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28.06.20

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What is the quickest way to straighten your teeth?

Getting braces as an adult is more common than you might think. With advances in dentistry, braces are becoming less obvious and more accessible to more and more people. But even when your braces are nearly invisible, it’s still natural to want the treatment to be over as quickly as possible.

What is the quickest way to straighten your teeth is a common question asked in the dentist’s chair. Maybe you have a special day coming up and want to straighten your teeth quickly. Or maybe you work in a public-facing role and don’t want to have a mouth full of metal for any longer than you need to.

Whatever your reasons for wanting a quick teeth-straightening solution, you’re not alone. In this guide, we’re going to explore some of the teeth straightening options available to you and how long they will take.

What determines teeth straightening times?

The number one factor that will determine how long your teeth straightening procedure takes is the severity of your dental alignment. Fixing your four front teeth will take a lot less time than it would take to correct an overcrowded mouth. Before heading into any aesthetic dental treatment, you must have realistic expectations about what can be achieved.

The best option for minor alignments

When you have a small alignment defect which needs to be corrected, using a system like metal or ceramic braces can achieve excellent results in a short space of time. Metal braces have had a lot of updates since the days of the full tram tracks.

You can now wear metal braces that are little more than low profile brackets and a thin metal wire between them. If you’re only concerned about a few teeth, you could see results in as little as a few weeks and complete your treatment in under 6 months. After this, you will simply need to wear a retainer to maintain the results.

The best option for major alignments

Since there is no way to rush a major alignment, the best thing you can do is to choose an option that is less invasive and less likely to interfere with your life. By choosing a discrete option like Invisalign or Lingual braces, the treatment time will be less of a concern for you and you can focus on getting the best possible results.

Invisalign is a nearly invisible option for straightening your teeth that can be highly effective for treating even the most severe cases. It uses a series of clear plastic aligners and attachments to gently manoeuvre the teeth into the correct alignment. Invisalign treatment time is typically 12-18 months.

You could also explore lingual braces. These are just like metal braces but the metal brackets and wires attach to the back of your teeth. It’s a low profile alternative to metal braces that can allow you to see results in anywhere from 6 to 24 months.

The alternative to braces

You might be surprised to learn that there are treatment options available that aren’t as invasive. If your dental alignment problems are purely aesthetic, meaning that you aren’t concerned about things like the alignment of your jaw or overcrowding, then composite veneers could offer an instant solution.

Composite veneers use a resin material that is applied directly to the teeth and then shaped and cured with a UV light. This allows your dentist to create the appearance of straighter teeth without doing any invasive treatments. This can be the perfect option if you want a quick solution, as you could achieve the results you want the same day.

Unlike traditional veneers which use a porcelain shell over your existing teeth, your dentist will not need to do any preparation to the underlying tooth. This means that your original enamel will be left intact.

Which is right for me?

Although there are multiple options available, only your dentist can tell you which teeth straightening solutions are right for you. The time it takes to achieve a straighter smile will depend on your case, so it’s always best to book a free consultation to discover your options. If you’re interested in finding out more about teeth straightening options with Stoke Orthodontic, get in touch today.