December 18, 2020
As you glide into the new year, you may also find yourself wondering what the easiest and most efficient way to glide your teeth into alignment may be.
In particular, many patients may find themselves worrying over the specific amount of money that it takes to straighten their teeth: How long will they have to subject themselves to frequent orthodontic visits? How long will they have to strategize their food around their treatment? How long will it take until they achieve their dream smile?
If you’re one of the many patients to wonder these questions while researching invisible alignment options, allow us to put your mind at ease…
Factors that Affect Treatment Time
To start, we should clarify that no two patients are likely to undergo the exact same treatment timeline when it comes to invisible aligners. Not only are aligners traded out every one to two weeks according to the patient’s progress, but the following factors also influence the alignment timetable:
- Age: As a general rule of thumb, the younger a patient is, the faster their teeth are likely to move, particularly for children or teens whose teeth are still growing in. Thus, young patients are likely to — but not always — see faster results than their adult counterparts.
- Spacing: The more a patient’s teeth are crowded or, conversely, the more their teeth have large gaps of space between, the longer it will take for the teeth to be safely and properly aligned.
- Diligence: Invisible trays ought to be worn for approximately 20 to 22 hours out of the day, typically removed only for eating, flossing, and brushing one’s teeth. However, if a patient does not remain diligent and consistent in wearing their aligners, their progress will slow down and their treatment time will increase.
All that being said, invisible aligners take, on average, approximately 12 to 18 months in total for completion.
Aligners vs. Traditional Braces
One of the most appealing features of using alignment trays as opposed to traditional braces — aside from the aesthetically pleasing option of foregoing metal bands and brackets altogether — is that invisible aligners can work just as fast as braces… if not faster!
This is because alignment trays encompass the entire surface of a patient’s teeth, thereby speeding up the time it takes to shift the orthodontic landscape. In short, aligners provide a cohesive force against all of the teeth, whereas braces straighten each tooth individually.
Additionally, most patients simply find invisible aligners to be more comfortable and convenient overall.
Simple Solutions, Simply SouthShore
For patients who have already undergone orthodontic treatment or otherwise have minimal adjustments to make, as opposed to more comprehensive corrections, they may find Simply SouthShore aligners to be well-suited to their needs.
Simply SouthShore is another orthodontic treatment system involving clear aligners and created by SouthShore’s own Dr. Matt Ahrens! Optimized for life’s little everyday shifts, Simply SouthShore is both doctor-designed and directed, providing even faster results than that of other clear aligners.
If you’re ready to learn more about your treatment options and what your individual treatment time may look like, it’s time to contact SouthShore Orthodontics! With an ongoing commitment to exceptional service in a relaxing environment, we guarantee to offer you solutions today that will have you smiling for years to come.
Call us today at (813) 815-0080!