After learning you need braces to straighten your teeth, you begin to wonder how long the process will take. The reality is that no two patients are alike, so you can’t compare your timeline to a friend or colleague. Instead, your orthodontist is the only person who can tell you what your expected braces treatment time will look like. On average, it’s normal for a person to wear braces for anywhere from 1-3 years. How is it determined? Why do some cases require only months while others require individuals to wear them for years? Here are 4 factors that will determine how long you can expect to wear your braces.
The Severity of Your Case
How crooked are your teeth? Do you have one large gap or several? Are your teeth slightly or severely crowded? The severity of your case is one of the biggest factors that will determine how long you can expect treatment to last before seeing a straighter smile. Oftentimes, a small gap can be closed quicker than creating space for an entire row of crowded teeth, especially if you need to have some removed to make additional room.
The Misalignment of Your Bite
Do you have an underbite, overbite, crossbite, or open bite? Depending on your situation and the alignment of your bite, you may find yourself wearing braces for a shorter or longer span of time. Typically, if your bite is off, it will require more time to fix. Add a misaligned bite to crooked or gapped teeth, and you may be looking at a longer treatment timeframe. While this may not be the greatest news to hear, the investment in a new and improved smile will be worth it once you see your final results.
The Type of Braces You Choose
Because metal braces are not the only viable solution these days, it is possible to achieve a straighter smile using an alternative method of treatment, such as clear aligners or even lingual braces (those that live on the backsides of your teeth). Clear trays like Invisalign are known to provide patients with shorter treatment times; however, you must be eligible to move forward with this type of orthodontics. The same can be said for lingual braces. There are benefits to all types of braces, but your orthodontist is the only person who can determine which method of treatment will work best in helping you achieve the results you desire.
Additional Orthodontic Appliances
Depending on your case and how quickly your teeth and/or bite shift, you may or may not require additional orthodontic appliances. Headgear, rubber bands, and a palatal expander are all potential add-ons that your orthodontist may need to use to get your teeth where they need to be. Because you’ll need to maintain regular follow-up appointments throughout treatment, any of these may be added before or while wearing braces.
It’s natural for patients like yourself to want results as quickly as possible. Your orthodontic time is based on many factors, but you can trust that no matter your situation, you and your orthodontist will work together to ensure you achieve long-lasting, life-changing results.
About the Author
Dr. Tamara Jones is a trusted orthodontist in Richardson. Attending Baylor College of Dentistry – Texas A&M Health Science Center, she earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery. She then went on to pursue orthodontics as her specialty at The University of Texas at Houston, earning her master’s degree and certificate in orthodontics. Helping patients of all ages achieve healthier, straighter smiles, she and her team at Richardson Orthodontics are devoted to providing thorough treatment so individuals can start loving their new smiles while living their best lives. Contact us via the website or call (972) 238-7101 to schedule a free consultation and learn how long your orthodontic treatment will take.