Most adults starting their Invisalign journey ask the same question: how long will treatment actually take? Unfortunately, there is no blanket answer to this question as it depends on your specific case. However, treatment typically ranges from 12 to 18 months for most patients. Some cases resolve in as little as six months, while complex corrections may take up to two years.
Whether you’re looking for Invisalign or exploring other options, Dental Group of Chicago guides patients through every phase of the process. Our team provides a full range of general and cosmetic dentistry, helping you achieve a straighter smile while accommodating your busy schedule.
Initial Consultation and Treatment Planning
Your journey begins with a consultation where we evaluate your teeth and discuss your goals. We take digital scans of your mouth, eliminating the need for traditional impressions and providing a more comfortable experience. These scans create a 3D model that shows how your teeth will move throughout treatment, and you can preview your final smile before you even start.
We also discuss your timeline expectations and any factors affecting how quickly you can complete treatment. The consultation typically takes about an hour, and you leave with a clear picture of what to expect. This planning phase ensures your treatment stays on track from day one.
Getting Your First Set of Aligners
Once we finalize your treatment plan, we order your custom aligners. Manufacturing usually takes two to four weeks, depending on your case complexity. When your aligners arrive, we schedule a fitting appointment where you receive your first few sets and learn how to properly insert, remove, and care for them.
Understanding the daily commitment helps you prepare for success. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, most patients should wear clear aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day, removing them only for meals and oral hygiene. This consistent wear schedule ensures proper tooth movement and keeps you on track with your timeline.
The Treatment Phase and Regular Check-Ins
You’ll switch to a new set of aligners every one to two weeks, depending on your specific plan. Each set moves your teeth slightly closer to their final position, creating gradual but noticeable progress. Regular check-ins every six to eight weeks help us monitor your advancement and make any necessary adjustments. These appointments are quick and usually last about 20 minutes, fitting easily into your lunch break or after work.
During treatment, you may experience pressure when switching to a new set of aligners. This pressure indicates your teeth are moving and typically subsides within a day or two. Following your wear schedule is critical because skipping hours increases your overall treatment time and can compromise your results.
Factors That May Affect Your Timeline
Several factors influence how long your treatment takes. The severity of your misalignment matters most, as minor crowding or spacing issues resolve faster than complex bite problems. Your age also plays a role, since adult teeth may move more slowly than younger teeth.
Compliance also significantly impacts your timeline. Patients who consistently wear their aligners 20 to 22 hours per day finish on schedule or ahead of schedule. Those who frequently remove aligners or skip wearing them overnight extend their treatment duration. Your oral health matters too. Active gum disease or tooth decay must be addressed before or during orthodontic treatment, which may add time to your overall timeline.
Refinements and Final Adjustments
Some patients need refinement aligners after completing their initial set. Refinements fine-tune tooth positions and ensure you achieve the best possible result. Not everyone needs them, but they’re common in more complex cases and typically add 2 to 6 months to your treatment.
Your dentist evaluates whether refinements are necessary during your final check-in. If needed, we take new scans and order additional aligners. This step ensures your smile looks exactly as planned and that you’re completely satisfied with the outcome.
Retainer Phase and Long-Term Maintenance
After completing active treatment, you’ll need to wear retainers to maintain your new smile. We typically recommend wearing retainers full-time for the first few months, then transitioning to nighttime wear only. Retainers prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original positions, protecting the investment you’ve made in your smile.
Skipping retainer wear puts your results at risk and may require additional treatment down the line. Following retainer instructions ensures your straight smile lasts for years to come. Regular dental exams and cleanings also help maintain your oral health throughout the retention phase.
Transform Your Smile with Invisalign at Dental Group of Chicago
Your path to a straighter smile fits seamlessly into your life with treatment at Dental Group of Chicago. Our team in the South Loop of Chicago brings years of experience to your care, offering extended hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday appointments for added convenience. We accept most major insurance plans, including Delta Dental, MetLife, Cigna, and BlueCross BlueShield, making treatment accessible to more patients. New patients without insurance can take advantage of our $99 special, which includes an initial cleaning, comprehensive exam, and complete set of digital x-rays.
Ready to start your journey toward a straighter smile? Contact our office to schedule your consultation and learn more about your personalized treatment timeline.
