Many people will need some type of orthodontic treatment in their lifetime. It is most common for children and teenagers to get braces before reaching adulthood, but many adults also seek treatment for a variety of reasons.
If you have or are going to get braces, you may be wondering how long you’ll need to wear them. Here’s what you can expect in terms of treatment duration for the average patient.
What Are Braces?
Braces are used to shift the teeth into proper alignment. A metal or ceramic bracket will be attached to the front of each tooth. A metal archwire connects the brackets and gradually pushes or pulls the teeth into the ideal position for optimal oral health and a great looking smile. Other orthodontic mechanisms (rubber bands or wires) may be used with braces to exert additional force on the teeth in order to align the teeth and bite.
Average Time in Braces
The average duration of braces treatment is about 2 years, but it may range anywhere from 1 to 3 years depending on a variety of factors. That may sound like a long time, especially to children and teenagers, but the results can last a lifetime and are well worth it.
Factors That Affect Treatment Time
The following factors have an effect on the length of your time in braces:
- Complexity of your case. The position of your teeth at the start of treatment will have the biggest impact on your treatment time. As your orthodontist plans your case, they will be able to give you an estimate of your treatment duration based on the movements necessary to properly align your teeth.
- Your age. Braces treatment for adults typically takes longer than it does for children and teenagers. This is because adult teeth are more set in place and the jaw is no longer growing. Braces can benefit from adolescent growth spurts that make the teeth easier to shift and the jaw more malleable.
- Compliance with instructions. During braces treatment you will be given certain instructions by your orthodontist, such as eating restrictions and how to wear your rubber bands. Eating forbidden foods can damage your braces, which can slow down and even reverse your progress. Wearing your rubber bands according to instructions keeps your treatment on track and helps you reach the final results sooner.
- Keeping on schedule with appointments. The purpose of regular orthodontic appointments is to make necessary adjustments to your braces in order to align your teeth. By missing or rescheduling appointments you may slow down your progress.
Are There Faster Alternatives To Braces?
If you don’t want to spend 2 years in braces, there are other options that may be faster. For mild to moderate cases, there are clear aligner systems that are capable of achieving the same results in a shorter amount of time. However, clear aligners are not always effective for more severe orthodontic cases.
Frequently Asked Questions About Braces
What are elastics and how do they work with braces?
Elastics are essentially rubber bands that exert additional force on the teeth to align the bite. They may be stretched from certain brackets on the upper jaw to the lower jaw to achieve the desired results.
Schedule an Orthodontic Evaluation
Are you or your child ready for orthodontic treatment? Find out by scheduling an orthodontic evaluation with Dr. Suzanne Stock. We provide a range of orthodontic treatments for children and adults to improve your oral health and transform your smile.
Contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment at our office location that is most convenient to you.