Getting braces is a big commitment, one that can last months or even years. So it’s understandable to want to know which braces treatments are fastest in order to achieve the results you want as soon as possible. So do you need to know about different options available to help you find which one may be the best fit? Here are some helpful things you may need to know to choose braces that fit your needs and schedule, so you can choose the fastest and best route to a straighter smile.
Traditional Metal Braces
You may think of traditional metal braces as “old school,” but they are still one of the best options around for many people thanks to their versatility with the wide range of conditions they can treat. However, they can take longer at an average of 16-18 months and are more visible than some of the newer options, so if you’re looking for a shorter timeline and are needing corrections that are less complicated, it may be a good idea to take a look at some of these other options.
Invisalign Aligners
Invisalign aligners are often the top alternative to traditional braces that patients ask about, especially when asking which braces treatments are fastest. Invisalign is vastly different from traditional braces because they don’t attach to your teeth with brackets, but instead are clear plastic aligners that fit over the teeth and are removable for eating and cleaning. They can also be quite a bit quicker, with average treatment times being about 1 year, and some patients completing treatment in as little as 3 months.
A downside of invisalign aligners can also be the fact that they are removable, so their success and speed rely heavily on patient compliance. Not wearing them for the recommended hours, usually 22 hours a day, can prolong treatment times. They also cannot treat some of the more complicated orthodontic issues such as overbites, underbites, and teeth that are twisted or overlapping.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces function a lot like traditional metal braces, so they can still treat a wide variety of conditions, but can be more aesthetically pleasing thanks to being similar in color to your teeth. They can be a bit more expensive and are more prone to breaking than metal braces, but if you have a condition that requires traditional braces, ceramic can mean that they are less visible for the duration of your treatment.
Self-ligating Braces
Self-ligating braces are also similar to traditional braces, but can offer much shorter treatment times, typically 6 months less than traditional braces. They’ve also been reported to be more comfortable than traditional braces, both day to day and during adjustments, thanks to a newer kind of bracket that doesn’t require elastics.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are one of the least visible options available for orthodontic treatments because they are attached to the inside of your teeth where your tongue rests, instead of the outside. They can be more difficult to clean than regular braces, but if you’re wanting your new smile to be visible as soon as possible, lingual braces may be a great option for you.
Talking with Your Orthodontist
When searching for which braces treatments are fastest, it’s important to remember not to have a time frame fixed in mind, as the end result is what’s most important. However, if you have a timeline you’re hoping to achieve for a visibly straighter smile, talking with your orthodontist can be helpful to find out which options are available for the treatment you desire so that they can help you find the solution that works best for your goals.
Call our Ennis Dental Office to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.