Several different factors can impact the length of time that orthodontic treatments will take.

Average Treatment Timelines

You’ll often hear about the average treatment time for braces being 18 to 24 months. However, one study, published in Science Direct, pegged the average treatment time at 20 months for most patients, including teens and adults. 

The average treatment time with Invisalign aligners is 12 to 18 months. Treatment times tend to be shorter with Invisalign because the aligners are less effective than braces when correcting more severe bite issues. Invisalign works best when mild to moderate tooth shifting is needed, while braces can produce more dramatic effects. 

Key Factors That Influence Duration

Here are the main factors that will impact the time you may need for complete treatment with braces and Invisalign.

Severity of the Case

If a patient has a more severe malocclusion (bite), treatment will generally take longer to straighten their teeth. If they have some mild teeth crowding, a shorter treatment with Invisalign might be the best, fastest option. If the teeth require more movement, braces are usually the best answer. 

Age of the Patient

One of the apparent reasons Invisalign is so popular is that the aligners are nearly “invisible.” This makes Invisalign an excellent choice for adults who may not want others to know they’re receiving orthodontic treatment. However, a patient’s age will impact treatment times. 

Most of the patients you see with traditional braces will be teenagers. Their bone structure is less fully developed, making the teeth more cooperative when shifting. For this reason, the early teen years are the optimal time for treatment with braces. As a patient gets into adulthood and older, their bone density increases and the slower the movement of the teeth will be. There’s not really an age “cap” on when you can receive treatment with either option, but the older a person is, the longer treatment will take. 

Type of Treatment

Braces can be more effective for complex cases, but treatment times will be longer. Invisalign provides the patient with more flexibility, but requires strict compliance when wearing the aligners. As long as you follow your orthodontist’s instructions, Invisalign can be completed more quickly in many cases. 

Patient Compliance

Whether you’re being treated with braces or Invisalign, patient compliance is crucial to finishing on time. If you don’t follow the instructions regarding oral hygiene, you could end up with cavities. This can lengthen the treatment time because the process will be interrupted for fillings or other procedures.

Biological Response

Every patient is unique, and everyone’s teeth and bone structure respond differently to pressure from braces or Invisalign. Some patients progress naturally faster than others, and medical science doesn’t have an excellent answer for this, other than individual biological response. If your treatment ends up being faster than expected, that’s never bad!

How Melbourne Orthodontics Personalizes Treatment

At Melbourne Orthodontics, we take personalized treatment of every patient seriously. We realize that everyone is unique and has their own goals regarding their smile and what they hope to achieve through treatment. We’ll discuss your treatment options thoroughly and recommend the best course of action for you, whether that involves Invisalign, braces, or another option. You’ll be fully informed of any advantages or disadvantages with each option to make the best decision based on your needs. 

If you’d like to explore your options for achieving the perfect smile, contact us today to schedule an appointment.