TEETH - STRAIGHTENING TREATMENT
SERVICES
RESOURCES
SHOP
MEDICAL CERTIFICATIONS
Certifications ensuring safety, quality, and compliance with global standards.
How Do Invisible & Metal Braces Work and Their Process
Thinking about getting braces but not sure where to start? In this article, we’ll break down how both traditional metal braces and modern invisible braces work, along with a step-by-step look at each treatment process. Whether you’re considering braces for yourself or a loved one, we’ll also answer one of the most common questions—how long does braces treatment take? By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of what to expect and which option might be right for you.
Table of Contents
Complete Process of Conventional Metal Braces and How Long It Takes
Consultation and Examination
The stages of braces start with a consultation and examination. In this session, the orthodontist will assess the severity of your misalignment by examining your teeth, gums, and jaw. Additionally, X-rays and molding for braces may be taken as they are especially helpful to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of your oral health. Using the insights gathered from the initial consultation, the orthodontist will then develop a customised treatment plan.
Braces Fitting
The day of your next appointment is when you get to wear your braces. Usually, the process of placing braces takes two hours. To guarantee a good adhesion between the enamel and the braces, the orthodontist will first clean and dry your teeth.
Then, they will carefully attach small brackets to each of your teeth. The orthodontist will place the brackets and then thread tiny, flexible archwires through them.
Regular Adjustments
Regular adjustments are essential for the success of orthodontic treatment. During these appointments, the orthodontist will assess your progress, make necessary adjustments to the archwires or elastics, and replace any damaged brackets or bands. You will need to visit your orthodontist once every 4 to 8 weeks.
Removal of Braces
After months of hard work, the day finally arrives when you can say goodbye to your braces. The braces removal process typically takes less than an hour. The orthodontist will carefully remove the archwires, brackets, and any remaining adhesive, leaving your teeth feeling smooth and polished.
Maintenance
Now that you have completed your treatment, there’s one last step that you should take to maintain your new, improved smile. You will need to wear retainers all day (except during eating and drinking) for three months. After three months, you will only need to wear them at night when you sleep.
Not doing this may result in your teeth returning to their original position. After months of treatment, you wouldn’t want that to happen, would you? So, make sure to wear your retainers after your braces treatment!
How Long Do Metal Braces Take?
Typically, metal braces will take about 1 to 3 years, but depending on the severity of your dental condition, the duration may vary. They generally require more time than invisible braces since they involve frequent adjustments.
Complete Process of Invisible Braces and How Long It Takes
Clear aligners (or invisible braces), are a relatively new yet effective treatment option that utilises a series of clear, removable trays to gradually straighten teeth. Let’s explore the stages of invisible braces treatment.
Eligibility Check
The first step in getting invisible braces is to submit a smile assessment online. This involves uploading several pictures of your teeth so that the orthodontist can assess whether or not you are a good candidate for treatment. Invisible braces (also known as clear aligners) are most suitable for people with mild to moderate cases of misaligned teeth, so this step is crucial to determine your eligibility.
Scanning
If you are eligible for invisible braces, the next step is to schedule a scanning appointment. During this appointment, your teeth will be scanned using a 3d imaging device. This scan will be used to create a custom-made set of aligners for you.
Receive Treatment Plan & Fabrication of Invisible Braces
Within two weeks of your scanning appointment, you’ll receive a personalised treatment plan. This plan will detail your expected treatment timeline and the number of aligners required. Your orthodontist will also guide you on how to wear and care for your aligners properly.
After you’ve reviewed and approved the plan, the fabrication of your aligners will begin—a process that usually takes about 3 to 4 weeks. Once your aligners are ready, you’ll be scheduled for a fitting appointment to ensure everything fits comfortably and correctly.
Fitting, IPR & Attachments
During your fitting appointment, your orthodontist will check that your invisible braces fit properly and feel comfortable. They may also perform a procedure called interproximal reduction (IPR), which involves gently shaving small amounts of enamel between certain teeth to create space for movement.
In some cases, small attachments will be bonded to your teeth. These tooth-coloured bumps help the aligners grip better and apply more precise pressure to guide your teeth into position. For a deeper understanding, you can refer to our guide on how attachments support teeth straightening.
Mid-treatment Progress Check
As you go through your treatment, your orthodontist will keep an eye on how things are going by checking your progress multiple times. The great thing is that you can easily update your aligner treatment progress from the comfort of your own home.
This not only makes things more convenient for you but also means you won’t have to make as many trips to the dentist. It’s a way to make the process smoother and more manageable for you.
Completing Treatment
After you have worn all of your invisible braces sets, your orthodontist will check the condition of your teeth. If your treatment progressed smoothly, you will have your attachment removed at this stage.
However, if your teeth are not moving as expected, your orthodontist may need to adjust your treatment plan. This may involve starting over with a new set of aligners or modifying the number of aligners you will need to wear.
Please note that the process of treatment for invisible braces can vary depending on your dental condition. Your orthodontist will develop a customised treatment plan that matches your teeth’s specific needs.
Maintenance
Similar to braces treatment, you will also need to wear your retainers after completing aligners treatment. Wear them for 20 to 22 hours every day for three months. Then, you may only wear them at night after that.
How Long Do Invisible Braces Take?
The time it takes for invisible braces to fix your teeth also depends on the severity of your dental condition. In the case of aligners (invisible braces), you can expect an average duration of 6 to 9 months to achieve a new and improved smile.
The best tip to get the perfect smile on time with clear aligners is to constantly wear them as instructed. If you are on the right track, you will get a new smile in no time!
The choice between traditional metal braces and fashionable invisible braces is entirely up to you, based on your preferences and dental needs. If you can’t make up your mind, we’ve got your back with a smile consultation to help you pick the best option for your dental transformation!
