Braces are used to correct tooth alignment and bite issues. Several types of braces are available, each with different treatment durations, visibility, and suitability depending on the case. This page compares the five main types of braces and their typical treatment times.
There are five main types of braces. Your dentist or orthodontist will recommend the type most appropriate for your case. Not every type is suitable for every patient.
Metal braces: Traditional braces with metal brackets bonded to the teeth, attached with wire and tiny elastic bands.
Ceramic braces: Similar to traditional metal braces, but made from tooth-coloured ceramic to make them less visible.
Invisalign: Clear removable aligners that move teeth gradually.
Self-ligating braces: Similar to metal braces, but with brackets that hold the wire without the use of elastics.
Lingual braces: Metal braces bonded to the back of the teeth rather than the front.
Metal braces are bonded to the teeth, so they cannot be removed by the patient, and they are durable enough to withstand significant pressure. Metal braces take between 18 and 24 months for an average adult patient, although the severity of misalignment may increase or decrease this timeframe.
Considerations for metal braces: Metal braces are effective across a wide range of cases and tend to be the most affordable type. However, they are the most visible option, can make oral hygiene more challenging, and some patients experience discomfort, particularly after adjustments.
Ceramic braces work similarly to metal braces but use tooth-coloured brackets and wire to reduce visibility. Ceramic braces can take between 18 and 36 months to complete treatment, which may be slightly longer than metal braces as ceramic brackets can be more fragile.
Considerations for ceramic braces: Ceramic braces are less visible than metal braces and come in a range of colours. However, they tend to be more expensive, may be less durable, and can stain more easily than metal brackets.
Invisalign treatments typically take 12 to 18 months, though this varies by case. Invisalign is generally used for mild to moderate alignment issues, which may contribute to the shorter treatment time compared to fixed braces treating more complex cases. Invisalign aligners are swapped out approximately every two weeks and must be worn for around 22 hours a day.
Considerations for Invisalign: Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible and removable, giving more flexibility for eating and oral hygiene. However, they require consistent wear to be effective (non-compliance can extend treatment), are easier to lose, and may not be suitable for more complex orthodontic cases.
Current evidence indicates no significant difference in treatment time between traditional metal braces and self-ligating braces. Self-ligating braces typically take around 18 to 24 months.
Considerations for self-ligating braces: Cleaning may be easier with fewer components. However, self-ligating braces tend to be more expensive than traditional metal braces, and some patients find the brackets cause irritation to the cheeks and gums, particularly in the initial days.
Lingual braces typically take between 12 and 24 months, though some cases may take longer depending on the severity of misalignment. Because lingual braces are attached to the back of the teeth, the natural curve of the teeth can work against the braces, which may extend treatment time compared to traditional braces in some cases.
Considerations for lingual braces: Lingual braces are hidden from view when smiling or talking. However, they are not offered by all providers, tend to be more expensive, and some patients report more discomfort and speech difficulties, particularly in the early stages of treatment.
Based on typical treatment durations, Invisalign tends to have the shortest average treatment time at around 12 to 18 months, though this reflects the fact that Invisalign is generally used for less complex cases. Traditional metal, self-ligating, and lingual braces have similar treatment times of 12 to 24 months. Ceramic braces may take 18 to 36 months.
You will need to factor time wearing a retainer for maintenance into these treatment times. Retainer wear is essential after any orthodontic treatment — without it, teeth may shift back toward their original position.
Not necessarily. The fastest treatment isn't always the most clinically appropriate for your case.
For example, Invisalign may have the shortest average treatment time, but it is generally suited to mild to moderate alignment issues and may not be effective for more complex cases. Similarly, you might have alignment issues that require fixed braces. Metal braces may be faster but more visible, while ceramic braces take longer but are less noticeable.
Your dentist will assess your teeth and recommend the most clinically appropriate option based on your individual case.
All orthodontic treatments carry risks. Risks include discomfort and soreness after placement and following adjustments; mouth sores or irritation from brackets and wires (for fixed braces); tooth root resorption (shortening of the tooth roots), which occurs to some degree in most orthodontic patients; enamel demineralisation (white spots), particularly if oral hygiene is not maintained around brackets; gum recession; the possibility that treatment may take longer than initially estimated; and relapse (teeth shifting back toward their original position) if retainers are not worn as directed after treatment. Your dentist will discuss all risks specific to your case before treatment begins.
For full information about risks and potential side effects, please visit our treatment risks page: https://www.gorgeoussmiles.com.au/treatment-risks/
Invisalign aligners tend to have the shortest average treatment time, though this reflects their use in less complex cases. Metal braces and lingual braces require similar timeframes of 12 to 24 months, while ceramic braces can take up to 36 months. Your treatment time depends on your individual orthodontic needs. Your dentist will provide information about which type of braces is most appropriate for your case, along with an estimated treatment duration.
For full information about treatment risks, please visit: https://www.gorgeoussmiles.com.au/treatment-risks/
All dental treatment carries risks. The treatments described on this site may not be appropriate for your oral health. A full consultation with an AHPRA-registered dental professional is required before confirming suitability for any procedure. Individual results vary. For information about treatment risks, please visit our treatment risks page.