When it comes to having orthodontic treatment done, there are various reasons for a person to feel anxious. One of the most common worries from patients is how long to wear braces? However, this can be a tough question to answer because individuals pursuing orthodontic treatment have situations that vary. Every patient receives a different course of treatment, depending on the severity of their orthodontic needs. The amount of time you might need to wear braces may not be the same for other people.
Sometimes, if the patient’s teeth are in good health, the treatment may only last for six months. However, there are also people who might need to wear braces for as long as three years. Expert orthodontist in Los Angeles can help you predict how long you’ll have to wear your braces (approximately) by looking at a variety of factors. In this article, we’ll discuss the factors that determine the length of time during which you might need to wear braces.
What kind of orthodontic treatment will you choose?
One of the biggest factors that influence how long you’ll have to have treatment is the kind of treatment you choose. Primarily, there are three types of orthodontic devices you can pick: metal braces, ceramic braces, and Invisalign.
Sometimes, if your misalignment is severe, you won’t qualify for Invisalign. However, you don’t have to worry about what you do and do not qualify for, as your orthodontist will advise you based on the condition of your teeth. If your case isn’t severe, you’ll probably have a chance to choose your treatment.
Your orthodontist will help you choose the best device for you based on your suitability, affordability, and lifestyle. Generally, your treatment would last for about six months to three years. However, depending on the degree of misalignment, the duration can increase or decrease. You can’t rush the process. After all, this is a medical treatment.
Explaining the orthodontic devices that are available:
The most visible orthodontic device that is available is the traditional, metal braces with brackets and wires. They work by putting mild pressure on the teeth to slowly move it into the correct position. Because metal braces used to be clunky and uncomfortable, this form of orthodontic treatment got a bad reputation. However, thanks to the advances of science and technology, the metal braces of today are light, comfortable, and efficient.
Once celebrities started choosing ceramic braces for orthodontic treatment in the early 2000s, this form of orthodontia became more popular. While they work the same way as traditional metal braces, they are much less visible because the color of the brackets and wires are closer to the color of your teeth.
The third option for orthodontic treatment is called Invisalign. This is a set of clear aligners that are fitted onto the teeth, and they work by gradually tweaking the teeth’s position. Since these aligners are clear and have no brackets, Invisalign is almost invisible! Each tray you get will have to be worn for a couple of weeks before progressing to the next tray. With Invisalign, you can visually see your treatment’s progress. It’s also removable, so you get both convenience and efficiency in your treatment.
Are there other aspects that influence the duration of treatment?
There are many other factors that can affect the timeframe of your treatment. Both your age and the degree of your condition are important factors when considering what type of orthodontic treatment is best. If you’re wondering how long to wear braces, there are several aspects that your orthodontist will be evaluating. If your teeth require a considerable amount of care, your treatment length will be longer. If your teeth are just mildly misaligned, they will become straight more quickly and easily.
People of all ages can opt for orthodontic treatment. However, children are the ones who will see the fastest teeth transformation. This is because their dental issues can be easily corrected as their jaws are still growing. During late adolescence and adulthood, their jaw would have already fully grown. This will make the treatment slower as correcting any skeletal or dental issues would be harder.
Is there anything you can do to speed up the process?
The best thing you can do to reduce the duration of your treatment is to follow your orthodontist’s instructions. Wear your aligners regularly. After all, you will see results only if you wear them daily. Once your braces are off, you will need to wear retainers for almost the same amount of time as your braces. Listening to your orthodontist will ensure successful treatment and a beautiful smile that lasts your entire life.
You need to maintain good oral hygiene habits throughout the course of your treatment. Wash your braces and clean your mouth after every meal. After the first few months, there is a possibility where you can tend to fall behind on your routine. Unfortunately, bad oral habits can drag your treatment’s timeline. For this reason, you should always prioritize oral hygiene.
Attend all of your scheduled appointments. These are the times when your orthodontist will check your braces and make any adjustments. If your braces need to be tightened or your brackets need to be repositioned, you need to get it done as soon as possible. For that same reason, find a reliable clinic in your area. If you live in LA, choose an experienced orthodontist in Los Angeles who is easy to reach.
Eat wisely – it’s important to be aware of foods that can harm your braces and stay away from them. Food items like sticky toffee or crunchy popcorn can dislocate a wire or pop a bracket. There is a general set of rules when it comes to eating food, so follow them carefully. You should also do your own research based on your dietary requirements and your local food.
You might be able to predict how long you’ll have to wear braces by evaluating the above factors. It mostly depends on the type of treatment you choose, your age, and the extent of your teeth’s misalignment. However, your orthodontist will assess your teeth in a more detailed manner to create a customized treatment plan for you. You can also contribute to your treatment by listening to your orthodontist and wearing your braces daily.
