When Should I Start Seeing Invisalign Results?

Hello Mandy,It usually takes 2-3 months for most patients to notice results from clear aligners.  It usually takes a few months later for other people to notice results from clear aligners.  It really depends on your specific case.  A great way to know what to expect is to ask your dentist to show you an animated 3-D preview of your teeth movements.  He/she will show you exactly what changes to expect and when to expect them.  He/she may even be able to download this 3-D animation for you.  I often times do this for my patients that are anticipating changes that have not yet occurred.  Make sure you choose an excellent cosmetic dentist or an orthodontist that is experienced in Invisalign.

Some of my cases have wonderful obvious results after just 4 trays while others may take up to half a year to just start seeing results.   It all depends on what type of tooth movement is needed and where in the mouth this movement needs to occur during the initial stages.  Ask you Dentist to email over or show you at the next visit your Clincheck staging video,  This helps to see where you started.  Where you are now and what to expect in the future.

I find most patients start noticing changes within the first 6-12 weeks with Invisalign. Your teeth will not move tremendously during these first weeks, but the changes should be significant enough where you will notice them and feel confident that the trays are working as expected.
Each tray accomplishes a little bit of movement, which is why trays are changed frequently. Each tray does not move every tooth.
Orthodontics is accomplished in planned stages. For example, in a patient that has a tremendous amount of spacing between the teeth, all of the space is not closed simultaneously, space is closed in a sequenced order to make sure the results are as ideal as possible.
An amazing feature of Invisalign is the 3D virtual simulation of tooth movement that your orthodontist will likely review with you BEFORE you even start. By watching the simulation, you will be able to see the predicted tooth movement at each stage, so you know what to expect throughout your orthodontic treatment. This 3D simulation can be reviewed during the process at any time, so you can easily monitor your progress.

Each Aligner has a small rotation or movement programmed it.  Some teeth are not planned to move with a special aligner.

One of my favorite features of treatment with Invisalign is its predictability. In other words before you even commit to a treatment you get a visual 3-D model of the exact timeline of your treatment. So by checking your Clincheck you will have a very good idea of when you will see the results you are expecting.