In the United States, around 4 million people wear braces. wear braces. Braces treat dental issues ranging from crooked, crowding, or misaligned teeth to overbites, underbites, and misaligned jaws.
How long do you have to wear braces? When considering ways to repair your smile, know that braces are a commitment that you’ll wear for an average of 1-3 years.
There are several factors that determine how long you’ll need to wear braces to improve your smile.
The Severity of the Issue
Because braces treat several dental issues, the length of time you’ll wear them depends on the severity of the issue. Fixing problems like crooked teeth or gaps is often simpler and can be done in as little as two months to a year.
More complex issues like several misaligned teeth, bite, and jaw issues will take longer to repair. These treatments take at least a year but can require up to three years to resolve.
Are You an Adult?
Another factor to consider is your age. If you’re an adult, the treatment times tend to take longer than they do for children.
This is because children’s teeth and jaws are still changing, making them easier to shift into the desired position. Adults have already gone through these changes, making the teeth harder to manipulate into place.
Looking for an adult orthodontist? Don’t forget to ask how your age may affect the length of your treatment.
Type of Treatment
There are several options of braces available to choose from. Different types will have varied treatment times.
Metal Braces
Metal braces are stainless steel brackets that attach to your teeth and are connected with metal wire. They follow the curve of your jaw and treat serious issues.
Most people using metal braces to treat their teeth must wear them for around 18 to 24 months unless they have more problematic issues.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are also made of metal, but they’re placed behind your teeth instead. They are an excellent alternative to those looking to avoid the aesthetics of standard metal braces.
Lingual braces can take longer than metal braces in more severe cases but usually take around 12 to 24 months for less complex treatment.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are an alternative method for straightening teeth that uses a transparent plastic tray custom-molded for your teeth. These are less of a commitment as they can be removed, but are only used for less severe cases.
When using clear aligners, the average treatment time is around 12 months.
Adherence to Treatment Plan
With every form of braces, there are treatment plans to follow that ensure they’re working effectively. If you follow your dietary guidelines and care plan, you’ll have a higher chance of getting braces removed sooner.
How Long Do You Have to Wear Braces?
How long do you have to wear braces to achieve straighter teeth? If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, expect to have braces on for at least a year in most cases.
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