No matter how you look at it, orthodontics are an investment and a commitment. Braces take a long time from start to finish, but that is a good thing. The process is customized to each patient, and some require lengthy treatment to end up with a straight, strong, healthy smile. Here are some of the elements that contribute to the length of braces treatment – and why patience and time are so important no matter what the circumstances.
The Critical Steps That Make Braces Take a Long Time
Braces take a long time because treatment is carried out in stages and not all aligning is done at once. Different elements need to be tended to at varying intervals and every stage serves a purpose.
- Initial alignment. Gentle pressure aligns noticeable misalignments, like crooked or crowded teeth. Archwires and elastic bands guide teeth progressively into the right spots.
- Bite correction. Rubber bands and sometimes other appliances put pressure on the jaw to correct overbites, underbites, and crossbites.
- Space closure. Through careful archwires and other hardware, any remaining gaps between the teeth are guided into place to eliminate excess space.
- Final adjustments. Tooth positions are refined one by one and as needed for optimal alignment and so upper and lower arches are in harmony.
How Long Will My Braces Take?
It’s important to set a realistic timeline when it comes to braces. Your orthodontist will make it clear how long they expect treatment to last, but how long it really ends up taking primarily depends on the following:
- Type of braces. Metal braces are often the most efficient and traditional type of treatment that addresses a range of complications.
- Patient’s age. Younger patients have softer jawbones so movement is easier and faster which can speed up treatment time. Adults may need to wear braces or Invisalign longer.
- Severity of misalignment. The more complex a patient’s case is, the longer orthodontic treatment is likely to take. It may require multiple stages of treatments starting with braces for kids and allowing gaps for tooth development, jaw growth, and loss of baby teeth.
- Patient compliance. If you follow your orthodontist’s rules, your treatment will progress effectively and results are usually faster and better. Following food rules, taking care of teeth and hardware, using elastics as instructed, and going to check-ups keeps treatment on track.
Alternative to Traditional Braces
If you are very concerned about how long it will take to align your teeth, talk to your orthodontist about Invisalign and find out if you are a good candidate. Some teens qualify for this alignment method and many adults are now getting orthodontic care because clear aligners are an option – and they are often faster than regular braces.
No matter what type of orthodontics you or your child undergoes, it’s still critical to tend to braces as instructed, avoid foods and behaviors that could damage hardware, and keep your oral health in good condition to prevent the need for fillings or other treatment that might delay progress.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Soleil in Woodinville, WA, to get all the details about why braces take a long time and how they can fit into your lifestyle no matter what.
