? How Long Invisalign Takes: Wondering if Invisalign is faster than braces? Dr. D, Austin’s Children orthodontist, compares treatment times for all ages—plus how to accelerate your results. – Bee Cave Orthodontics
One of the most common questions we hear at our Austin practice is: “Will Invisalign take longer than traditional braces?” The answer? It depends. As an experienced orthodontist and Invisalign provider for patients of all ages, I’ll break down the five key factors that determine treatment duration—and how kids, teens, and adults can optimize their timeline.
1. Age & Growth Potential
Children (Ages 7-12)
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Braces: 12-24 months (with 2-phase treatment)
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Invisalign First®: 6-12 months (for limited correction)
Why? Younger jaws respond faster to guidance.
Teens (Ages 12-18)
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Braces: 18-24 months (average)
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Invisalign Teen: 12-18 months (with compliance)
Pro Tip: Our Austin teens using the DentalMonitoring app finish 23% faster.
Adults
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Braces: 20-30 months (denser bone slows movement)
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Invisalign: 12-24 months (case-dependent)
2. Case Complexity
| Issue | Braces Duration | Invisalign Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Mild Crowding | 12 months | 6-10 months |
| Severe Overbite | 24 months | 18-22 months |
| Crossbite | 18 months | 12-15 months |
Note: Invisalign now handles ~90% of cases that braces can treat.
3. Compliance: The #1 Wildcard
Invisalign requires 22-hour daily wear to match braces’ speed. Non-compliance adds 3-6 months. Our solutions:
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Smart Aligners (track wear time via Bluetooth)
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Blue Compliance Dots (fade if underused)
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Two-Week Changes (vs. standard one-week)
4. Biological Response Variations
Some patients’ teeth move faster due to:
✔ Younger age (more responsive periodontal ligaments)
✔ Good oral hygiene (healthy gums respond better)
✔ Regular adjustments (our Austin patients see us every 8 weeks)
How to Ensure the Fastest Possible Treatment
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Choose an Experienced Provider (We’re a Platinum+ Invisalign Provider)
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Follow the 22-Hour Rule Religiously
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Attend All Check-Ups (Skipping adds weeks)
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Use Movement Aids (Chewies 10 mins/day)
Real Patient Results:
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*”My daughter’s 24-month braces estimate became 14 months with Invisalign + VPro!”* – The C. Family (Austin)
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“At 38, I finished in 11 months using AcceleDent.” – Mark R.
The Verdict? Schedule a Free Consultation!
How Long Invisalign Takes vs. Braces? When worn properly, Invisalign is usually faster than braces!
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