How long will your braces stay on for?
Getting braces should be a fun experience as you are getting the smile that you’ve always wanted but there’s no way to know for sure as to how long your braces will be on for as there are many factors that have to be taken into consideration. Your orthodontist will have to consider factors such as your mouth’s space, the distance your teeth need to move and the current condition of your teeth to create the perfect types of braces and orthodontic treatment which is suitable for your life with braces.
Most patients tend to wear dental braces anywhere between 6 months to 2 years but sometimes this duration is extended according to the patient’s oral conditions.
Here are some factors that affect your orthodontic treatment time:
- Your Current Smile
Teeth or bites that are severely out of alignment will take a lot longer to correct than ones that simply need a few minor adjustments. The distance that your teeth have to travel along with the space that is available in your mouth as well as the ease of how they fit into their new and optimized positions. The treatment tends to be much faster when there is a shorter distance for your teeth to travel and there is enough room in your mouth.
- Your Age
The younger you are the faster your braces will do their job, according to your treatment plan. This is due to the fact that children’s bones and tissues are more malleable and therefore take less time to adapt to the changes that your braces bring about than older adults.
The 5 Types of Braces:
The type of braces that you wear affects the speed of your orthodontic treatment as some dental braces take longer than others. Here are 5 different types of braces:
- Traditional Braces
Traditional metal braces are composed of brackets and wires and are one of the most affordable options. But they require the lengthiest treatment time of about 24 months but the duration does not have to be lengthy for everyone as some people may only need 12 months.
- Damon Braces
Damon braces are also known as self-ligating braces which means that they will adjust themselves as your teeth begin moving into their places. Damon braces are less painful s well as being easier to maintain.
- Invisalign
Invisalign are not braces at all but a series of clear braces that you need to switch out every few weeks as your teeth shift. Even though Invisalign can’t treat every single orthodontic problem, it can still treat a wide range of alignment and bite problems among patients.
- Lingual Braces
Lingual braces work very similarly to traditional braces except that they’re set behind your teeth rather than at the front. Unfortunately, not everyone is eligible for lingual braces as you need to have big enough teeth which can accommodate the braces on the sides of your teeth which face your tongue.
- Accelerated Braces
Orthodontic tools are used by orthodontists to stimulate the bone surrounding your teeth which accelerates your orthodontic treatment.
Your Dental Health and Hygiene
Your orthodontist will give you the instructions necessary for taking care of your teeth while you have braces. Following your orthodontist’s instructions religiously ensures that you don’t spend longer than absolutely necessary wearing braces. Cavities or gum inflammation due to poor oral hygiene or broken wires and brackets can force your orthodontist to slow down the rate of your treatment.
If you have any further queries about how long your orthodontic treatment will take, contact us at Thurman Orthodontics in Fresno, CA today!
Dr. Brian Thurman has spent his entire life enjoying all the beauty that California has to offer. A Fresno native, he still escapes to the ocean or the mountains whenever his busy schedule allows. Driven by his love for natural beauty, Dr. Thurman enjoys creating beautiful smiles and healthy bites that last a lifetime. He is proud to be the only Ivy League trained Orthodontist in the Fresno/Clovis area.