One question that every patient asks when considering braces is “how long will I have to wear braces?” Like many medical treatments and procedures, that answer will depend on several factors.
At Imagine Orthodontic Studio, our orthodontists want to get to know you and understand your goals in seeking orthodontic treatment, so that they can design a treatment plan tailored to your unique condition and goals.
In this blog, we’ll look at the factors that determine how long you will need to wear braces – and the steps you can take to keep your treatment on track and on schedule. If you’d like to learn more, you can book a free consultation at any of our locations, and our team will be glad to answer all of your questions!
On average, patients can expect to wear braces for 18-24 months. Your orthodontist will take into consideration your unique orthodontic issues, your goals and lifestyle, and the factors discussed below when determining how long your treatment will take.
Different orthodontic issues require different treatment times. Some issues like mild spacing or crowding may be treated in a shorter amount of time, while more severe ones like jaw misalignment may require longer treatment in order to get the best results.
Age can play a role in how fast your teeth and jaw respond to treatment. Kids and teenagers are still growing, and their teeth typically respond to treatment more quickly. Adult bones and teeth have settled into permanent positions, and it can take longer to move adult teeth into the desired positions.
Your treatment time will vary depending on the specific approach and appliances used during your treatment. Both Invisalign and traditional metal braces tend to fall into the average range of 18 to 24 months, although more severe orthodontic issues can take up to three years to resolve (and can often only be treated by metal braces).
It’s important to be an active participant in your orthodontic treatment! Daily brushing and flossing, attending all scheduled checkups, and avoiding problem foods that can damage your braces will all help keep your treatment on schedule.
The most important thing you can do to keep your treatment on track is to follow all of the orthodontist’s instructions! These include:
Your braces are an investment toward a beautiful and healthy smile for life, and just a few steps on your part can help your treatment progress as quickly and efficiently as possible!
Getting braces is a big decision, and it’s natural to wonder how long it will take until you see results. Ultimately, that will depend on several personal factors, including age, treatment type, the nature of your orthodontic issues, and compliance with your treatment plan.
At Imagine Orthodontic Studio, we want all of our patients to feel empowered to make the best decision about their orthodontic health, and we look forward to answering all of your questions.
Schedule a free consultation today, and let us help you achieve the smile of your dreams.
