Yes, in many mild to moderate cases, Invisalign can straighten teeth faster than traditional braces. Invisalign patients often complete treatment in as little as 6 to 12 months, compared to the 18 to 24 months typically needed for fixed braces.
Nevertheless before assuming Invisalign is the quicker fix for everyone, it is worth exploring why this can be the case and when it might not be.
How Does Invisalign Move Teeth Faster?
The secret lies in the technology and the way movement is planned. Invisalign uses a series of clear plastic aligners that are changed every 1 to 2 weeks.
Each new aligner applies gentle pressure, nudging the teeth into a new position in a controlled sequence. Before treatment even begins, a full digital plan is mapped out, allowing small and consistent movements across all teeth at once.
With braces, adjustments happen every 6 to 8 weeks at the dentist, and tooth movement tends to be more gradual and reactive. That does not mean braces are less effective, just that they rely more on manual adjustments and often tackle complex movements over a longer timescale.
Invisalign uses a series of clear plastic aligners that are changed every 1 to 2 weeks.
Are There Limits To Invisalign’s Speed?
Yes, Invisalign is fast but only if you wear the aligners as instructed. They need to be in your mouth for 20 to 22 hours a day, every day.
If you take them out too often, or forget to wear them overnight, your teeth will not move as planned. This can delay progress or lead to gaps in the final result.
Braces, by contrast, are fixed in place and always working. They do not rely on your memory, so for patients who struggle with routines, traditional braces may ultimately achieve faster results simply because they are always on.
Does Treatment Time Depend On The Problem Being Corrected?
Yes, Invisalign tends to be quicker for simple issues like crowding, spacing or slightly crooked front teeth. For example, closing a small gap or aligning just the upper front teeth might be completed in 6 months or less with Invisalign.
In contrast, braces are often used when more complex issues are involved. For instance, significant bite correction, tooth rotation or vertical movement.
According to the British Orthodontic Society (BOS), more than 200,000 people in the UK undergo orthodontic treatment every year. Increasingly, dentists are combining options, such as Invisalign followed by fixed braces or vice versa, for best results. That highlights that speed isn’t everything and precision matters too.
What Role Does Patient Age Play In Treatment Time?
Younger patients’ teeth often move more easily because the jaw is still growing and adapting. Teenagers wearing braces might see great results in less time simply due to biology. However, compliance with Invisalign is sometimes harder for younger wearers, which can slow things down.
In adults, tooth movement can take slightly longer, but adults are usually more disciplined with wearing aligners. Success depends on both the biology and the behaviour of the person wearing them.
Does Invisalign Speed Come At The Cost Of Effectiveness?
No, Invisalign is highly effective for a wide range of orthodontic issues, and it is continually improving thanks to advances in material science and digital treatment planning. The aligners are designed to apply consistent force without causing discomfort, which helps speed up treatment safely.
That said, braces are still sometimes better suited for complex corrections. In these cases, Invisalign may not be quicker or even appropriate. It is important to have a proper assessment before choosing based on speed alone.
Braces are still sometimes better suited for complex corrections.
How Can You Make Invisalign Work As Quickly As Possible?
It comes down to consistency. Keep aligners in for the full 22 hours per day, change them according to your dentist’s schedule and attend all review appointments.
Digital scanning tools used with Invisalign also allow for more precise planning and adjustments. You may be offered a review scan partway through treatment to fine-tune results and keep things moving as efficiently as possible.
The Bottom Line
In many cases, Invisalign is the faster choice, particularly for simpler alignments and motivated patients. Nevertheless, traditional braces still have the edge for complex, multi-dimensional corrections and are more forgiving if you are likely to forget or misplace your aligners.
Speed is just one part of the process. Long term results, comfort, appearance and cost all come into play. A consultation with a dentist or orthodontist is the best way to understand your options and timeline based on your own teeth.
Whether it is Invisalign or traditional braces, the goal remains the same. The service will ensure straight teeth, a healthy bite and a confident smile.
