If you are considering clear aligners to get your teeth straightened, one of the first things you would want to know is how long the treatment will take. Among the many advantages that make clear aligners a popular choice, a potential decrease in treatment time is a prominent one. Unlike metal braces, clear aligners start showing results week by week with each new aligner change.

Clear aligners are removable plastic trays that fit onto your crooked or misaligned teeth like a glove and push to realign or straighten them. After going through scans, x-rays, and photographs of your teeth and facial structure, the dentist or orthodontist will first diagnose the type of malocclusion. He/she will then prepare a treatment plan, and then manufacture a series of custom-made aligners from OrthoFX to straighten your teeth. The number of aligners depends on the complexity of the issue. 

The timeline 

Each set of OrthoFX aligners are meant to be worn for a week before you change into the next set from the series. In most cases, clear aligners start working within the first 24 hours of wearing them. They push the teeth toward the desired position by gradually applying force on the crown of the tooth. Each set of aligners moves the individual teeth up to 0.18mm before the next set takes over. The follow-up sets are designed to fit the teeth in their new position. Some cases take less time, some take more.  It depends on the complexity of the issue. . However, OrthoFX aligners, made from FXTetra polymer, are designed for a 7 day wear cycle rather than 14 days in an effort to increase efficiency. The results start showing within the predicted time frame and most treatment ends on time – largely improved by compliance and wearing the aligners 22 hours a day. Once the treatment is over and the teeth have reached their desired position, you have to wear a retainer according to your doctor’s instructions to ensure the teeth do not relapse back to their initial alignment.

Maintain discipline

Clear aligners are supposed to be worn for 20-22 hours a day for best results. If this strict timeline is not adhered to, the effectiveness of the treatment takes longer and delays the process. Ideally, you can plan your meals and oral care routine within the remaining 2-hour window and try to reduce aligner-free time as much as possible. Reinsert the aligners as soon as you finish eating, brushing, and flossing to maximize the effect of the treatment. 

Treatment with clear aligners is one of the best methods to straighten crooked or misaligned teeth. For more information on the treatment procedure, book an in-person appointment with a local OrthoFX doctor and kick-start your smile journey today. 

References:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25939782/