How long does Invisalign treatment take?
One of the first questions most patients ask us at Green Dental Care is, “How long will Invisalign take?” The answer depends on your unique smile, but most cases we see here in Parker, CO take about 9 to 12 months. That timeframe is an average—it can be shorter for simpler cases, or longer if your teeth require more complex adjustments.
For example, if you only need to correct mild crowding or close a small gap, your Invisalign journey may be closer to 6–9 months. If we’re addressing more significant bite issues, treatment could extend beyond a year. During your consultation, Dr. Matt Siracusa or Dr. Christopher Green will use a digital scan and Invisalign’s outcome simulator to give you a more personalized estimate.
It’s also important to know that your consistency plays a huge role in timing. Invisalign aligners work best when worn 23 hours a day. If you’re taking them out often, treatment will likely take longer. Think of it like going to the gym—you’ll see the best results when you stick to the plan.
The good news? Invisalign often works faster than patients expect. Because each set of aligners is custom-designed to make small, steady changes, you’ll notice improvements in your smile within just a few weeks. Many of our patients tell us they gain confidence long before their treatment is officially finished.
How often should I wear my Invisalign aligners?
To get the best possible results, we recommend wearing your Invisalign aligners 23 hours a day, every day. That means your aligners should be in place almost all the time—only coming out when you’re eating, drinking (anything besides water), brushing, or flossing.
Think of your aligners as “braces that you control.” The more you wear them, the more effective they’ll be at moving your teeth. If you forget to put them back in after a meal or leave them out for long stretches, your teeth may not shift as planned. This can cause your current trays to stop fitting correctly, which delays your progress.
We know that life happens, and sometimes you may need a little flexibility. That’s okay—as long as it’s the exception and not the rule. Our role at Green Dental Care is to help you stay on track. That’s why we schedule routine check-ins. At those visits, we can spot right away if your teeth aren’t keeping up with the treatment plan. If adjustments are needed, we’ll guide you through the next steps.
Most of our Parker patients find that once wearing their aligners becomes a habit, it feels completely natural. It’s like putting on your shoes before leaving the house—you won’t even think twice about it.
How do I care for my Invisalign aligners?
Caring for your aligners is simple, but it makes a big difference in your treatment experience. Clean aligners stay clear, fresh, and comfortable, while neglected aligners can start to look cloudy or even develop an odor. At Green Dental Care, we’ll provide you with a professional cleaning solution when you begin treatment, but here are some additional tips we share with all of our Invisalign patients:
- Soak your aligners daily. Using either the solution we give you or a mild liquid soap, soak your aligners to keep them fresh. This helps break down any buildup that brushing alone won’t remove.
- Rinse whenever you remove them. Before popping them back in, run your aligners under lukewarm water. This keeps saliva and food particles from getting trapped.
- Avoid using a toothbrush. Scrubbing aligners with a toothbrush may seem logical, but it can cause scratches and damage. These small abrasions make aligners look cloudy and wear down faster.
- Keep them out of hot water. Heat can warp the plastic, which affects how well your aligners fit. Always use cool or lukewarm water instead.
- Store them properly. When not in use, keep your aligners in their case. This prevents loss and keeps them safe from bacteria.
Following these simple steps ensures your aligners stay as clear as the day you got them. And because clean aligners are more comfortable, you’ll be more motivated to wear them as directed.
Will Invisalign affect my speech?
It’s very common to wonder whether Invisalign will change how you talk. The truth is, there’s usually a short adjustment period at the start of treatment. When you first put in your aligners, you may feel like you’re speaking differently—some patients describe it as a slight lisp or a “funny” sensation when pronouncing certain words.
The good news is that this adjustment period is temporary. For most patients at Green Dental Care, it lasts just one to two weeks. During this time, your mouth is getting used to the aligners, and your tongue is learning how to adapt. The more you wear your trays and practice speaking, the faster the adjustment happens.
We often encourage patients to read out loud or engage in more conversation during those first days. This speeds up the process and helps you feel confident in your speech again. By the second week, most people notice that they sound completely normal—and often forget they’re even wearing aligners.
It’s also worth noting that Invisalign aligners are designed to fit snugly against your teeth. They’re thin, smooth, and custom-made for your mouth, which minimizes interference with your speech. Unlike traditional braces, there are no brackets or wires that might irritate your tongue or lips.
So while you may experience a short “learning curve,” Invisalign won’t cause lasting changes to your speech. And once you’ve adjusted, you’ll enjoy the benefits of straighter teeth without worrying about how you sound.
At Green Dental Care in Parker, CO, our goal is to make your Invisalign experience as comfortable, predictable, and rewarding as possible. We’ll walk you through every step of the process—from your first consultation with Dr. Matt Siracusa or Dr. Christopher Green to your final set of aligners.
If you have more questions about Invisalign or want to see if you’re a candidate, give us a call at (720) 845-5252. We’d love to help you discover just how life-changing a straighter, healthier smile can be.
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