When it comes to straightening teeth, one of the most effective orthodontic solutions is braces. Consisting of brackets affixed to the teeth along with a series of bands and wires, braces gradually push teeth into their proper place overtime. Braces are also a great way to correct other orthodontic issues, including jaw misalignment concerns like bite issues.
But how long do braces take to straighten teeth? Braces aren’t fun to wear, and many patients want them taken off as soon as possible. Well, there are a number of factors you have to consider, and even once your braces are off there are things you’ll need to do to retain your teeth correction.
Here’s what you should know when it comes to braces and how long they’ll take to straighten out teeth.
What should I know about braces treatment times?
For the average patient, braces and orthodontic treatment can be as short as six months, or it can take up to six years. There are many different factors you have to consider in order to estimate how long it will take for your braces to straighten out your teeth, including:
- Severity of issue. Depending on the kind of correction you need, treatment may be shorter or longer. Bite alignment issues, very crooked teeth, or other oral problems may extend the length of treatment.
- Type of braces. There are several different types of braces to choose from, including clear braces. Clear braces aren’t as noticeable as traditional metal braces, but in some cases may slow down the length of treatment since they aren’t as strong.
- Patient age. Younger patient treatment is often shorter than adult patient treatment. This is because your child’s jawbones are still developing. This makes teeth manipulation easier, as braces work with the jaw as your child grows to accelerate treatment time.
How can I accelerate how long it takes for braces to fix my teeth?
Want to get your braces off faster? Then make sure you listen to your orthodontist! Maintain proper dental hygiene, avoid damaging your wires and brackets, and make sure to obey any other special instructions that they have for you.
Also, be aware that braces require adjustment overtime to ensure proper mouth correction. It is vital that you make your dental appointments so that your orthodontist can perform these adjustments as soon as possible.
What should I do once I get my braces off?
Finally got your braces off? You should celebrate, but also remember that all that hard work won’t mean much if you don’t maintain proper dental hygiene. In some cases your orthodontist will likely schedule a few follow-up visits in order to monitor your teeth post braces.
Additionally, many dental patients require a retainer post-braces to maintain the corrective treatment. Retainers typically only have to be worn at night and a couple hours during the day, and can always be removed to eat, drink, or brush your teeth. Make sure you wear your retainer, because it’s much better than having to go back and get your braces put on again because you didn’t follow your orthodontist’s instructions.
See TMJPlus Wellness Center for your orthodontic needs
Are you looking for orthodontic treatment in or around Grapevine, Texas? Then you should consider scheduling an appointment with us at TMJPlus Wellness Center. For over 20 years we’ve been helping patients in our community with a holistic approach to dentistry. We believe in the ideal of a perfect smile that can be achieved through a variety of dental services by tackling dental issues beyond just what’s bothering your teeth.
No matter who you are, we believe we can help you improve your smile and live a healthier life by improving your oral health. Contact us today if you have any questions or to schedule an appointment, and we look forward to seeing you here at the TMJ Plus Wellness Center.