How Long Does Treatment with Clear Aligners Last?

Clear aligners are custom-fitted plastic aligners worn over your teeth to gradually move them into a straighter, healthier position. The treatment starts with a consultation with a licensed dentist like Dr. Anu Mohan. We’ll inspect your teeth and jaws to determine if clear aligners are the best treatment. Sometimes, you may need to combine clear aligners with other therapies, especially if you have undeveloped jaws or deep-set bite issues.

If clear aligners are a good fit, we’ll digitally scan your teeth and create a 3D smile model. We then use special software to simulate your treatment plan, predicting how and when your teeth move during treatment. This simulation allows you to “see” your results before treatment starts.

Next, our partner lab will custom-create your aligners based on your treatment plan. The aligners are worn in progression, switching to the next in line every two weeks. Although removable, the aligners must be worn for at least 22 hours daily to achieve the desired outcomes in the expected timeline.

Although timelines vary, clear aligners need 9-18 months to resolve moderate to severe orthodontic problems. However, patients with mild alignment and crowding issues can complete treatment within a few months. Like any treatment, your treatment timeline depends on several factors.

Some include:

• The severity of the orthodontic issue: As you’d expect, addressing mild alignment issues requires less time than correcting complex problems, such as severe overcrowding or deep bites. Malocclusions involve more than just repositioning your teeth; the treatment also involves adjusting the jaws to achieve a functional and balanced bite.
• Compliance with treatment: Aligners must be worn almost full-time to ensure faster treatment. Only remove your aligners during meals or when cleaning your teeth. You can remove your aligners on special occasions, but ensure you meet the 22-hour mark. Failure to wear the aligners as directed may prolong treatment, even for minor issues. Stay on track with your treatment by setting reminders or using certain applications to ensure you comply. 

Clear aligners straighten your teeth in almost the same period as conventional braces. So, why not perfect your smile with sleek, removable aligners?