If you’re considering Invisalign to straighten your teeth, you may be wondering: How long does the treatment take? The answer depends on several factors, including the severity of misalignment, how consistently you wear your aligners, and your specific treatment plan. At Great Northwest Dental in Auburn, WA, we customize every Invisalign treatment to ensure the fastest and most effective results.

Average Invisalign Treatment Time

On average, Invisalign treatment takes 12-18 months, but some patients start seeing noticeable improvements within just a few weeks. Mild cases may be completed in as little as 6 months, while more complex cases may take up to 24 months.

Factors That Affect Invisalign Treatment Duration

Several factors influence how long your Invisalign journey will take:

1. Severity of Misalignment – Minor gaps or slight crowding require less time than severe misalignment or bite corrections.
2. Compliance with Wearing Aligners – Wearing your aligners 20-22 hours per day is essential for keeping your treatment on track.
3. Age of the Patient – Younger patients often see faster results because their teeth move more easily.
4. Number of Aligners in Your Series – More aligners mean a longer treatment time, depending on your customized plan.
5. Follow-Up and Adjustments – Regular check-ins with your dentist ensure everything is progressing as expected.

The Invisalign Process: Step-by-Step Timeline

Step 1: Initial Consultation and Digital Scan (Week 1)

Your Invisalign journey begins with a comprehensive consultation at Great Northwest Dental. Using advanced 3D digital scanning technology, we create a detailed map of your teeth and develop a personalized treatment plan.

Step 2: Custom Aligner Fabrication (Weeks 2-4)

Your custom-made Invisalign aligners are fabricated and shipped. Once ready, you’ll return to our office to receive your first set of aligners and instructions for wear.

Step 3: Wearing Your Aligners (Ongoing)

• Switching Aligners Every 1-2 Weeks – You’ll change to a new set of aligners about every 7-14 days, gradually moving your teeth into the desired position.
• Regular Check-Ups Every 6-8 Weeks – We’ll monitor your progress and provide new aligners as needed.

Step 4: Refinements (If Necessary) (Month 6-18)

If additional adjustments are needed, refinement aligners may be provided to fine-tune your results.

Step 5: Completion & Retainers (Month 12-24)

Once your teeth have reached their final position, you’ll be given custom retainers to maintain your new smile and prevent shifting.

How To Speed Up Invisalign Treatment

Want to complete your Invisalign treatment as quickly as possible? Here are some tips to speed up your progress:

• Wear Aligners 20-22 Hours Per Day – The closer you stick to this rule, the faster your teeth will shift.
• Follow Your Aligner Change Schedule – Changing aligners on time keeps your treatment moving forward.
• Keep Up with Your Dental Checkups – Regular visits to Great Northwest Dental ensure everything is progressing correctly.
• Use Invisalign Chewies – These small tools help seat your aligners properly for a more effective fit.
• Maintain Good Oral Hygiene – Healthy teeth and gums respond better to treatment, so brush and floss regularly.

Get Invisalign At Great Northwest Dental In Auburn, WA

At Great Northwest Dental, we are proud to be a Diamond Top 1% Invisalign Provider, meaning we have extensive experience in helping patients achieve straighter, healthier smiles. With Invisalign, you can achieve a straighter, more confident smile—often in less time than you think. Schedule your consultation today with Great Northwest Dental.