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How Long do I Have to Wear Braces?
Maybe your dentist just told you that you need braces. Does the thought of having braces make you excited to one day show off your perfect smile? Or does the idea of having someone working inside of your mouth seem a little intimidating? It’s totally normal to have mixtures of both feelings, but the same question always arises: “How long will I need to wear braces?”
There are three subjective things that differ from person to person that will make an impact:
- Corrections Needed
The level of correction required for you to achieve your dental goals will change how long you’ll need to wear braces for, and everyone will respond differently to treatment. - Age
Children will be able to achieve faster results than adults. Studies have shown that the sooner someone adopts braces, the quicker the treatment process will be. - Type of Braces
The style of braces you pick (or that you might require to get your results) will change treatment durations. Choices can be impacted by affordability, comfort, convenience, style, and other factors your orthodontist can explain.
There are three main types of braces:
- Ceramic braces use metal wires and brackets to adjust teeth over time but look inconspicuous since they blend in with your natural tooth color.
- Traditional metal braces that make use of force across wires and brackets with connecting rubber bands to straighten teeth. Generally, the most reliable and effective treatment that has been used for decades with increasing comfort technology.
- Invisalign braces function as clear aligners to straighten your teeth with removable trays. These trays are customized to your mouth and will align your teeth over time as you are sent new trays.
How Long Does it Take to Straighten Teeth with Braces?
After you’ve been examined, records of your oral wellness are created to establish a treatment plan and to form a rough idea of how long you’ll need to wear braces. Most braces users using fixed braces will wear them between 18 and 24 months. However, adult patients might require a treatment time of up to three years.
If you don’t have severe alignment issues, you may be a good candidate for Invisalign. This treatment plan can be drastically shorter than wearing traditional braces, cutting the time needed to see your results between 6 and 12 months.
Regardless of the treatment plan, the best way to ensure that you won’t be wearing your braces a day longer than necessary is to cooperate with the instructions of your orthodontist. Following directions properly plays an important part in making sure that your braces do their job punctually and efficiently.
How to Shorten Time in Braces
- keep all of your appointments as reliably as possible with your orthodontist
- if wearing Invisalign-style aligners, take them out only as specified
- use any nighttime headgear consistently
- avoid foods that are hard and sticky to avoid braces damage
- keep up with your oral hygiene
- wear your retainer as directed once treatment completes to “retain” your progress!
Ready to take the first step towards the smile of your dreams? Reach out to our expert staff and schedule your consultation with us today!