Braces are one of the most effective ways to address dental misalignment. They can handle even complex and severe cases! Still, you might wonder how long you will need to have brackets and wires on your teeth. That really depends on your unique situation! In this blog post, you will learn about some of the factors that may influence your treatment timeline with braces.
Average Braces Treatment Time
On average, braces take about 18 to 24 months. Some people may see results in as little as six months, while others may need to wear braces for up to three years. Your orthodontist or dentist will provide an estimated timeline at the start of your treatment, but this is only a general guideline and can vary depending on how your teeth move.
Factors That Affect Treatment Times
Of course, the most significant factor that will affect how long your braces take is the nature and extent of your dental misalignment. Minor, cosmetic issues can be fixed fairly quickly. If you have severe misalignment or a complex type of malocclusion (bad bite), you can expect your treatment to take longer.
Other factors that may influence your treatment timeline include:
- Age: Younger patients, especially those whose jaws are still developing, often respond to orthodontic treatment more quickly than adults. However, adults can still achieve excellent results with braces.
- Type of Braces: Traditional metal braces, clear aligners, and other types of orthodontic treatments may have slightly different treatment durations. Your orthodontist will recommend the best option for your needs and goals.
- Biological Response: Each person’s teeth and bone structures move at a different rate. Your body’s response to treatment is unique, and sometimes teeth may shift faster or slower than expected.
How to Avoid Unnecessary Delays
While there is little you can do to speed up your braces treatment, you can prevent it from being hindered by unnecessary delays. To that end, it is important that you comply with all instructions from your care team. For example, you should:
- Attend all scheduled orthodontic appointments so your progress can be monitored and adjustments made as needed.
- Wear any accessories, such as elastics, as directed by your orthodontist or dentist.
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene by brushing and flossing thoroughly. Poor hygiene can lead to dental issues that may slow down your treatment.
- Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods that may damage your braces or appliances.
- Report any broken brackets, wires, or other issues to your orthodontic care team right away so repairs can be made quickly.
Braces can feel like a long-term commitment, but once you get into a routine with them, time should fly by!
Meet the Practice
At Family Dental Practice of Newington, we are proud to offer both traditional metal braces and Invisalign clear aligners. If you are curious about how long it might take to straighten your teeth, we would be happy to discuss a treatment plan during an in-depth consultation. To learn more about us or to set up an appointment, contact our office at 860-856-6201.