What Type of Braces Work the Fastest?

Written by Dr. Chaw Su Kyi on December 12, 2023

Braces and aligners are long-established orthodontic treatment methods. Both apply pressure to straighten teeth. Tooth movements occur gradually over several months or years, but durations vary based on several factors, including the type of treatment used. 

All of the orthodontic treatment options we use at West London Orthodontist are highly effective, and each has its benefits. 

Although you may seek shorter treatment times, it is more important to consider the effectiveness of the specific braces or aligners and how they benefit your case.

This guide will discuss which braces work the fastest and the factors affecting orthodontic treatment duration. 

A Brief Comparison of Treatment Options

Generally, orthodontic treatments fall into two categories- fixed braces and removable aligners. Within these two categories, there are several options. 

Fixed braces use bracks and wires attached to the teeth to create a constant force that produces tooth movement. These could include metal or clear fixtures attached to the front or back of your teeth. Traditional braces use small rubber bands to hold the wire firmly inside the brackets.

Fixed brace options include:

• Damon braces – Damon braces are one of the most popular metal braces. They are self-ligating braces, so there are no elastic bands. Instead, each bracket has a locking system to hold the wire, making treatment quicker and adjustments easier. 
• Clarity braces – These fixed ceramic braces are subtle and won’t stand out like traditional metal braces. Clear braces are as effective as conventional fixed braces.
• Lingual braces – Incognito lingual braces use brackets and wires. Instead of being placed on the fronts of your teeth, we fix them to the back, out of sight.

Removable aligners can be adjustable and use a combination of metal and plastic or be made entirely from clear plastic, as with Invisalign braces.

• Invisalign braces – This clear treatment option uses a series of custom aligners to straighten your teeth misaligned teeth. Treatments range from just six months for milder cases. Many people choose this orthodontic solution because the transparent plastic trays are virtually invisible.

Understanding Orthodontic Treatment Timeframes

Every treatment is unique because your teeth can grow in various positions. Some teeth may protrude or sit at an angle, while others may be crowded together or spaced apart. You may have a combination of alignment issues. We refer to these alignment issues as a malocclusion. 

Treatment lengths vary depending on several factors, including the severity of the malocclusion, your age, your general oral health, and whether you’re taking any medications. 

While orthodontic issues are often visible and easy to spot, it is essential to seek a professional assessment from an orthodontist to fully understand your specific needs and provide the best treatment recommendation. 

How Quickly Do Braces Straighten Teeth?

It can take six months to address mild orthodontic issues, while more complex problems may take two years or more. 

We will monitor your individual tooth movement throughout your treatment to ensure you are on track. We must tighten the wires on fixed braces for the treatment to progress. With clear aligners like Invisalign, you will move on to the next step every two weeks. We will provide new custom aligners at every stage.

Certain factors can affect the speed of tooth movement during treatment. These include the quality of bone, the shape and position of tooth roots, and the duration and strength of the applied force.

What Other Factors Affect Treatment Speed?

You can ensure fast, efficient clear aligner treatment by following a few simple guidelines.  

You must wear your aligner for 22 hours daily to achieve the expected results. When it is time to move on to the next aligner, you should do so as directed. Failure to follow the treatment plan at all times could affect the speed of your tooth movements.

Fundamentally, regardless of your commitment to the treatment program, the severity of your orthodontic issue will impact duration. Problems like deep overbite may require you to wear braces for two years, while slight crowding takes just a few months.

During treatment, attending regular appointments is essential. These appointments let us adjust fixed appliances to progress the treatment. In all cases, they allow us to monitor the success of your treatment.

What Type of Braces Work Fastest?

There are several types of braces used for straightening teeth. The speed of your treatment will vary depending on your specific malocclusion, general and oral health, commitment to following guidelines, and the type of appliance used.

Before making a decision, it is vital to seek professional guidance. We can provide information on the fastest braces for your specific circumstances. We will always suggest the most effective treatment in your case.

West London Orthodontics provides the highest standard of orthodontic care for children and adults in Hammersmith, Shepherd’s Bush, and Chiswick.

Dr Kyi is a leading specialist orthodontist with a wealth of experience in many different types of orthodontic treatments. Schedule your consultation today to learn which treatment will offer the best and fastest results.

West London Orthodontics offers the most advanced orthodontic care for children and adults. Serving patients in Hammersmith, Shepherd's Bush, and Chiswick, Dr Kyi and her team specialise in various brace options, including Invisalign. Book a consultation today.