How Long Will Your Invisalign Aligners Need to Be Worn?

One of the first questions many people ask is, “How much time do I have to commit?” The answer depends on your specific case — but here’s a realistic breakdown to guide your expectations.

How long do i have to Wear the Aligners for? - Bayswater Dental Clinic

Typical Treatment Duration

Milder cases (minor alignment or spacing): often 6 to 12 months
Moderate corrections (crowding, rotations, bite adjustments): more commonly 12 to 18 months
More complex changes may take longer, especially if the treatment plan involves multiple stages or refinements

Your dentist will give you an expected timeframe during your initial consultation, based on the scan, bite alignment, and how far your teeth need to move.

Daily Wear Time

To make consistent progress, aligners should be worn 20 to 22 hours a day. You’ll typically remove them only for:

Eating and drinking (except plain water)
Brushing and flossing
A few brief, occasional exceptions if absolutely necessary

Failing to wear them enough — skipping hours, delaying tray changes — will likely extend your treatment timeline.

What Supports Faster Progress

Stick strictly to wear time — consistency is everything
Keep up your hygiene — healthy gums and clean teeth help aligners settle properly
Attend appointments and stay on schedule — dentist check-ups help fine-tune and correct as needed
Where appropriate, acceleration aids (like AcceleDent) may be recommended by your practitioner

Ready for a custom estimate?

Book your Invisalign consultation at Bayswater Dental Clinic today — we’ll assess your alignment, estimate your treatment duration, and guide you through a clear, realistic path to your new smile.