In the world of orthodontics, Invisalign has revolutionised how people approach teeth straightening. It’s discreet, flexible, and often faster than traditional braces. But a question that naturally comes up for many patients is: How long does Invisalign take?
If you’re considering Invisalign, knowing the timeline can help you make an informed decision and stay motivated throughout the process. This article breaks down how Invisalign works, average treatment times, the variables that influence those times, and tips for speeding up your progress, especially if you’re starting treatment in Nigeria or anywhere else.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a modern orthodontic system that uses a series of custom-made, transparent plastic trays (also known as aligners) to gradually move your teeth into the desired position. The aligners are made using 3D imaging technology and are changed every 1 to 2 weeks.
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are:
- Removable
- Virtually invisible
- Comfortable to wear
- Designed to fit seamlessly into your lifestyle
They can treat a wide range of dental concerns, including:
- Crowded teeth
- Gapped teeth
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Crossbites
- Open bites
Now let’s dive into how long this revolutionary treatment usually takes—and why.
So, How Long Does Invisalign Take?
The average Invisalign treatment takes between 6 to 18 months, but some patients may complete their treatment in as little as 3 months, while others may need 24 months or longer. The duration is heavily influenced by how complex your case is and how consistently you follow the treatment plan.
Typical Invisalign Timelines:
| Dental Concern | Average Treatment Time |
| Minor spacing or crowding | 3 – 6 months |
| Moderate spacing or crowding | 6 – 12 months |
| Bite issues (e.g., overbite, underbite) | 12 – 18 months |
| Complex alignment issues | 18 – 24+ months |
If you’re starting Invisalign treatment and wondering how long Invisalign takes in Lagos or Nigeria generally, these averages hold true—but your specific case may differ depending on your dental history and treatment provider.
What Influences Invisalign Treatment Time?
1. Severity of Your Case
One of the most significant factors is how much your teeth need to move. Mild cases of misalignment can be fixed quickly, while more complex bite or spacing issues will take longer to treat.
2. Your Age
Younger patients (typically teens and young adults) may see faster results because their jaws and bones are still developing. That said, adults still experience excellent outcomes—it may just take a bit longer.
3. Wearing Your Aligners Consistently
This can’t be overstated. Aligners must be worn for 20–22 hours per day. Taking them out frequently or wearing them for fewer hours will slow down your progress and extend your treatment.
4. Aligner Change Frequency
Your dentist or orthodontist may instruct you to switch aligners every 7, 10, or 14 days. The shorter the interval (provided your progress supports it), the faster your treatment will go.
5. Refinements or Mid-Course Corrections
In some cases, additional aligners (called “refinements”) may be needed after your initial set is done to perfect your smile. These refinements can add several weeks or months to your treatment.
6. Your Provider’s Experience
Working with an experienced Invisalign provider means your treatment is planned with precision, reducing the chance of delays or errors. Expert providers use advanced digital scanning and have a better grasp on timelines and adjustments.
Invisalign vs. Braces: Which is Faster?
Wondering how Invisalign stacks up against traditional braces?
| Feature | Invisalign | Traditional Braces |
| Visibility | Virtually invisible | Highly visible |
| Average Treatment Time | 6 – 18 months | 18 – 24+ months |
| Comfort | Smooth aligners | Brackets and wires |
| Diet Restrictions | None (removable) | Many (fixed braces) |
| Oral Hygiene | Easy (remove to brush) | Harder to maintain |
For mild to moderate cases, Invisalign is often faster than braces. However, braces may still be more effective for treating very severe orthodontic conditions.
Getting Invisalign in Lagos: Start With Luxe Dental
If you’re considering Invisalign in Lagos, your provider matters. A well-planned treatment by a skilled orthodontist can significantly shorten your timeline and ensure long-lasting results.
Why Choose Luxe Dental?
Luxe Dental, located in the heart of Lagos, is a leading Invisalign provider offering:
- Certified and experienced Invisalign professionals
- Personalized 3D treatment plans
- Advanced intraoral scanners (no messy impressions!)
- Transparent pricing and flexible payment options
- A clean, tech-forward dental clinic that prioritizes your comfort
Whether you’re a busy professional or a student looking for a low-maintenance smile upgrade, Luxe Dental is designed to make Invisalign easy, effective, and fast.
Book a consultation with Luxe Dental here to begin your journey toward a more confident smile.
How to Shorten Your Invisalign Treatment
To ensure you get the best results in the shortest time, follow these tips:
- Wear your aligners for 22 hours a day
- Change aligners on schedule as advised by your provider
- Clean your aligners properly to prevent distortion
- Use aligner seaters (chewies) to improve fit
- Don’t miss appointments for progress checks and refinements
- Avoid smoking or drinking hot beverages while wearing them
The more consistent and disciplined you are, the faster you’ll see your new smile.
After Invisalign: Retainers and Maintenance
Once your Invisalign treatment is complete, you’ll likely need to wear retainers to maintain your results. Retainers are custom-fitted devices that prevent your teeth from shifting back into their original positions.
Most dentists recommend:
- Full-time wear for the first few months after treatment
- Night-time wear is essential to keep your smile intact
This phase is crucial, and skipping it can undo months of hard work.
Final Thoughts
So, how long does Invisalign take? The answer depends on you, your case, your consistency, and your provider. But in most cases, you can expect results in 6 to 18 months. Invisalign is not just about getting straighter teeth; it’s about doing it comfortably, discreetly, and efficiently.
If you’re ready to take the first step, start by choosing a trusted Invisalign provider like Luxe Dental in Lagos. With expert care, cutting-edge tools, and a personalised approach, they’ll help you achieve your dream smile—on time and on budget.
