Depending on the patient, the time frame for braces might change, but normally a patient wears braces for 24 months. Patients can wear them for as little as 16 to 18 months in certain cases and as long as 24 months in other cases. The degree of crowding, spacing and bite of your teeth are some variables that affect how long you must wear braces.
Factors that may impact the duration of braces
Several variables influences the decision to use braces. Some of the things on the following list can be beyond your control. You only have any control over whether or not you adhere to your treatment plan and take your orthodontist’s recommendations.
Age
Depending on the patient’s age, the findings frequently change. A patient still growing and developing will complete their braces therapy sooner. This is because their jaws are growing and developing while they are receiving treatment.
Severity
Patients obtain braces to correct crowding or spacing in their teeth for a more uniform smile. The time you wear braces will depend on how severe the crowding or spacing is. Some patients’ teeth are highly crowded or widely spaced, whereas others have little crowding or spacing.
Adherence
While adhering to your treatment plan might not hasten the procedure, deviating from it can make it take longer. You must do everything you can to abide by Children Dental Indianapolis IN advice.
Varieties of brace
The braces you get may impact the length of your entire treatment. There are several different types of braces available. Although most conventional braces are constructed of metal wiring, and may be what comes to mind when you think of braces, patients have access to a variety of other options.
Metal braces
The typical method of treating a patient in need of orthodontic assistance is with metal braces. They are the most tried-and-true technique available, and they offer more benefits than just tooth straightening. They can also correct a bite. Because of this, their typical timelines are often between 18 and 24 months.
Clear aligners
A thin piece of plastic called Invisalign, often known as transparent aligners, helps straighten your teeth. They are often applied to milder instances and situations when the patient would like a transparent orthodontic treatment option. With an average treatment length of 18 months, these metal braces are the most common. In contrast, some individuals could see the completion of their treatment plan in as little as six months.
Ceramic braces
Ceramic braces function similarly to metal braces but are less common than metal braces or clear aligners since the material is weaker. This may result in a treatment period longer than the typical 18 to 24 months.
Lingual braces
Lingual braces are placed in the rear or inside of your mouth and are less prevalent than the other therapies. They become invisible as a result; however, this does mean that the therapy may take longer. Having said that, they can take up to three years, much as ceramic braces.
Concerned about the duration?
When you initially put on braces, one of your first thoughts can be, “When can I take my braces off?” Fortunately, this is only the first step on your road to better dental health. Your braces will help you establish improved dental hygiene practices and give you the gorgeous smile you’ve always wanted. A retainer must be worn in order to maintain that million-dollar grin.
Following a thorough examination of your mouth, Childrens Dentist Indianapolis IN may take X-rays and pictures and, if required, create plaster models of your teeth. Kids Dentist Indianapolis IN can determine how long you will need to wear braces using this information. Although a precise date cannot be predicted, there are several broad principles.
- For about 18 to 24 months, fixed braces are required for the majority of patients.
- Treatment may take up to three years for people who have more complicated issues or who are older.
- Treatment might be completed in as little as 6 to 12 months if you have less serious problems or are a good candidate for invisible aligners like Invisalign.
What role do you play
Your collaboration is one way you may continue to influence the length of your treatment plan. The time it takes to finish your treatment mostly depends on your desire to adhere consistently to your orthodontist’s recommendations. Follow these instructions to achieve the greatest outcomes and prevent wearing your braces longer than necessary:
- Be on time for all of your booked appointments. Rebook appointments as close to the original date as feasible when required.
- If you use Invisalign, only remove the aligners as instructed.
- Adheres to all instructions if you use any nightly headgear or have rubber bands on your braces. To maintain the flow of the process, this is crucial.
- If you participate in any contact sports, Pediatric Dentist Indianapolis IN can fit you with a protective mouth guard. These will aid in protecting both your braces and your teeth.
- Steer clear of any meals that can harm your braces. Your temporary adversaries are meals that are hard and sticky! These sweets can damage your braces, the brackets’ wires, or both.
- Maintain healthy, clean teeth! Although it sounds obvious, you’d be astonished how many individuals eventually slack off on this. To avoid any oral health issues that could need keeping braces on for a longer period, abide by the Pediatric Dentistry Indianapolis IN recommendations of our knowledgeable staff.
Results that you “Retain.”
Following removing your braces, a retainer is a crucial component of your orthodontic treatment. Weak habits persist. Teeth like to go back to their original locations after having braces removed. By giving your gums and jaws some time to adjust to the new locations of your teeth, a retainer aids in maintaining your new smile.
For the first six months, you’ll probably wear your retainer constantly. If it’s detachable, we’ll often suggest that you limit their use to eating, brushing, and flossing. Don’t worry; the moment you can start wearing your retainer exclusively at night, we’ll make sure to let you know.
How long must I keep my retainer in place?
You will need to wear a retainer regardless of the kind of therapy you receive. Even though you might be happy to stop wearing dental appliances after your braces are taken off, you will still need to wear a retainer. Several types of retainers are available, and the amount of time you must wear them varies. Wearing a retainer might last for as little as 4 or 12 months.
Call us at any moment if you have any further inquiries regarding orthodontics. You can also make an appointment to begin at any time as an alternative.