How much do Invisalign® trays move your teeth?

Invisalign has become extremely popular as a discreet, removable alternative to fixed braces, and here in Houghton le Spring we see hundreds of patients per year who are seeking a straighter smile. Our patients sometimes ask how much each individual aligner will move their teeth, and wonder whether one tray will really make much difference. 

Unfortunately, it is not usually possible to say exactly how much every aligner will move your teeth, as this will depend on your individual case and the complexity of your treatment. It will also vary between aligner sets. 

However, regardless of how much you can feel your teeth, it is important to wear your aligners between 20 and 22 hours per day so that your teeth-straightening treatment can continue to work. 

How does Invisalign work? 

Invisalign consists of a series of clear, removable aligners, which you wear for 1 week before changing to another set. We recommend that you wear your aligners all day, and only take them off for eating, drinking and cleaning your teeth. Unlike braces, Invisalign does not require metal brackets, wires or elastic bands, and there is less risk of food or debris building up in your teeth, making them easier to clean. 

Invisalign aligners are made from SmartTrack, a transparent polymer designed to be flexible and provide a snug, comfortable fit. They are bespoke for each patient, and based on the 3D scan we make of your mouth during your initial consultation. 

Over a period of around 6 to 12 months, your aligners will gradually guide your teeth into new positions; in cases where a tooth or teeth needs significant movement, we will usually place secure attachments onto your teeth. These attachments are made with the same material used for composite bonding. Like aligners, they are discreet and will be removed at the end of the treatment. 

How quickly does Invisalign start straightening your teeth?

Invisalign aligners are designed to straighten your teeth using just the right amount of force you need. Over time, you should notice your teeth becoming gradually straighter! However, this is done very gradually, so you may not notice a change straight away. Many patients start noticing changes to their smile within around six weeks, although your teeth may take a slightly longer or shorter time to move. 

If your teeth seem to be taking longer to move, don’t be discouraged; as long as you keep them in, your aligners will work to move them towards their final positions. How long the treatment takes depends on individual factors, but most patients can expect results between 6-12 months. 

How does Invisalign move your teeth? 

While they may seem static, our teeth move a little all the time because the jawbone, cementum (hard tissue which protects the root of a tooth) and ligaments react to pressure changes. 

Your teeth sit in a layer of flexible soft tissue called the periodontal ligament, rather than the bone itself. This means that they are not fixed in place; as your jaw changes over time, for example from daily wear and tear, they can drift away from their original positions. 

Invisalign works gradually, using the natural processes acting on your teeth. When you wear aligners, they gently compress the ligament on one side of the tooth and stretch it on the other side. If you’re wearing attachments, these will keep the aligners secure while they get on with straightening your teeth. 

The pressure on your teeth encourages your jawbone to start changing, a process known as bone remodelling. This works best under gentle, continuous pressure, which is why it is so important to wear your aligners every day. 

What happens during the bone remodelling process?

The idea of ‘bone remodelling’ for Invisalign may sound daunting, but this is an entirely natural process, using existing forces which work when you bite or chew. Here’s what happens: 

1. Your aligner applies pressure to the tooth 
2. Bone in front of your tooth is gradually broken down (resorption) 
3. The tooth moves into the new space 
4. New bone develops behind the tooth, stabilising it 

Invisalign clear braces move your teeth very gradually because it takes time for the bone to grow and develop behind your teeth. Each tray is designed to provide one small movement for your teeth, before you switch to the next. 

How much does each aligner move your teeth? 

Invisalign aligners move your teeth very gradually, by fractions of a millimetre every time, so that your bone and periodontal ligament slowly adjust without causing discomfort. Invisalign is also designed to fix rotation and angular movement issues; this is also done by extremely small movements over time. 

Due to the time it can take for enough cementum to be produced to attach to the bone in a new position, we advise that you wear each set of Invisalign aligners for around one week. 

Because Invisalign works through gentle but continuous pressure, we recommend you wear your aligners 20-22 hours a day, taking them off for cleaning your teeth, eating and drinking anything apart from water. 

How far do Invisalign trays really move your teeth? 

It is hard to say how far each Invisalign tray will move your teeth as this depends on each individual, and what your particular needs are. However, Invisalign is designed to work gradually, rather than completely straightening your teeth at once. At Church Street Dental Practice in Houghton le Spring, our patients generally wear Invisalign for between several months and a year.

Book your Invisalign consultation today

Frequently asked questions 

How much does Invisalign cost in Durham? 

Our Invisalign prices are: 

• Single Arch Igo From £2,950
• Dual Arch Igo From £3,950
• Dual Arch Igo Plus From £4,950

However, the costs may vary depending on the complexity of your treatment. We have a range of flexible dental plans; you can find out more information on our fees and finance page.

How long does Invisalign take to move teeth? 

Most patients wear Invisalign between several months to a year, although depending on your individual treatment plan this may take slightly longer or shorter. 

Can I take my Invisalign aligners out whenever I want? 

We recommend you take off your aligners only for eating, cleaning your teeth and drinking liquids other than water, and wear them between 20-22 hours a day. This is because Invisalign works by applying gentle but continuous pressure so that your teeth will gradually shift position. 

What should I do if I break an aligner? 

Don’t worry! Come and see us in Houghton le Spring for a replacement. 

Will I have to wear Invisalign attachments? 

Not necessarily, especially if your teeth are only being moved a small distance. However, if one of your teeth requires more significant movement, you may need attachments. These are small buttons made from composite resin. They are securely bonded to your teeth and removed at the end of your Invisalign treatment.