A question a lot of our patients ask
If you’re thinking about straightening your teeth with Invisalign, one of the first questions you’ll probably have is “how long does Invisalign take?” It’s an important question — because knowing what to expect helps you plan and stay motivated throughout your treatment.
At Hakimi Dental Clinic in Oldbury, we’ve guided hundreds of patients through Invisalign treatment, from their first scan to their final smile. The answer isn’t the same for everyone, but this guide will help you understand how long Invisalign takes to work, what can affect your timeline, and how to get the best possible results.
We’ll also explain what the Invisalign process involves, how progress is tracked, and what you can do to keep your treatment on schedule.
A quick overview: what is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a clear aligner system that straightens teeth using a series of removable trays made from transparent plastic. Each aligner applies gentle pressure to gradually move your teeth into the desired position.
Unlike metal braces, Invisalign is discreet, comfortable, and removable — so you can eat, brush, and live normally. If you want to learn more about the system itself, you can visit the official Invisalign UK website.
At Hakimi Dental Clinic, we’re certified Invisalign providers, offering bespoke treatment plans for adults and teenagers.
So, how long does Invisalign take?
Most people complete their Invisalign treatment in 6 to 18 months. However, the exact duration depends on factors such as:
- The complexity of your tooth movements
- How consistently you wear your aligners
- The number of aligner sets required
- Whether you need additional refinements
For mild cases, you may see noticeable changes within a few months. For more complex corrections, treatment can take longer.
When we answer “Invisalign, how long does it take?”, we always emphasise that every smile is unique. During your consultation, your dentist will show you a digital preview of your expected results — including an estimate of how long Invisalign takes to work in your specific case.
How the Invisalign process works
Let’s look at what actually happens from your first visit to your final result:
1. Consultation and 3D scan
We start with a thorough dental assessment and a 3D digital scan of your teeth. This helps us create an accurate treatment plan and visual simulation of how your smile will look at each stage.
2. Custom aligners
Once your plan is confirmed, your custom aligners are made to fit precisely. Each set is worn for about one to two weeks before moving to the next.
3. Regular reviews
You’ll visit us every six to eight weeks to check your progress and receive new aligners.
4. Retainers and maintenance
After treatment, retainers keep your teeth in position and protect your new smile long-term.
Each stage is designed to be comfortable, discreet, and predictable.
You can learn more about how Invisalign aligners work from the official Invisalign site.
What affects how long Invisalign takes to work
Even though the average treatment lasts 6–18 months, some things can make it shorter or longer.
| Factor | How it affects treatment |
|---|---|
| Case complexity | Minor spacing issues can take 6 months; complex crowding can take 18+ months. |
| Aligner wear time | You must wear aligners 20–22 hours daily for best results. |
| Age | Teeth generally move faster in younger patients. |
| Lifestyle habits | Removing aligners too often can delay progress. |
| Refinements | Some patients need extra sets of aligners at the end for fine-tuning. |
If you’re wondering how long do Invisalign take to achieve your desired result, the answer depends largely on how committed you are to wearing them as prescribed. Consistency is key.
When you’ll start noticing results
Most patients notice subtle movement within the first 6 to 12 weeks. Teeth shift gradually, so it’s normal for progress to feel slow at first.
By the halfway point, many people can already see visible improvement — which is a great motivator to stay on track.
How to keep your treatment on schedule
To make sure your Invisalign treatment stays on time and effective, follow these tips:
- Wear your aligners as instructed (20–22 hours per day).
- Switch to new trays exactly when your dentist advises.
- Keep aligners clean and avoid staining foods or drinks while wearing them.
- Attend all review appointments at Hakimi Dental Clinic.
- Store aligners safely in their case when not in use.
Following these steps means you’re more likely to complete treatment within your original timeline — or even sooner.
How Invisalign compares to traditional braces
Traditional metal braces can take 18–24 months on average, sometimes longer. Invisalign is often faster for mild to moderate alignment issues, though both options have their place.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Treatment type | Average time | Key benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Invisalign | 6–18 months (average) | Discreet, removable, comfortable, easy to clean |
| Traditional braces | 18–24 months (average) | Effective for severe cases, fixed so always working |
In many cases, Invisalign offers the same or better results — just with less disruption to your daily life.
Why patients trust Hakimi Dental Clinic
- Our dentists have completed numerous Invisalign cases across a range of ages and complexities.
- We use the latest digital scanners to map your teeth precisely and track your progress over time.
- As a trusted Invisalign provider in Oldbury, we follow best practices and use only genuine Invisalign aligners.
- You’ll always receive honest advice about your expected timeline, costs, and results — with no surprises.
For transparent pricing, you can visit our fees page.
What happens after Invisalign treatment?
Once your final aligners have done their job, we’ll fit custom retainers to maintain your new smile. Retainers are crucial — without them, teeth can gradually shift back.
You’ll wear them nightly at first, then a few times per week for long-term maintenance.
Most patients find retainers easy to get used to, and they’re a small commitment compared to the journey you’ve already completed.
How to get the best results from Invisalign
Here are some simple habits that make a big difference:
- Keep aligners clean using mild soap and cool water (not hot).
- Brush and floss before putting aligners back in.
- Avoid coloured drinks while wearing them.
- Don’t skip days — consistency really matters.
Your dentist will guide you through every step and help you stay motivated until the end.
Final thoughts
So, how long does Invisalign take? The answer depends on your individual case — but with consistent wear, most people complete treatment comfortably within a year.
At Hakimi Dental Clinic in Oldbury, we’ll create a personalised plan that shows exactly how long your journey will take and what results to expect.
Whether you’re just curious about Invisalign, how long does it take or ready to start your smile transformation, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Book your consultation today and see how your new smile could look in just months — not years.
FAQs about how long Invisalign take
Most patients complete treatment in 6–18 months, depending on how complex their case is. Your dentist will confirm an accurate timeline at your consultation.
You’ll start noticing subtle movement in around 6–12 weeks. Each new set of aligners continues to move your teeth gently and predictably.
Mild cases can sometimes finish in as little as 4–6 months. Wearing aligners 22 hours a day is key to success.
It can, if aligners aren’t worn enough or if refinements are needed at the end. Your dentist will monitor progress closely to keep things on track.
If you miss a day occasionally, it’s usually fine — but frequent gaps can delay results. Always wear them as much as possible and replace them promptly after eating or cleaning.