes also play a crucial role in determining the speed of your clear aligner treatment. For example, treatment takes longer in individuals with denser bones since the bones can easily morph to accommodate the teeth’s new position. The opposite is true for less denser bones.

Start Your Clear Aligner Treatment Today

Clear aligners are a faster, more comfortable, and more convenient alternative to traditional braces. If you can stay committed to your treatment plan and wear your aligners as required, you’ll have perfectly straight teeth sooner than you think. If you’ve been thinking about getting clear aligners in Riverside, the perfect time to get them is now. Contact Smile Pathway Dental to schedule your consultation for clear aligners. You deserve a perfect smile!