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An estimated 45 percent of people (including adults) use traditional braces to treat functional dental problems, like overbite, underbite, and crossbite, misalignment, and crowding. If you require orthodontic intervention and want to learn what your braces treatment time will look like, the best thing to do is to schedule a consultation with a professional. You can also read below to learn more about what factors could play a role in how long you’ll need to wear braces for.
What Problems Can Braces Address?
Your braces treatment time will depend on a variety of factors, like how diligent you are about keeping on top of your treatment obligations (like maintaining good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist for routine checkups) as well as how severe the issues you’re looking to treat are.
During a consultation, your dentist will capture images of your mouth and oral structure and conduct a thorough visual examination to be able to create a treatment plan for you. They’ll walk you through their treatment recommendations, along with a timeline to achieve an aligned bite and teeth.
How Long Will You Need to Wear Braces?
The length of treatment with traditional braces is dependent on your individual situation, but on average, people typically wear braces for between one and three years, or until they achieve the results they were hoping to. Once the braces are removed, many people require the use of a retainer to maintain their bite and dental alignment, but this will also depend on your unique treatment plan.
Talking with Your Dentist About Your Orthodontic Needs & Lifestyle
The best way to find a treatment that can fulfill your dental needs as well as mesh with your lifestyle is to speak with your professional about your options during your consultation. In some cases, if your orthodontic issues are minor, you may be able to benefit the most from Invisalign clear aligners instead of traditional metal braces. These are removable, discreet appliances that gradually and gently shift your teeth into their ideal positions and have average treatment times of between six and 14 months. This is a great option for people who are on-the-go or have professional images that they need to upkeep due to their career.
Regardless of what orthodontic treatment you decide to stick with, know that straightening your smile and aligning your bite takes time, and it’s important to have realistic expectations for the process. Working together with your dentist and being diligent about staying on-top of your braces or Invisalign aligner maintenance will help the process go smoothly and quickly!
About the Author
Dr. Saro Atam received his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and his Certificate in Orthodontics from Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine. With his advanced knowledge and skills, Island Daily Dental Care is able to provide both traditional braces as well as Invisalign clear aligners in-office for patients needing to address orthodontic issues like malocclusion and misalignment. To schedule a consultation to learn more, visit our website or call 631-286-9000.