Invisible braces have exploded in popularity over the past two decades for two reasons:
- Invisible aligners are clear, therefore, less noticeable. It is a more discrete alternative to traditional dental braces.
- Invisible braces are more effective than common orthodontic treatments. It takes less time for results to be noticeable when you use clear braces to reposition your teeth into their natural ideal position.
According to a report published in the Grand View Research, the global clear aligners market was valued at US$ 2.2 billion in 2019, and it grew to 2.41 billion in 2020. Furthermore, it is projected to grow by almost 20% to reach US$10.04 billion by 2028.
The report points at better material technologies used to create clear aligners to meet demand as people discover just how effective they are. The ever-changing consumer trends are driving innovation in dental biomechanics that delivers better results faster.
Types of Braces
Everyone wants to have well-aligned teeth for a naturally beautiful smile. Braces have been the go-to treatment for straightening and realigning the teeth for aesthetic and orthodontic purposes. Malocclusion, or the science of repositioning imperfectly positioned teeth and jaws, has changed a lot over the past century. Today, there are three common types of braces a patient can choose from.
1. Invisible Aligners
Invisible aligners are sometimes called clear aligners. They are an effective orthodontic treatment that is highly recommended by dentists to position crooked teeth correctly. It is an effective procedure that involves creating a custom plastic aligner that is worn over the teeth. Gradually, the aligners will move the teeth into their natural straight position.
The process of straightening your teeth with invisible aligners begins with creating an impression kit. Next, the orthodontist will make a mold of your teeth and use sophisticated software to design how braces should realign the teeth.
Invisible braces are custom-designed strong and transparent plastic retainers, also called mouthpieces. They offer a versatile way to straighten your teeth because you can remove them when you need to eat, brush, or floss. As the aligner gently gets your teeth in position, you will get a new one every few weeks to continue aligning the teeth into their straight natural position.
How Long Does it Take Invisible Braces to Work?
The length of time it takes for invisible aligners to work will vary from patient to patient. Invisible aligners are fast and convenient teeth straightening treatments. The average invisible aligners duration to work is 4-6 months.
2. Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are also called nearly-clear braces. They have brackets made from tooth-colored ceramic. While these braces are less obvious, they may not be as discreet as clear aligners. On the upside, they are not as noticeable as traditional metal braces.
One of the main reasons the ceramic brace is not as popular as the invisible aligner is its effectiveness. While they work a lot like traditional metal braces, ceramic braces will take longer to move your teeth for technical reasons. Some orthodontists use clear wire to strengthen the brackets, but they will not be as effective as traditional braces.
According to the eJournal of Oral & Maxillofacial Research, ceramic braces have an inherent weakness. Frictional resistance between the wires and the ceramic brackets reduces the braces’ efficiency by as much as 60%. Because of this, dentists may be more likely to recommend invisible aligners or traditional braces over ceramic braces.
How Long Does it Take Ceramic Braces to Work?
According to HealthLine, ceramic braces take between 18 and 36 months to straighten your teeth. Depending on the treatment method chosen and the nature of the aligners, these braces may take over a year to work, even on teeth that do not require much straightening.
3. Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are also called inside braces because they are applied at the back of the teeth. Since they are almost invisible, they can be an excellent alternative for patients with cosmetic concerns over traditional braces. The metal brackets and archwire of the lingual braces are customized according to the shape and position of the patient’s teeth.
How Long Does it Take Lingual Braces to Work?
It takes between 12 to 18 months for lingual braces to straighten your teeth. Considering the complexities of designing and installing the braces, it may take up to four to six weeks after the initial appointment to get the braces applied.
Traditional Metal Braces
Metal braces are the most common type of braces. The brackets and wire are made from lightweight high-grade stainless steel metal. Today’s traditional metal braces are much more comfortable than the braces of yesteryear. Better production technologies and materials have made it possible for orthodontists to attach the brackets much better and for the archwire more comfortably.
Most traditional metal braces today have small elastic ties that keep the archwire in place. It may be plain silver like the braces or more colorful. These braces are not discrete. Patients have the option to personalize their metal braces by choosing the colors of the elastic ties, but that is as far as they get to make the braces more appealing.
Another popular variation of the metal braces is the self-ligating braces. This brace may be made from a clear material or metal. However, instead of elastic clips used to position the archwire, it uses a specialized chip that reduces the force applied on the teeth and friction between the archwire and the brackets.
How Long Does it Take Traditional Metal Braces to Work?
It isn’t easy to estimate the average time it takes to straighten teeth using metal braces. However, as a rule-of-thumb, a typical orthodontic treatment with traditional braces takes between 18 and 36 months, depending on the condition of the patient’s teeth. Self-ligating braces work much faster and require fewer adjustments.
Conclusion
The most effective braces are invisible aligners and good old wire braces. If you are looking for a teeth strengthening solution that works fast and is discrete, you should consider invisible braces. They are convenient and will barely affect how you go about your day, and you will see results within six months. Book an appointment with ALIGNERCO today or take a free assessment and find out more about our affordable invisible aligners.
