What Type of Braces Work Faster?
People with crooked, misaligned, crowded, and gapped teeth have a number of options for straightening their teeth and improving their smile. The different types of braces available today can do so much to enhance smiles and boost confidence. Whatever your budget, preference, or dental issues, there is an orthodontic treatment for you. But one thing you can count on no matter what type of braces you choose, the treatment will take time. Braces work by slowly shifting the teeth into proper position, a process that can take anywhere from 1 to 3 years. So which types of braces work the fastest? Here’s what you need to know.
Invisalign vs traditional braces: which works fastest?
Invisalign uses a series of clear aligner trays that are changed every two weeks to gently shift your teeth into alignment. Traditional braces are composed of metal brackets and wires to ease your teeth into place. The average time for Invisalign treatment is 12 to 18 months, while the average treatment time for traditional braces is typically around 24 months. The Invisalign one-piece aligner trays use the force of the teeth as a whole, and traditional braces move the teeth individually, which may account for the shorter average treatment time of Invisalign. It’s also true that Invisalign can only be used to make simple adjustments. Braces, on other hand, can be used for the more complex cases that will automatically have a longer treatment time. There are many other factors that affect the length of orthodontic treatment besides the type of braces used.
Factors affecting the length of orthodontic treatment
Every person is unique in so many ways, and their orthodontic treatment is planned and executed according to their specific needs. Orthodontic treatment involves moving teeth that are attached to the bone, and this doesn’t happen at the same rate for every individual. As the treatment progresses and adjustments are made along the way, the estimated timeline may shift, too. It’s a process that cannot be rushed. There are also certain factors that can increase the length of time for orthodontic treatment, which include:
- Scope of treatment
As mentioned above, the more complex the adjustments needed, the longer the orthodontic treatment time.
- Age of patient
Younger orthodontic patients tend to have shorter treatment times because their jaw bones are still forming and have not completely hardened. Mature bones become harder and more dense, so orthodontic treatment often takes longer in adults.
- Follow-through
Missed appointments or delayed appointments can extend treatment time. And for patients using Invisalign, the trays must be worn for at least 20 hours per day to be effective. Any less, and it’s likely that treatment will be extended. The better able an orthodontic patient is to adhere to the instructions given by their dental practitioner, the higher the likelihood treatment will progress accordingly.
- Oral hygiene
Brushing and flossing daily are a crucial part of taking care of your teeth—with or without braces or aligner trays. Cavities, gum inflammation, and other dental issues that arise from poor oral hygiene can slow the treatment rate.
For best results, choose a qualified dental practitioner that you trust, and then let them guide you through the treatment process. Whether your treatment takes one years or three, we promise, your smile is worth it.
Looking for Invisalign in San Diego? Come see us!
At Smile Designers in San Diego, we offer Invisalign treatment at an affordable rate. If you’re ready to straighten your teeth and improve your smile, schedule a consultation with Dr. Hage today. He’ll examine your teeth, evaluate your oral health, and determine if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign. Whether you opt for Invisalign or traditional braces, we’ll make sure you’re comfortable every step of the way. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Hage, give us a call at (619) 330-0015 today.