How long does aligner treatment take?
Depending on how complex the case is, from a few months for minor corrections to one or two years for more complex situations. Wearing the trays consistently has a strong influence on the duration.
Clear aligners
The duration depends mainly on the extent of the movements required. Slight crowding of the front teeth is generally corrected more quickly than a mismatch between the jaws or large gaps between the teeth.
The treatment plan drawn up at the start gives an estimate of the number of trays and therefore of the likely duration. The dentist presents it to you before you begin, along with its limits: every body responds at its own pace.
The factor you control most is how long you wear the trays. Trays that are not worn enough do not move the teeth as planned, which sometimes means extending treatment or making additional trays.
Follow-up appointments track progress. At the end of the active phase, retention is put in place to stabilise the result, and it is an integral part of the treatment.
This is a general answer. Only a consultation at the practice can tell what suits your situation.
Other questions in this section
- How do clear aligners work?
- How many hours a day do aligners need to be worn?
- Can I eat and drink with aligners?
- Do aligners hurt?
- Aligners or fixed braces: which should I choose, particularly as an adult?
- What happens after treatment: do I need a retainer?
- The treatment in detail : Clear aligners
- See the whole section
- All frequently asked questions