One of the first questions clients ask when they’re thinking about orthodontic treatment is, how long will it take me to get my teeth straightened? Clear braces are an increasingly favored option over conventional braces, especially for adults and those seeking a more discreet treatment. This has also given rise to the general belief that clear braces are faster than traditional braces. But there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Depending on the complexity of the case, the type of tooth movement needed, the consistency with which the aligners are worn, and how the teeth move during treatment; treatment time will vary. Depending on the severity of the case, there are some that may be resolved faster with clear aligners than others. Braces can be an efficient method if they are planned and monitored properly. Knowing what really factors into treatment time can make it easier to compare both options objectively.
How Long Does It Take for Clear Aligners to Take
Clear aligner treatment can take anywhere from several months to a couple of years, depending on the patient’s individual needs. A shorter period of treatment is required if the spacing or crowding is moderate in severity, and a much longer treatment period is required if the bite is more complex. Unlike a fixed orthodontic appliance, clear aligners are removable and need to be worn for the amount of time recommended by your orthodontist, generally around 20–22 hours per day.
A treatment plan is usually designed through digital imaging and orthodontic evaluation, which would enable your doctor to plan the intended tooth movement. But the time frame is not fixed and depends on various factors. Sometimes your teeth will shift, requiring extra refinement aligners, and at other times the original plan will not work out as intended.
How Long Does Treatment with Braces Take?
Traditional braces also have varying treatment times. Most orthodontic cases will last approximately 1 to 2 years but may be completed sooner or longer. Braces are worn all of the time as brackets and wires stay fixed to the teeth during treatment. The orthodontist will make adjustments to the appliance as needed to help the teeth move toward their desired positions. The length of the treatment depends on the crowd, spacing, bite, jaw relationships and type of movement needed. Because braces cannot be removed by the patient, compliance is less of a factor than it is with clear aligners. Failing to maintain good oral hygiene, poor appointments, broken brackets, and broken wires can, however, affect the progress of the treatment. Just like with aligners, braces don’t automatically work faster or slower for each patient. Remember, one of the biggest factors that affect the length of treatment is the complexity of the orthodontic problem.
Is Complexity of the Case More Important than the Appliance?
There’s a common mistake that many people make when it comes to braces: they think they can set a specific crown at a certain point, and it will move through the mouth at a predictable speed. In fact, the complexity of your case is more significant. The length of treatment will depend on the severity of the spacing problem or the complexity of the bite problems, and the movements required in the difficult case. However, a patient with mild spacing will finish treatment fairly quickly using braces or aligners, while a patient with significant spacing, complex bite problems or difficult tooth movements will have a longer treatment period.
Certain movements can also be easier to control with one type of appliance than another. Your orthodontist will examine the condition of your teeth and bite, the relationship of your jaws, the condition of your gums, and your treatment goals to determine an approach. If you are looking for a speedy outcome, ask about the timeframe that is estimated for your specific case, rather than comparing average treatment times that you see online. A treatment that is technically shorter but doesn’t address your orthodontic needs properly isn’t necessarily the better option.