Invisalign trays (or other invisible braces)usually need to be changed every 7, 10 or 14 days, depending on your treatment plan and how your teeth are responding.
Your dentist or orthodontist will tell you when to move on to the next tray, so you should not change them earlier than advised. Invisalign recommends wearing aligners for around 20 to 22 hours a day to help keep treatment on track.
Bass Orthodontics offers invisible braces in Harley Street to help you achieve beautiful straight teeth, at any age. For more information, email us at reception@bassorthodontics.com or call us on 0207 580 8780
For Invisalign and other invisible braces, that average treatment can take around 12 to 18 months, although some people may finish sooner and others may need longer. Mild cases can sometimes be completed in as little as six months.
The total length of Invisalign treatment varies from person-to-person. It depends on how much your teeth need to move, the complexity of your case and how consistently you wear your aligners.
For some patients having just their upper or lower teeth straightened, using an upper or lower arch, you may find that the total treatment time is only 8 or 12 weeks.
During treatment, you will work through a series of trays. Each one is designed to move your teeth gradually towards their planned position. You will normally have regular appointments with your dentist or orthodontist to check that your teeth are tracking as expected.
Changing your Invisalign trays at the right time is an important part of keeping your treatment on schedule.
Each tray is designed for a particular stage of your treatment. It applies gentle, controlled pressure to your teeth to encourage them to move into a new position. Once that stage has been completed, you can progress to the next tray.
Wearing your aligners for the recommended amount of time is also important. Most people are advised to wear them for 20 to 22 hours each day, removing them for eating, drinking, brushing and flossing.
Following your dentist's instructions helps ensure that your treatment progresses as planned.
It may seem surprising that you need a new tray every 7, 10 or 14 days. However, Invisalign works through a series of small movements rather than trying to move your teeth into their final positions all at once.
Every tray is slightly different. It is designed to apply pressure to particular teeth and encourage them to move gradually. Once your teeth have responded to that stage, the next tray can continue the process.
If you do not change your trays when instructed, your treatment may take longer or the results may not be as effective. Your current aligner is designed for a particular stage of tooth movement, so continuing to wear it beyond the recommended period does not necessarily mean your teeth will move faster or more effectively.
You may also find that your treatment stops progressing as planned. In some cases, additional aligners may be needed to get your teeth back on track.
On the other hand, you should not change to your next tray earlier than instructed either. Moving on too quickly may mean your teeth have not completed the movement expected for that stage.
If your next tray feels too tight, does not fit properly or you have missed significant wear time, speak to your dentist or orthodontist before changing trays.
It is best not to change your trays early unless your orthodontist has specifically told you to do so.
Although some treatment plans use a 7-day schedule and others use 10 or 14 days, the correct timing depends on your teeth and your individual treatment plan. Your dentist or orthodontist will monitor your progress and can adjust the schedule if necessary.
For the best chance of staying on schedule, wear your aligners for around 20 to 22 hours a day, keep them clean and attend your recommended check-ups.
