A third of the world has worn braces at some point. Each of these smiles is unique, but the big question on everyone’s mind before they start is always the same – how long do you have to wear braces? Here’s what to expect on your path to straighter teeth and how to make the process as smooth as possible.
How Long Do You Have to Wear Braces?
Most people wear braces for one to three years. The reason behind such a large timespan is the fact that it depends on various factors, namely the condition of your teeth.
For minor teeth alignments, you might be looking at just six to ten months – in the world of orthodontics, that’s basically the speed of light. But if you’re going for the full smile makeover, including bite correction, it could take a couple of years.
How Long Do You Have to Wear an Expander Before Braces?
Typically, an expander is worn for about six to nine months. Over this time period, it’s adjusted daily to gently widen the palate, making the necessary adjustments before the main orthodontic treatment.
How Long Do You Have to Wear a Retainer After Braces?
In most cases, the retainers should be worn every day for the first nine months after the treatment. After that, you can wear them just at night. This is a crucial period, as it keeps your teeth from drifting back to their original spots. You don’t want to undo all that hard work!
How Do Braces Work Anyway?
Brackets, bands, and wires may look like small parts, but they’re doing some serious work! They apply gentle pressure to each tooth, causing the bone around the roots to soften just enough for it to start moving to where it should be.
As the teeth move, the bone regenerates behind them, keeping them securely in place. Here, time is of the essence – move the teeth too fast, and the bone won’t have time to rebuild, which could lead to them loosening. All in all, wearing braces is all about that steady process to keep your teeth healthy.
The Exact Timespan Depends on the Dental Condition
Misalignments can range from slight overcrowding to more complex cases like protruding overbites and underbites. Obviously, the more challenging the condition, the longer it will take to correct it.
However, thanks to innovations in orthodontics and advanced cosmetic & laser dentistry, even tough cases don’t have to take forever! These days, treatment times are shorter than ever. On top of that, more comfortable alternatives have been introduced, including daytime and nighttime aligners.
The Age of the Patient Plays a Huge Role, Too
The American Association of Orthodontists suggests kids see a specialist by age 7. Why? Well, children’s jaws and teeth are still growing, making them more responsive to this corrective treatment.
While the study found that around 68% of patients are under 18, many adults wear braces too. In fact, there are 1.6 million adults with braces in the US, making up a solid 20-25% of people using orthodontic devices. That being said, these individuals will face longer treatment times in most cases.
How to Make Sure You Get Your Braces Off on Time
Besides your age and the condition of your smile, how long you’ll need to wear braces often comes down to another big factor – how closely you listen to your Charlotte dentist in SouthPark! It’s kind of a team effort, and your job is just as important as the braces themselves. Here are some tips for finishing this smile journey on time (or even sooner):
- Keep the recommended oral hygiene routine, preferably brushing and flossing after every single meal,
- Visit the office for regular cleanings and exams, and make sure to schedule a dentist appointment immediately if there are broken wires or loose brackets,
- Wear the rubber bands just like your Charlotte, NC, dentist recommended, as they’re a crucial part of this orthodontic treatment,
- Read up on what to eat and what to avoid, and make sure you keep up with that recommended diet.
Aspire Dental Wellness Offers Great Alternatives for Your Smile
Braces are a common way to perfect a smile, but let’s be real – they’re not exactly ideal. Just think about how long you have to wear them! In the meantime, you’ll have to say goodbye to your favorite sticky and crunchy snacks, and that’s already a bummer.
On top of that, you might experience sensitive teeth and mild soreness, especially in the first few days after getting them. Lucky for you, our team, led by Dr. Sladjana Bjelac, offers more comfortable alternatives that are just as effective.
From our selection, we would highlight the OrthoFX aligners. They are nearly invisible and designed to snugly cover your unique smile, which means they’re much more comfortable than traditional braces.
Also, you don’t have to wear them all the time – our dentist in Charlotte, NC, will give you detailed instructions on how long you can go without them. Last but certainly not least, the time span of the whole treatment is much shorter, bringing you noticeable results without much change to your usual routine.
Your Perfect Smile, Your Way – We’re Here to Help You Reach It
No matter how long it takes, getting the smile of your dreams is always worth it. Our team at Aspire Dental Wellness is here to help you every step of the way! Whether you’re considering traditional braces or exploring alternatives, we’ll find the perfect solution for your pearly whites. Contact us today – let’s craft a smile that’s not just properly aligned but completely, unmistakably you.
