Are you thinking about getting braces this time, but the question how long do braces take? is popping up for making up a clear decision.
Well, it’s impossible to give you an accurate time because each person’s teeth are different. The amount of time you wear braces depends on how long your treatment is scheduled for and your behavior or care towards braces can also impact the duration.
To shorten the duration, make sure you follow your Orthodontist’s advice properly and maintain healthy regimen. This can help you avoid wearing braces for longer time and you can expect the results shortly.
So, let’s jump into it and know the exact timeline clearly.
How long does braces take to straighten teeth?
Generally, orthodontic treatment lasts between 12 to 36 months, depending on the teeth conditions. Yes, that’s too long, but some teeth may require this. I personally took 24 months to align my teeth. However, some teeth may require less time. Here’s is a detailed breakdown:
- Mild cases: 6 to 12 months
- Moderate cases: 12 to 24 months
- Severe misalignment: 24 to 36 months
The best is you can consult with your Orthodontist. They can help you understand the problem and how long does orthodontic treatment with braces usually take.
What are the 5 Stages of Braces?
Braces treatment usually divided into five stages and each stage plays a crucial role in correcting your teeth.
- Consultation: Visit your orthodontist, they will examine your teeth by taking X-rays, photos, and impressions. Based on your needs and requirements, a personalised treatment plan is prepared including the time duration and cost.
- Brace Placement: In next sitting, braces are applied to your teeth. It may feel strange at first, but your mouth will adjust in a few days.
- Active Adjustment: This is the longest phase. You will see your orthodontist every 4-8 weeks for adjustments to correct the position over time.
- Bite Correction: At the end of treatment, your orthodontist improve alignment and correct your bite. With minor adjustments your teeth look straighten and provide long-tem effects.
- Retainer: After braces, orthodontic suggest to wear retainer to keep your new smile looking its best. this is important to prevent teeth from moving backward.
Factors That Affect the Duration of Orthodontic Treatment
Let’s see some possible factors that impact the duration of Orthodontic treatment:
The Type of Treatment You Choose
Unlike tradition era, there are several orthodontics treatment options are available these days.
- Metal Braces: This involves metal brackets and wire to place over your teeth for 18-30 months. It is reliable and effective treatment often used on mild to moderate cases.
- Clear Braces: Just like metal braces, it works similarly to them for 18-30 months. But it blends with your teeth, not so much visible.
- Lingual Braces: These metal braces place behind the teeth for 18-36 months. However, they make time to adjust with your teeth and lifestyle.
- Clear Aligners: Just like Invisalign, they are removable and clear plastic tray changed every week as the teeth shifts. Best for mild to moderate cases and can wear up to 6-18 months.
If you’re looking for the fastest way to straighten your teeth and your case is mild, aligners can be the best option. But it all depends on the teeth position and how consistently you’re following or wearing them.
How Severe Your Case is?
Mainly this is a major factor of orthodontic duration. If you’ve crooked teeth or minor spacing, it takes a year to correct. Or if you have issues with bites, such as overbite, underbite, or Crossbite, this may take longer time.
Most important, if you’ve issues with Jaw alignment then a minor surgery may require before considering the braces. Talk to your Orthodontics, they will take X-rays and photos to decide which treatment is good and how long that last.
So, how long do adults wear braces?
Adults jaw bones gets mature with the time, so it usually takes time to give results. Typically adults wear braces for 18 to 36 months. The factors like bite issues, crowding, and bone density can also affect the timeline.
How long do kids wear braces?
Kids jaw bone are immature and they easily adjusted and gives results in a short amount of time. However, the best results can be obtained with early orthodontic treatment and good dental hygiene.
Care & Following Orthodontics
Yes, it’s important too.
- Wear aligners up to 22 to 24 hours a day.
- Avoid eating hard sticky foods to prevent damage.
- Following up appointments and maintaining hygiene.
Invisalign Treatment Time Vs. Braces
If your case is mild to moderate, Invisalign treatment takes 6 to 18 months, if you wear it properly for 20-22 hours as day and following your doctor’s advice. On the other side, Braces are used for complex cases that usually require 18-30 months. They are fixed and you don’t need to wear or change them frequently. But make sure to follow oral hygiene.
Common Questions
Q1. Can braces work in 6 months?
Only for mild cases, but most treatment takes more than 6 months.
Q2. Are braces slower than Invisalign?
Yes, for mild to moderate cases, Invisalign works faster than braces.
Q3. Does it hurt to get braces put on?
No, but you may feel little soreness or pain for a few hours after braces are applied.
Q4. What’s the shortest orthodontic treatment possible?
Minor alignment cases can take up to 3 to 6 months.
Conclusion
I hope you got the answer for How Long does Orthodontic Treatment Take? But for the correct answer you need to visit orthodontics near me. Remember this: orthodontics treatment is not easy, it requires time to deliver the best results. If you’re thinking to get this done, go ahead and don’t make an excuse of longer duration. It’s time to make it possible and smile with confidence.
