Posted on March 4, 2022
When you are told you need braces, one of the first things that come to your mind is how long you will have to wear them. The time you need to have braces can depend on a few different factors. Continue reading to learn more about two of the factors that could impact the length of your treatment.
Most patients will need to wear fixed braces for around 18 to 24 months. While some patients require less than 12 months before their teeth reach the desired position, there are also patients requiring up to 3 years of treatment. This depends on the severity of the teeth they need to fix and the extent of the misalignment. Additionally, this could be affected by the patient’s age, and if they have any preexisting dental issues. Another option is Invisalign, though a bit more expensive, it offers a quicker and less invasive treatment.
More than 25% of orthodontic patients will need to wear braces again because they didn’t wear their retainers as instructed, according to Chapmanorthodontics.com. Your willingness to follow the steps your orthodontist gives you plays a significant role in the length of time it takes to complete your treatment. To get the quickest and best results from your braces, follow these steps.
Stick to your appointment dates, avoid foods that could damage your braces, keep your teeth clean, take out your Invisalign aligners only when directed, and wear your retainers when needed. You’ll probably wear your retainer full-time for the first six months of getting your braces off. Then it is generally advised you only take them out to eat, brush, and floss.
We know that our patients do not want to wear braces forever. Even though braces are for the greater good of your oral health, they can be a pain for many. However, if your braces come off too early then your teeth could go back to how they were. Follow your orthodontist’s instructions and the treatment will be over before you know it. To talk more about braces and the time you would need, contact us for an appointment at Lee Family Orthodontics.