How much longer did your treatment take than expected?

[lyra silvertongue]

Hi

I'm currently on aligner 7 out of 26U/14L. So I should be finished in about 9 months' time. I've now decided that I'm going to be leaving the country next year and I'll be gone for a full year. I'm hoping to go about 3-4 months after my expected treatment time finishes.

Thing is I know that there's a high chance I'll need refinements and am a bit worried I won't be finished by the time I want to go away. So I just want to see how much longer people's treatments took than what they originally expected? I know every case is different but it would be good to see how long refinements generally take.

Also, once you're finished with Invisalign, do you require much follow up in the year after? Or is it just a case of getting your retainer and having no more ortho appointments?

Any advice appreciated!

[Wireless]

Have you discussed your plans and concerns with your orthodontist? He/she can advise options to keep your plans on schedule, and other options in the event a refinement or other delays impact your travel plans. You may want to consider other options, even if fees are involved to ensure your plans.

I'm just starting with Invisalign, so I have limited personal advice. My only comment regarding my treatment is I was told I will require three weeks per tray set instead of two, in part because I am an older patient. However, I started out at two weeks for my first sets prior to getting my attachments. In my case, I could finish early if I can manage a two week schedule and there are no problems (probably wishful thinking!!)

I have a friend with Invisalign that just had a refinement that added a few months to her treatment, and it took her eight weeks to get her new trays. She is also an older patient.

There are other experiences with refinements mentioned on this board that will also help give an idea of what to expect. I suggest setting up some extra time your next appointment to discuss your plans and concerns, and determine if there are any modifications to your treatment plan to ensure you meet your schedule.

Good Luck!!!

[mcawful]

Typical orthodontic treatment time, beginning to end, averages eighteen months.

I've done 40 weeks (my full initial treatment). My end result is nowhere near perfect, so my orthodontist has ordered refinements that he estimates will take twenty weeks (~5 months). My wait time on refinements is six weeks. In all, my refinement stage will add almost seven months to the nine months initial treatment I've done.

My case has been described as a typical Class I Malocclusion.

[lyra silvertongue]

Thanks for the advice Wireless & Mcawful. I have my next ortho appointment in a couple of weeks so I'll say it to him then.