Amazing Smiles Orthodontics
Call Us
Call Us

How Long Does Invisalign Take?

Jan 04, 2022

 

CONTACT DETAILS

You’re wandering through the bustling streets of New York City—maybe grabbing a coffee in Forest Hills or hopping the train to Long Island—and you’re thinking about straightening your smile with Invisalign. The big question on your mind: how long does Invisalign take? In the fast-paced world of NYC and its surrounding burbs like Queens and Long Island, you want results that fit your vibe without dragging on forever. Invisalign treatment time typically ranges from 6 to 24 months, depending on your specific case and how diligent you are with those clear aligners. Whether you’re eyeing Invisalign Queens or comparing options like Braces Queens, this guide breaks down the timeline, factors that affect it, and some real-talk tips to get you smiling sooner in places like Braces in Forest Hills.

 

Average Invisalign Treatment Time

On average, Invisalign takes about 12 to 18 months for most folks in NYC and Long Island. If you’re dealing with minor crowding or spacing, you might be done in as little as 6 months—perfect for those Queens hustlers who want a quick fix before a big event. More complex cases, like severe overbites or underbites, could stretch to 24 months or more, especially if you’re visiting an orthodontist in Forest Hills for a custom plan. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign’s timeline depends heavily on how consistently you wear those aligners, which we’ll dig into later.

 

Invisalign Duration by Case Type

Here’s a quick breakdown of how long Invisalign might take based on your dental situation:

Case Type Typical Duration
Minor crowding/spacing 6–12 months
Moderate misalignment 12–18 months
Severe misalignment 18–24 months or more

This table gives you a sense of what to expect, whether you’re in Flushing or out in Nassau County. Simpler cases move faster, while trickier ones need more time to get that smile selfie-ready.

 

Key Factors That Affect Invisalign Time

Wondering why factors that affect Invisalign timeline vary so much? It’s not just about your teeth—it’s about you and your lifestyle in the city that never sleeps. Here are the big players:

 

Misalignment Severity

The more jacked up your teeth are, the longer it’ll take. Minor issues, like slightly crooked front teeth, can be fixed in under a year—great for folks in Queens prepping for a wedding or big job interview. Severe cases, like major crowding or bite problems, might have you visiting your Braces in Forest Hills orthodontist for two years or more. Your orthodontist will map out a plan based on how much your teeth need to move.

 

Aligner Wear Schedule

Invisalign Is a commitment, like catching the 7 train on time. You’re supposed to wear those aligners 20–22 hours a day, only popping them out to eat, drink, or brush. Skimp on wear time—say, leaving them out for that extra-long happy hour in Long Island—and you’re adding weeks or months to your timeline. Sticking to the schedule is key to keeping things on track with Invisalign Queens.

 

Invisalign vs Braces: Which is Faster?

When it comes to Invisalign vs braces duration, it’s not a one-size-fits-all answer. Invisalign can be faster for mild to moderate cases, clocking in at 6–18 months, especially if you’re diligent about wearing your aligners. Traditional braces, like those offered at Braces Queens, often take 18–36 months, especially for severe cases. Braces don’t rely on your discipline—they’re glued on, so they’re always working. But Invisalign’s flexibility and discreet look make it a favorite for NYC folks who don’t want metal cramping their style.

 

Invisalign vs Braces – Average Duration

Here’s how the two stack up:

Treatment Type Average Duration
Invisalign 6–24 months
Braces 18–36 months

If you’re in Forest Hills or Long Island and torn between the two, Invisalign might edge out for speed in simpler cases, but braces could be the better call for complex fixes. Chat with your orthodontist to see what fits your life.

 

How to Speed Up Invisalign Treatment

Want to know how to speed up Invisalign and get that perfect smile before your next big NYC moment? Here are some street-smart tips to keep things moving:

 

Effective Tips and Common Mistakes

  • Wear Them Religiously: Aim for 20–22 hours a day. Taking aligners out for too long—like during a marathon bodega run—slows progress.
  • Switch Aligners on Time: Most plans have you swap aligners every 1–2 weeks. Stick to the schedule your Invisalign Queens provider gives you.
  • Keep ‘Em Clean: Dirty aligners can cause issues, so brush and rinse them daily to avoid delays from dental problems.
  • Avoid Skipping Appointments: Regular check-ins with your orthodontist in Forest Hills or Queens keep your treatment on track.
  • Consider Add-Ons: Some orthodontists offer tools like AcceleDent, which uses vibrations to speed up tooth movement, though it’s an extra cost.

Common mistakes? Forgetting to wear aligners or losing them at a bar in Astoria. Keep them in a case when you’re eating your pastrami sandwich, and don’t skip those ortho visits.

 

Can Invisalign Work in 3 Months?

Three months is a stretch, even for the simplest cases. Invisalign Express, designed for minor tweaks, can take 6–12 months, but 3 months is rare unless your teeth are already nearly perfect. If you’re in Long Island dreaming of a super-quick fix, talk to your Braces in Forest Hills orthodontist to see if you qualify for a short-term plan.

 

FAQs About Invisalign Duration

How long does Invisalign take for mild crowding?

For minor crowding or spacing, expect 6–12 months, especially if you’re consistent with your Invisalign Queens aligners.

Is Invisalign faster than braces?

For mild to moderate cases, Invisalign can be quicker (6–18 months) than braces (18–36 months). Severe cases might lean toward braces for better control.

Can I speed up my Invisalign treatment?

Yup—wear your aligners 20–22 hours a day, stick to your aligner switch schedule, and don’t miss appointments with your Braces Queens orthodontist.

What happens if I don’t wear my aligners enough?

Skimping on wear time can add months to your treatment. Stay disciplined to keep your timeline tight.

 

Skip to content