How Long Do Braces Take To Straighten Teeth?
There are many different types of braces to choose from and this wide variety can feel overwhelming. Once you have been referred to one, your orthodontist should help you find whichever treatment would be best for you.
It is always a good idea though to be prepared and know as much as you can about your options before you go in.
At Didsbury Dental Practice we can offer four different types of treatment that will help to straighten your teeth and correct bite problems. They are the following:
- Damon clear braces.
- Invisalign aligners.
- Alias lingual braces.
- Six-month smiles.
All of these treatments take a different length of time so it is important not only to know how long the treatment will last but what it entails. For some, a shorter but more visible option may be preferable whereas for others the opposite may be true.
Damon Clear Braces
Damon clear braces are a type of orthodontic treatment that can straighten your teeth. The system uses a slide mechanism that takes away some of the pressure that is put on your teeth and allows them to move into the desired position much more comfortably.
Damon braces are almost completely transparent and will actually adapt to the natural colour of your teeth for discretion. This treatment takes fewer visits to your dental practice and is a far shorter process than what you would experience with traditional braces.
These braces can come in clear or if you prefer they can also come in metal. Usually, the Damon clear braces are used for the upper teeth and metal Damon braces on the lower teeth. This, of course, will depend on your specific wants and needs. So, if you choose to get Damon braces make sure to fully discuss the pros and cons of both with your dentist when making any decisions.
As a treatment for straightening your teeth, Damon braces are a great clinically proven treatment option that doesn’t usually require the extraction of any teeth.
On the Damon braces site, they say they believe that ‘The cost of braces should never keep you from getting that beautiful smile you’ve always wanted. Investing in your smile can pay dividends to your relationships, career, and overall life satisfaction.’
Damon braces are typically worn for 12 to 18 months for the desired results.
Invisalign aligners
Invisalign treatment is a system used globally to straighten teeth. They are designed to slowly reposition your teeth to the desired place. The clear aligners are made using SmartTrack a specially designed flexible plastic created specifically for this treatment.
The clear aligners that you get with Invisalign treatment are extremely different from metal braces. Where traditional metal braces can only be removed by an orthodontist, Invisalign aligners are able to be removed easily by the patient themselves.
Unlike metal braces which are quite visibly obvious, Invisalign aligners really are practically invisible and unless you point them out it is unlikely that they will be noticed by anyone.
Your clear aligners will be designed specifically for you by your orthodontist using a 3D scan of your mouth. A plan will be made that is completely unique to you to help you on your Invisalign journey and make sure every tooth goes where you want it to.
Invisalign treatment usually lasts between 6 and 12 months.
Alias Lingual Braces
Another type of braces that can be a great choice for those who wish to be discrete are Alias lingual braces. These braces are probably the most hidden you will find. Instead of being on the front of your teeth, these braces are placed behind your teeth making them completely unnoticeable.
Lingual braces are made using non-allergenic gold using modern computer technology for the best results and maximum comfort throughout. To make your braces you will first have an impression taken off your teeth. This is then sent off to a dental laboratory and is used to make your custom braces.
Although this treatment takes a little longer than some others it is still a fantastic option as they are the ultimate secret braces and by hiding behind your teeth nobody will ever even know they are there unless you tell them.
Alias lingual braces are usually opted for by adults but are also a valid option for children if they so choose.
This treatment option can take between 1 and 3 years to complete.
Six-month smiles short-term aligners
Six Month Smiles is another system that gently moves your teeth into the correct position using a type of clear braces. And sometimes they work their magic in just 6 months.
The clear braces used by Six Month Smiles use clear brackets, practically invisible wires or sometimes clear plastic retainers. What exactly the Six Month Smiles treatment would entail for you would depend on your individual case.
These braces are as stated in the name for the short term. Along with being almost invisible, this makes the perfect for people with slight overcrowding or people who have had braces before but whose teeth have begun to move back.
Unfortunately like all treatments, Six Month Smiles short-term aligners will not be suitable for everyone but your dentist should be able to suggest to you an alternative that could work well for you.
Six Month Smiles short-term orthodontics at Didsbury Dental Practice, Manchester can cost you as little as £28 a month so make sure to check it out if you are looking to regain some self-confidence through your smile.
Although not always the case, these treatments are usually completed in around 6 months which is around a third of the time you would have traditional braces.
Braces on the NHS
Private treatment is not for everyone so if you want to you should consider NHS treatment but you need to bear in mind the length of the waiting list.
The length of the NHS waiting list for braces varies across the country. Where some places it can be as low as 6 months and should not be longer than 2 years in other places the wait is as long as 5 years.
Make sure you look into your specific area or speak to an NHS dentist or orthodontist to find out how long you could be waiting.
Didsbury Dental Practice
To learn more about Didsbury Dental Practice, visit our website here.
Click here to learn about our Invisalign treatment for adults and teenagers.
We offer a wide range of dental services, including teeth whitening, Alias lingual braces, Six Month Smiles Braces and Damon Clear Braces.
To find out why you should choose Didsbury Dental Practice for your orthodontic dentistry click here.
If you need an emergency appointment, call our dental emergency helpline on 0161 413 2835, or walk into our practice and we will aim to see you as soon as possible.
Visit our blog to read more articles on dental health such as ‘What does orthodontic mean in dentistry?’ and ‘Is an orthodontist more qualified than a dentist?’
