Metal braces take longer to set than clear braces. While this may be a surprise to some, it is really no different than the length of time that it takes for metal braces to break in and become comfortable. However, this is not to say that they are not comfortable at all. In fact, many patients who wear metal braces say that they are very comfortable and feel better immediately after wearing them.
Metal braces require more time because they require multiple visits to the orthodontist’s office each week so that adjustments can be made as needed. They also need to be worn for longer periods of time than clear braces because the metal wires are placed under the gum line and into the back teeth rather than on top of them as clear brackets do.
Clear braces require fewer visits per week because there are no wires involved with their design so you only need one visit per week to get your braces adjusted or replaced if needed. The only difference between these two types of brackets is that clear brackets don’t have any visible lines on top of your teeth whereas metal brackets have them but they also don’t affect.
