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How Long Do I Have to Wear Braces?

Dental Braces

My patients usually ask this question during the initial consultation. Adults are especially concerned about the amount of time they need to wear braces.

On average, it takes about 24 months to complete an orthodontic treatment. Some patients require less than 12 months, but there are also patients requiring up to 3 years of treatment before their teeth reach the desired position.

Orthodontics is not a one-size-fits-all solution and each patient’s mouth is unique. So, while I cannot tell you with certainty the exact duration of treatment for your specific case, I can explain to you the factors that influence the amount of time you’ll need to wear dental braces.

 
  1. Type of Treatment

Patients requiring orthodontic treatment now have several options. There’s conventional metal braces, ceramic braces, and clear braces. Metal braces are made from stainless steel, making this system very strong and robust. Ceramic braces and clear aligners, on the other hand, look nicer than metal braces

 
  1. Age

Young patients (teens and children) tend to get results faster than adults because their jaws are still growing, making the teeth easier to manipulate. This doesn’t mean all adults need to wear braces for two years or more. There are other factors that affect the length of treatment.

 
  1. Severity of the Case

Another crucial factor is the severity of your orthodontic issue. Mild spacing/crowding can be fixed in a year or less, while severe cases could take much longer.

 
  1. Patient Compliance

An orthodontic patient needs to follow all instructions provided by his or her orthodontist to ensure a successful treatment. That includes maintaining proper oral hygiene, keeping your dental appointments and use your orthodontic appliance as directed.

  Is It Possible to Reduce the Amount of Time Needed to Wear Braces?  

Yes. Here at The Brace Place, we are happy to offer Propel technology to our patients. Propel helps teeth move faster into their desired position resulting in significantly reduced treatment times. Whether patients choose traditional braces or clear aligners like Invisalign, this innovative technology ensures that the treatment is effective and fast.

 

Other treatments that reduce treatment time include Acceledent and Vpro AcceleDent and Vpro utilize cyclic force and soft pulse technology to move the teeth.

Final Thoughts  

The only way to determine how long you’ll need orthodontic treatment is to consult an orthodontist. We will take pictures and X-rays of your mouth and create a custom treatment plan for you. We will also discuss accelerated options so you can have the smile you’ve always wanted in the shortest time possible.

 

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