How Long Will I Need to Wear Braces?
Upon being told they need braces, many people want to know how long their treatment will take. There are many factors that can influence the length of orthodontic treatment, so the treatment time will always depend on the patient. Here are the biggest factors that can affect the length of your treatment.
Age
Teens and children generally have quicker treatments than adults, because their teeth and jaws are still developing and are therefore easier to shift.
Case Type and Severity
The issues that are being corrected and their severity will affect the time of your treatment. For example, a mild case of crowding or spacing can be treated in about a year, whereas a severe underbite or jaw misalignment will take longer.
Adherence to Orthodontist’s Instructions
Your orthodontist will give you instructions to follow during your treatment, such as how to brush and floss your teeth with braces, and foods and activities to avoid. It’s important that you follow your orthodontist’s instructions very carefully, otherwise, the progress of your treatment could be delayed, and you will have to wear them for longer.
Is There a Way to Shorten the Length of Treatment?
If you want to speed up your treatment, there are a few things you can do:
Brush and floss well.
Avoid hard or sticky foods that can damage your braces, like gum, popcorn, corn, or peanut brittle. A broken bracket or wire will interrupt the progress of the braces.
If you are using Clear Aligners or rubber bands, make sure you follow your orthodontist’s instructions on how to wear them.
Do you have more questions about braces? Call and make an appointment with us at Oasis Kids and Orthodontics.