Invisalign treatment for adults and teens ages 16 and older typically lasts between 12 to 18 months, though individual timelines vary based on a range of factors, including case complexity, patient age, oral health, and how consistently aligners are worn. While some patients may complete treatment in as little as six months, others—particularly those with significant bite issues or slower tooth movement—may require 24 to 30 months or more. Although many patients begin to see visible changes early on, completing the full course of treatment is critical to achieving stable, long-lasting results.
Dental Depot of Oklahoma is a Diamond Plus Invisalign® provider, an elite status earned by only 1% of providers worldwide who demonstrate exceptional expertise and consistent success with over 400 Invisalign cases annually. Our team uses advanced tools like the iTero 2® Intraoral Scanner for precise digital imaging and more effective treatment planning, ensuring better outcomes. With extensive experience in clear aligner therapy, Dental Depot’s Invisalign-certified orthodontists and dentists know how to guide patients through every stage of treatment for a smooth process and lasting results, giving you the smile you’ve always dreamed of
Invisalign works by gradually moving your teeth using a series of custom-made, clear plastic trays called aligners. These aligners are worn for 20 to 22 hours a day and swapped out every one to two weeks, depending on your provider’s instructions. Each new set applies gentle, controlled pressure to specific teeth, guiding them toward their ideal position.
The average Invisalign treatment for adults and teens 16 and older lasts around 12 to 18 months. Simpler cases—like mild crowding or small gaps—may finish in as little as six months, while more complex issues, such as deep bites, cross-bites, or rotated teeth, may require closer to 18 to 24 months. And in some cases, especially where multiple bite problems are involved, treatment can extend to 30 months or longer.
This first phase involves meeting with an Invisalign-certified provider who will examine your bite, discuss your goals, and take a detailed 3D scan of your teeth using digital imaging technology like the iTero scanner. This scan provides the foundation for your entire treatment plan.
From your initial consultation to the creation of your aligners, this phase may take up to two weeks.
Once your scan is complete, your provider uses advanced software to map out a step-by-step movement plan for each tooth. This digital blueprint not only predicts how your smile will evolve over time, but also ensures each aligner is tailored precisely to your anatomy.
Treatment planning is typically completed within a few days to a week, depending on the complexity of your case.
You’ll receive your first sets of custom aligners and begin wearing them right away—ideally for 20 to 22 hours per day. Each tray is worn for one to two weeks before progressing to the next, with every aligner applying gentle, targeted pressure to guide your teeth into new positions.
Most patients start seeing visible changes within the first few weeks of this phase.
Throughout treatment, you’ll have regular check-ins—usually every six to eight weeks—so your provider can assess progress, hand out your next aligners, and make any needed modifications to your plan. This phase ensures your treatment stays on track and allows for refinements if certain teeth are moving more slowly than expected.
You will have scheduled check-ups with your provider for the duration of your aligner sequence.
Once you’ve worn your final set of aligners and achieved your desired results, your provider will fit you with a custom retainer—such as Invisalign’s Vivera retainers—to help maintain your new smile. The retention phase is so critical to preventing relapse and ensuring your results last that Dental Depot of Oklahoma offers the Smile Protection Assurance Plan, which allows you to replace up to three sets of lost or damaged retainers for three years at a discounted price. This helps ensure that even if your first retainer becomes worn out, lost, or damaged, you can continue to protect your hard-earned investment of a beautiful smile without breaking the bank.
Retention is lifelong, but the most intensive wear period typically follows the first 6–12 months after active treatment ends.
For adults and teens 16 and up, one of the biggest advantages of Invisalign is how quickly you may begin to see results; for some patients, this may be up to .25 mm within the first few days, during early bone remodeling, or visible changes in gaps or bite within the first four to six weeks. This early progress can be exciting and motivating, but it sometimes leads to the mistaken belief that treatment is nearly finished. In reality, those initial shifts are just the beginning. Lasting orthodontic change happens gradually, and each tooth needs to move precisely and stabilize in its new position to avoid bite issues, misalignment, or relapse down the road.
To achieve the best outcome, it’s essential to wear your aligners consistently—20 to 22 hours a day—and stick to the treatment plan your provider designed. Removing them too often or switching trays too early can delay progress or even reverse it. Staying on schedule with check-ins allows your provider to monitor how your teeth are responding and make necessary refinements if needed. Invisalign works best not by rushing, but by maintaining steady, disciplined progress every step of the way.
Several variables can influence how long your Invisalign treatment takes, even if you’re following your plan closely. Understanding what can impact your timeline helps set realistic expectations and allows you to stay more engaged throughout the process. The better you understand the moving parts, the better equipped you’ll be to stay on track.
Severity of misalignment
The more severe your misalignment, the longer your treatment is likely to take. Minor crowding or spacing may be resolved in as little as 6 months, while more significant bite issues—like deep bites or underbites—can extend treatment to 18 months or more.
Complexity of the case
Simple cases often require only 10–20 aligners, while complex cases may need 50 or more. The more aligners your case involves, the longer your timeline will be, especially if movement needs to be staged to avoid overwhelming the surrounding structures.
Age and bone density
Younger patients, particularly teens, typically experience faster results because their jawbones are still growing and more responsive to movement. Adults, on the other hand, may require more time due to denser bone tissue that takes longer to remodel.
Compliance with wear time
Invisalign must be worn 20 to 22 hours per day to stay on track. Dropping to even 18 hours a day can significantly delay results—sometimes doubling your expected treatment time.
Treatment plan and adjustments
The accuracy of your initial digital plan and the experience of your provider both play a major role in keeping treatment efficient. Routine checkups every 6–8 weeks help ensure your progress stays on course and allow for timely adjustments if things don’t move as expected.
Individual tooth movement speed
Everyone’s biology is different, and some teeth move more easily than others. If your teeth are particularly slow to shift or resist certain movements, your treatment may take longer, even with full compliance.
Oral health
Gum disease, cavities, or other oral health concerns must be addressed before or during treatment. If problems arise mid-treatment, they may temporarily pause or extend your timeline until your mouth is healthy enough to proceed.
Attachments or refinements
Attachments—small, tooth-colored bumps—help guide more complex movements, but may also add weeks or months depending on how your teeth respond. Refinements, or additional aligners at the end of treatment, are common and used to fine-tune your results, often adding a few extra months to your plan.
Committing to Invisalign means committing to a routine. For many patients, especially adults juggling busy schedules, that can be the hardest part. But with a few simple strategies, staying on track becomes much more manageable.
Invisalign First and Invisalign Teen offer younger patients a discreet and effective way to address orthodontic issues during key developmental stages. Designed for children as young as six and teens with most of their permanent teeth, these options help guide proper jaw growth, create space for incoming teeth, and correct alignment issues early on. Because younger jaws and bones are still growing, certain movements can occur more efficiently than in adults, making early treatment both practical and proactive.
While early changes may be visible within a few weeks, full treatment typically takes 6 to 18 months and may shift depending on growth patterns and how consistently the aligners are worn. Compliance is especially important for younger users, who may need guidance to meet the 20–22 hours per day requirement. In addition, some children who begin Invisalign early may still need additional treatment in their teen years to address new or developing issues. Ongoing monitoring, proper retainer use, and a phased approach are key to achieving and maintaining a healthy, confident smile.
At Dental Depot of Oklahoma, patients of all ages can enjoy expert Invisalign treatment in a family-friendly, affordable setting with the convenience of multiple locations across the state. As the #1 Invisalign provider in Oklahoma and a Diamond-level practice, Dental Depot offers trusted expertise and cutting-edge technology to deliver personalized, effective care. With comprehensive orthodontic services available under one roof, it’s easier than ever to achieve a healthier, straighter smile—right from a provider you already know and trust. Request an appointment or schedule a virtual consultation today.
As Oklahoma’s #1 Invisalign provider, Dental Depot offers expert care, advanced technology, and personalized plans for lasting results. Request an appointment today!