When it comes to achieving a confident and beautifully aligned smile, one of the most common questions patients ask is, “How fast does Invisalign work compared to braces?” While both treatments aim to straighten teeth and enhance smiles, their timelines and experiences can vary significantly. Understanding how each works and what factors influence their speed can help you make an informed decision about your smile transformation journey.
At Murphy Dental Group, PLLC, Dr. Brandon Murphy, a Top 1% Diamond provider of Invisalign, provides patients with advanced clear aligner care and individualized treatment plans that lead to faster, more predictable results. With expertise recognized across North America, Dr. Murphy’s approach has transformed smiles efficiently while maintaining comfort and precision.
In this blog, we will explore how Invisalign compares to traditional braces in terms of speed, comfort, and overall results. You will also discover what influences treatment time and how commitment to your aligners plays a vital role in achieving your dream smile.
What is Invisalign and How Does It Work?
Invisalign is a modern, clear aligner system designed to move teeth into their desired positions using a series of nearly invisible, removable trays. Each set of aligners is custom-made to fit your teeth precisely and apply controlled pressure that gradually shifts them over time.
Unlike traditional metal braces that rely on brackets and wires, Invisalign aligners are discreet and comfortable. They allow patients to maintain their normal lifestyle without dietary restrictions or visible hardware. One of the main reasons patients choose Invisalign is the shorter and more flexible treatment timeline when guided by an experienced provider.
At Murphy Dental Group, patients receive a customized Invisalign treatment plan based on a 3D digital scan of their teeth. This advanced digital mapping allows Dr. Brandon Murphy to track and adjust progress at every stage, ensuring optimal alignment and faster results.
To learn more about Invisalign and how it works, visit our Services page.
Understanding How Braces Work
Traditional braces have been used for decades to correct misaligned teeth, bite issues, and spacing concerns. They work by applying continuous pressure through brackets and wires, which the dental care provider periodically adjusts. While braces are highly effective for complex cases, they often require more frequent office visits and longer treatment durations.
Braces typically remain fixed in place until treatment is complete, and adjustments are made manually at each visit. On average, treatment with braces can take 18 to 36 months, depending on the severity of the alignment issues. Invisalign, on the other hand, often provides comparable or faster results for mild to moderate cases when aligners are worn consistently.
Invisalign Treatment Timeline Explained by Dr. Brandon Murphy
According to Dr. Brandon Murphy, the key to a successful Invisalign journey lies in precision planning and patient compliance. Invisalign treatment generally lasts 6 to 18 months, depending on individual goals and case complexity. For comparison, traditional braces often take 2 years or more to achieve the same level of correction.
Each patient at Murphy Dental Group begins with a comprehensive digital evaluation to assess the current alignment, bite pattern, and desired outcome. Using advanced imaging and smile design software, Dr. Murphy creates a step-by-step roadmap showing how your teeth will move and approximately how long it will take.
Here’s a general overview of what patients can expect from the Invisalign process:
- Consultation and Digital Scan: The process begins with a personalized consultation, where your smile goals are discussed and digital impressions are taken. These scans eliminate the need for messy molds and provide a detailed 3D image of your teeth.
- Custom Treatment Design: Based on your scan, a series of aligners is created to move your teeth gradually. You’ll receive a clear timeline of how your smile will change at each phase.
- Active Treatment Phase: You’ll wear each aligner set for about 1 to 2 weeks, for at least 22 hours per day, removing them only for eating, brushing, and flossing. Consistent wear is crucial for achieving expected results on schedule.
- Regular Check-ins: Follow-up appointments at Murphy Dental Group allow Dr. Murphy to track your progress and make any necessary adjustments. These visits are typically quicker and less frequent than those required for braces.
- Completion and Retention: Once your desired alignment is achieved, you’ll receive custom retainers to maintain your results long-term.
To learn how Invisalign fits into your lifestyle, meet our experienced provider on the
Meet the Doctors page.
Is Invisalign Faster Than Braces?
For many patients, the answer is yes – especially when guided by an expert like Dr. Brandon Murphy. Invisalign treatment can often be completed in nearly half the time of braces, depending on your specific dental condition. This is largely due to the use of advanced digital technology that predicts and directs every tooth movement with precision.
Factors that make Invisalign faster include:
- Customized Movement Mapping: Each aligner is designed for specific movements, eliminating unnecessary adjustments.
- Continuous Force Application: Unlike braces, which require periodic wire tightening, Invisalign maintains steady pressure every day.
- Patient Compliance: Since aligners can be removed for meals and hygiene, patients experience fewer delays caused by broken brackets or loose wires.
Dr. Brandon Murphy discusses Invisalign vs. braces duration by emphasizing that success depends not just on the treatment system, but on how it’s planned and managed. Under his care, patients often achieve visible improvements within a few months of starting treatment.
Faster Smile Correction with Dr. Brandon Murphy Using Invisalign
Murphy Dental Group takes pride in providing faster and more efficient smile transformations. Patients often notice that Invisalign starts showing results within 10 to 12 weeks. Because aligners work in small, controlled increments, you can track your progress through digital scans and see how close you are to your end goal.
Dr. Murphy’s extensive training and expertise in clear aligner systems play a vital role in reducing treatment time. His credentials include over 1200 hours of continuing education, a Fellowship award from the Academy of Clear Aligners, and, in 2025, he earned his Mastership award – a distinction held by less than 2 percent of dentists nationwide. Only the top clinicians in North America hold Fellowship status, with fewer than 140 fellowship awardees in 2025.
When you combine this level of skill with innovative digital planning, the result is faster and more comfortable smile correction.
Invisalign Progress and Results Shared by Dr. Brandon Murphy
Each Invisalign journey at Murphy Dental Group is tailored to the patient’s needs. While speed is important, consistency is key. Patients who wear their aligners at least 22 hours a day and attend scheduled check-ins can often complete treatment faster than expected.
Invisalign progress and results shared by Dr. Brandon Murphy highlight that, with dedication, even moderate misalignments can be corrected in under a year. He also emphasizes that Invisalign’s predictability minimizes unexpected delays that can occur with braces, such as broken hardware or emergency adjustments.
Murphy Dental Group also provides detailed digital progress tracking so patients can visualize how their smile changes with each aligner stage. This motivation helps maintain compliance and speeds up overall progress.
Learn How Dr. Brandon Murphy Compares Invisalign and Braces
When comparing Invisalign and braces, several differences influence both treatment experience and duration:
| Feature | Invisalign | Braces |
| Visibility | Nearly invisible | Highly visible |
| Comfort | Smooth, removable aligners | Metal wires and brackets may cause irritation |
| Maintenance | Easy to remove and clean | Brushing and flossing are more challenging |
| Dietary Restrictions | None | Avoid sticky or hard foods |
| Average Treatment Time | 6–18 months | 18–36 months |
| Office Visits | Fewer and shorter | More frequent adjustments |
Dr. Murphy’s expertise allows him to assess whether Invisalign or braces will deliver faster and more efficient results for each individual. In most mild to moderate cases, Invisalign offers a shorter, smoother path to a confident smile.
Discover Treatment Speed Insights from Dr. Brandon Murphy
Every smile is unique, and so is every treatment plan. Dr. Murphy emphasizes that aligner technology alone doesn’t determine speed. What truly matters is the accuracy of the diagnosis and the patient’s cooperation. With clear digital mapping, patients know exactly what to expect and how long it will take.
Dr. Murphy also provides personalized guidance on maintaining aligner wear for at least 22 hours daily to ensure that each tooth movement occurs as scheduled. Skipping wear time or removing aligners too often can slow progress.
To learn more about personalized treatment options and timelines, schedule a consultation through our Contact Us page.
See How Invisalign Works Faster Under Dr. Brandon Murphy’s Care
One of the biggest advantages of Invisalign at Murphy Dental Group is the combination of high-level clinical skill with modern digital technology. Using 3D modeling, Dr. Murphy creates an exact simulation of your expected progress, allowing you to see each stage before starting treatment.
Because every aligner is fabricated using precision data, tooth movements are efficient and predictable. This efficiency reduces overall treatment time and minimizes the need for mid-course corrections. Patients often experience fewer visits, greater comfort, and faster visible improvements.
Murphy Dental Group also offers flexible Payment Plans to make your smile transformation convenient and accessible.
Explore Smile Improvement Timelines with Dr. Brandon Murphy
If you are considering straightening your teeth, understanding your unique timeline helps set realistic expectations. Some patients complete treatment in as little as six months, while others may need up to 18 months. The duration depends on factors such as initial tooth alignment, bite complexity, and adherence to aligner-wear guidelines.
By maintaining proper wear time, attending scheduled visits, and following Dr. Murphy’s personalized recommendations, patients can significantly reduce overall treatment length.
Whether you want a faster path to a confident smile or a discreet alternative to metal braces, Murphy Dental Group provides comprehensive care and clear guidance at every step. To find our clinic easily, check our Maps and Driving Directions.
Why Choose Murphy Dental Group for Your Invisalign Journey?
Choosing an experienced provider is one of the most important factors influencing Invisalign success. Dr. Brandon Murphy’s qualifications place him among the top Invisalign experts in North America. His extensive continuing education and advanced credentials demonstrate his commitment to excellence and innovation.
At Murphy Dental Group, you can expect:
- Comprehensive smile evaluations using state-of-the-art digital scanners.
- Customized aligner plans that focus on efficiency and comfort.
- Clear communication about every stage of your progress.
- Flexible financial options and a supportive team dedicated to your success.
Murphy Dental Group combines science, artistry, and compassionate care to deliver smiles that are both beautiful and lasting.
Conclusion
So, how fast does Invisalign work compared to braces? In most cases, Invisalign offers a shorter, more comfortable journey toward achieving a confident smile. Thanks to modern technology, precision planning, and expert guidance, patients at Murphy Dental Group, PLLC experience remarkable results in less time than traditional methods.
With Dr. Brandon Murphy’s proven experience, Mastership credentials, and personalized approach, your Invisalign journey is designed for both speed and success. Whether you’re ready to begin or want to learn more, schedule your consultation today to take the first step toward your best smile yet.
Visit our Contact Us page to schedule your appointment and discover how Invisalign can help you achieve your goals.
For directions, view us on Maps or see detailed Driving Directions.
Key Takeaways
- Invisalign can be faster than braces when guided by an experienced provider like Dr. Brandon Murphy.
- Treatment typically lasts 6 to 18 months, depending on case complexity and the consistency of aligner wear.
- Aligners must be worn at least 22 hours per day for the best and quickest results.
- Murphy Dental Group uses advanced digital technology to plan, track, and refine your smile journey.
- Dr. Brandon Murphy holds Fellowship and Mastership awards and is among the Top 1% of Invisalign providers in North America.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does Invisalign take compared to braces?
Most Invisalign treatments take 6 to 18 months, while braces typically take 18 to 36 months. Individual timelines depend on the complexity of tooth movement and on aligner wear compliance.
2. Does Invisalign work faster for everyone?
Not always. The speed depends on your case, consistency of wear, and response to treatment. However, under expert care, Invisalign often delivers faster, more comfortable results than braces.
3. What happens if I don’t wear aligners for 22 hours a day?
Not wearing aligners as instructed can delay tooth movement and extend treatment time. Consistency is essential for achieving optimal results on schedule.
4. When will I start noticing results?
Many patients begin seeing visible changes within 8 to 12 weeks of consistent aligner wear.
5. Can Invisalign treat complex alignment issues?
In some cases, yes. Dr. Murphy evaluates each patient individually and determines whether Invisalign or another treatment is best suited to achieve the desired outcome efficiently.
——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–
Remember: Every smile journey is unique. Invisalign treatment timelines vary depending on individual dental conditions, complexity, and commitment to wearing aligners for at least 22 hours per day. Consistent use, proper hygiene, and regular visits to Murphy Dental Group, PLLC help ensure faster and more predictable results under Dr. Brandon Murphy’s expert care.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not replace professional dental evaluation or advice. Individual treatment outcomes may vary. To receive a comprehensive assessment and personalized Invisalign plan, please schedule a consultation with Murphy Dental Group, PLLC.