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Which braces work the fastest?

When it comes to straightening your teeth, you want to see results as quickly as possible. The type of braces you choose plays a big role in how fast they can align your teeth. There are a few main options to consider – traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, and clear aligners like Invisalign. Each works a bit differently and moves teeth at different speeds. Keep reading to learn which braces work the fastest!

How Do Braces Work?

Before diving into the types of braces, it helps to understand generally how braces move teeth. Braces apply gentle yet constant pressure to teeth to encourage them to shift into proper alignment. An orthodontist attaches small brackets to each tooth, then runs a wire through the brackets. The brackets act as handles so the orthodontist can strategically apply forces to specific teeth.

Braces use a variety of mechanisms to reposition teeth:

  • Applying pressure to push or pull on teeth
  • Twisting or torquing teeth
  • Tilting teeth into position
  • Rotating teeth
  • Closing gaps between teeth

The orthodontist will adjust the wires and tension in the braces every 4-6 weeks. With each adjustment, the braces and wires gently shift your teeth into better alignment. Small incremental movements add up over time until your teeth are straight.

Types of Braces

Metal Braces

When you think of braces, you likely picture the traditional metal brackets and wires. This type of fixed appliance has been used for decades to align teeth. The brackets are made of high-grade stainless steel, while the archwires are also metal.

Metal braces are extremely effective at realigning crooked teeth and fixing bite issues. They use a combination of different mechanisms to shift teeth into position. The orthodontist can manipulate the wires to apply optimal pressure and torque to each tooth.

Most patients require metal braces for 12-24 months to achieve desired results. On average, metal braces move teeth at a rate of 1 millimeter per month. This makes them one of the fastest options for straightening teeth.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are similar to metal braces but use clear or tooth-colored ceramic brackets. They blend in better with your natural teeth. Wires are still metal but can be coated to appear less noticeable. Mini-braces are ceramic braces with much smaller brackets.

Though not as strong as metal, ceramic brackets provide comparable results. Ceramic is prone to more breakage than metal. Brackets may need to be replaced if they become loose or cracked. But overall, ceramic braces work just as quickly as metal ones.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces attach to the back of your teeth rather than the front. You never see the metal brackets because they sit on the tongue-side of your teeth. Most orthodontists bend the connecting wires to hug the contours of your mouth.

The main advantage of lingual braces is concealing your treatment. Very few people will know you’re straightening your teeth. However, the downside is these braces cost more and take longer to work. It’s more difficult for your orthodontist to access and adjust the brackets and wires.

Lingual braces move teeth at approximately half the rate of regular braces. Treatment time averages 24-36 months. If invisible braces are important but you also want faster alignment, clear aligners may be a better fit.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners like Invisalign consist of a series of removable plastic trays. Each tray incrementally moves your teeth over the course of your treatment. You switch to a new aligner tray around every 1-2 weeks. Clear aligners are nearly invisible so no one can tell you’re straightening your teeth.

On average, clear aligners move teeth 0.25 to 0.33 millimeters per tray. This amounts to about half the speed of metal braces. Most patients wear aligners for 12-18 months to achieve desired results. Some complex cases take up to 24 months.

Aligners aren’t quite as efficient as braces at repositioning teeth. But manufacturers like Invisalign are improving clear aligner technology and capabilities all the time. The most recent Invisalign product can rotate teeth 50% faster than previous generations.

Which Braces Work the Fastest?

Now that we’ve compared how fast each system moves teeth, which type of braces works the fastest? Here is a summary:

Braces Type Treatment Length Speed of Movement
Metal braces 12-24 months Up to 1mm per month
Ceramic braces 12-24 months Up to 1mm per month
Lingual braces 24-36 months 0.5mm per month
Clear aligners 12-18 months 0.25-0.33mm per tray

As the data shows, traditional metal braces achieve alignment the quickest. Next fastest are ceramic braces, which perform similarly to metal ones. Lingual braces take 1.5-2x longer than metal braces. Clear aligners are the slowest, taking up to 50% longer than metal braces.

However, speed shouldn’t be the only factor in choosing braces. You also need to consider:

  • Cost of treatment
  • Level of comfort
  • Appearance
  • Required adjustments

An experienced orthodontist can help you pick the right braces based on your specific orthodontic needs, lifestyle, and preferences.

Tips for Faster Braces Treatment

Regardless of which type of braces you choose, there are things you can do to power through treatment more quickly:

Wear headgear as directed

Headgear is an orthodontic appliance worn outside your mouth at night or after school. It provides extra force which can accelerate teeth movement. Headgear typically adds 3-4 months to treatment time if worn consistently.

Avoid foods that can break braces

Sticky, crunchy, and chewy foods can damage brackets and wires leading to repairs and delays. Stay away from items like nuts, hard candies, popcorn, and caramel.

Take good care of your oral health

Brush and floss diligently after meals and snacks. Use recommended tools to clean around braces. See your dentist for cleanings every 3-6 months. Good hygiene prevents cavities, staining, and gum disease which can all increase treatment length.

Wear rubber bands as directed

Rubber bands apply constant gentle pressure to nudge teeth into alignment. Wear elastics daily according to your orthodontist’s instructions.

Avoid tobacco and excess alcohol

Smoking lengthens treatment time by 50%. The chemicals in cigarettes slow tooth movement. Limiting alcohol helps prevent stains and dental problems too.

Show up for adjustments on schedule

Adjustments every 4-6 weeks are crucial for progressing treatment. Missing appointments delays the process.

Closing Thoughts

Traditional metal braces are the clear winner when it comes to speed of straightening. On average, they can align teeth up to 1 millimeter per month. Ceramic braces work at a similar pace. Clear aligner trays move teeth more gradually over weeks at a time. Lingual braces take the longest to work but are the least visible.

Choosing the right orthodontic treatment is about more than just speed, though. Consider what matters most – cost, comfort, appearance, needed dental corrections. An orthodontist can recommend the best braces or aligners for your unique situation. With good oral hygiene and following your treatment plan, you’ll be flashing your new smile in no time!