“Patience is not the ability to wait, but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting.” — Joyce Meyer

So, you’re thinking about Invisalign. Maybe you’ve even made the decision already. But one question still lingers: How long does Invisalign take?

Great question—and the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all.

Let’s walk through the Invisalign timeline and what affects how long your treatment actually lasts. Because whether it’s six months or two years, we’re here to make every step smooth, clear, and as fast as your teeth will allow.

What’s the Average Invisalign Treatment Duration?

The average Invisalign treatment time ranges from 6 to 18 months.

Some patients finish in under a year. Others take closer to two. It all depends on what your smile needs and how well you stick to the plan.

In some minor cases—like slight crowding or a tiny gap—we’ve seen results in as little as four months. More complex cases, like major bite issues or multiple rotated teeth, can take 20 months or more.

It all starts with a good game plan. And a dentist who knows what they’re doing (spoiler alert: we do).

Factors That Influence Invisalign Treatment Time

Every smile tells a different story. Here’s what determines how long your Invisalign journey might be:

1. The Complexity of Your Case

This one’s big. If you’ve got just a little shifting to do, great—your treatment will likely be on the shorter side.

If you’re dealing with issues like:

• Severe crowding
• Spacing
• Overbites or underbites
• Crossbites
• Tooth rotation

…it might take a bit longer. The more movement required, the more aligners you’ll go through.

2. How Often You Wear Your Aligners

You’ve probably heard this already—but let us say it again: wear your aligners 20 to 22 hours a day.

Seriously. The more consistent you are, the faster your teeth move. If you’re constantly taking them out or forgetting to wear them, you’ll slow down the whole process.

So yeah, they’re removable—but that doesn’t mean optional.

3. Your Age

Teenagers tend to see quicker results. Why? Because their teeth and bones are still developing, which makes movement a little faster.

That said, adults see amazing results too. It just might take a few more months on average.

4. Sticking to the Schedule

Invisalign treatment involves switching to a new set of aligners every 1 to 2 weeks. Follow the schedule, and you’ll stay on track.

Sometimes we adjust the pace based on how your teeth are responding. But in general? Consistency wins.

5. Mid-Treatment Adjustments

Things don’t always go perfectly. If we need to make refinements (extra aligners to fine-tune your results), that can add a little time.

It’s not a setback—it’s part of the process. We’re here to make sure the end result is everything you hoped for.

The Invisalign Timeline: A Realistic Overview

Here’s what a typical treatment journey looks like:

Month 1: Digital scans, custom treatment plan, first set of aligners delivered.

Months 2–6: You’re in the groove—switching trays, checking in with us every 6–8 weeks.

Months 6–12: Seeing big changes now! Smile is noticeably straighter.

Months 12–18+: Final refinements and polishing off the alignment.

Throughout this process, we’re here every step of the way. Whether it’s an in-person checkup or a virtual scan review, you’ll never feel like you’re figuring it out alone.

Can You Speed Up Invisalign Treatment?

Kinda. Sorta.

While we don’t want to rush your teeth (they need time to move safely), there are a few ways to avoid unnecessary delays:

• Wear aligners as directed (yes, we’re saying it again)
• Keep up with appointments
• Use chewies to help seat aligners properly
• Follow your daily routine—no skipping trays!

Some patients also ask about acceleration tools like AcceleDent or Propel. These aren’t required, but in some cases, they can help speed things along. Ask us if you’re curious.

What Happens After Invisalign Ends?

Once your treatment is done, we’ll evaluate your results. If everything looks great (and it usually does), we’ll take final photos and give you your custom retainer.

Retainers are essential. Your teeth have a memory, and they’ll try to move back to their old spots. Retainers keep them right where they belong.

Most people wear theirs at night while they sleep. Easy, right?

Invisalign Treatment in Beverly Hills: Why It Matters Who You Choose

Here at Beverly Hills Aesthetic Dentistry, we treat Invisalign like both a science and an art.

Dr. Jamielynn Hanam-Jahr and our team create personalized treatment plans that fit your life and deliver lasting results. We use advanced tech, like the iTero scanner, to ensure every aligner fits like a glove.

We also offer:

• Flexible payment plans
• Evening and weekend appointments
• Virtual consults and progress monitoring

So your Invisalign treatment fits your life—not the other way around.

Final Thoughts

How long does Invisalign take? It depends. But with the right provider, a clear plan, and some daily consistency, you’ll be shocked how fast the time goes.

Trust the process. Stick with it. And let us help you smile every step of the way.