Your dental health expert recommends braces to you. So, what next? One of the most important questions you will ask yourself is how long the braces take to straighten your teeth. The period for wearing braces varies from one patient to another. However, it mainly depends on the dental problem one is facing.
The short answer? It depends
Several factors like age, type of problem, and type of treatment affect the duration of wearing braces. For instance, patients with severe issues such as jaw misalignment should wear braces for a more extended period than patients who have minor problems.
After thorough examination and evaluation, most orthodontists will inform you of the exact period you will require to have your braces on. Besides, the specialist will help you understand the procedure. They will also provide you with information on the lifestyle changes you will need to make.
Now that you know the short answer let’s discuss the details
On your first appointment, your orthodontist will conduct a careful examination of your oral and facial features. This will help to pinpoint any problems as well as identify your exact requirements. Thus, your orthodontist can perform mammograms, digital impressions, facial photographs, and CBCT scans. Afterward, the professional schedules another appointment for you, say after a week. This is to help prescribe the ideal treatment. Before your second appointment, the specialist will assess and review all your test results and records to develop treatment options.
In your second meeting, he will present suitable treatment options for you. He will most likely show different types of braces and give you the freedom to choose among these. During this appointment, feel free to ask any relatable questions to go for the best treatment alternative.
On average, how long do braces take to work?
It is essential to know the average time required for braces to work. Most orthodontic treatment takes a period of one a half year to operate. Nevertheless, it might take up to two years or even more dependent on the patient and the dental condition. Be cautious of people who promise a four- or six-months treatment process. It may seem like you need mild treatment. However, this does not mean your treatment will take a shorter period. Despite a small gap that needs fixation and closure, it takes longer to fix the problem’s root cause. Therefore, ensure you seek dental services from a reliable orthodontist professional.
Often, adults stay longer while wearing braces compared to children. But as mentioned earlier, the duration depends on the type of condition, and patient needs orthodontists should meet. Adult teeth do not grow into another set; hence they are firmer than milk teeth. For them to be in their correct position, they will require more time and pressure, unlike baby teeth. As a result, adults can wear braces for up to three years.
Quite the contrary, some children wear braces for a more extended period. Occasionally, children could have a severe jaw misalignment problem or teeth growing in an awkward position. In such a case, the tooth might need extraction while waiting for adult teeth to become. Unfortunately, the wait means a more extended period.
Can I shorten the time for braces treatment?
Is it possible to shorten the treatment process? Well, yes, or maybe. Patients who adhere to all treatment instructions are more likely to reduce the duration of treatment. Observing proper oral hygiene practices and eating a healthy diet as recommended by your doctor plays a huge role in shortening the time. When wearing aligners and temporary appliances, among other oral devices, one should avoid hard foods like nuts, maize, gum, popcorn, and sugary foods. In turn, one becomes resistant to common problems accompanying braces.
Dental professionals prescribe that you wear rubber bands and headgear to prevent movements that would lead to injuries. These oral devices assist in shortening the treatment process as they increase the efficiency of the braces. Additionally, ask your orthodontist about AcceleDent. It is a tiny appliance that fastens the process of placing your teeth in the right position. Patients use it for 20 minutes a day to achieve the desired outcomes. AcceleDent helps shorten the treatment process, but it also decreases inflammation brought about by braces.
Ultimately, cleaning your teeth with braces is very difficult. Nonetheless, brushing your teeth is crucial during the treatment process. A right dental health expert will help you understand how to brush your teeth in the right way for quick recovery.
Furthermore, note that the time you will need wearing braces does not include the post-treatment process. Treatment, therefore, does not end with brace removal. Most orthodontists will suggest that you consistently wear a retainer for the first few months. The retainer is also worn during bedtime.
Consider Invisalign
Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment that uses a series of clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth. Invisalign is an alternative to metal braces, and it can be used to treat a wide variety of dental problems, including crowding, gaps, and bite misalignment. In addition, Invisalign is virtually invisible, so you can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing you’re wearing aligners. And because they’re removable, you can eat whatever you want and brush and floss your teeth with ease. If you’re looking for a discreet and convenient way to achieve a straighter smile, Woodbridge Invisalign may be the right treatment for you.
Golden Pediatric & Orthodontics Provides The Following Services for Braces:
- Braces for Kids in Woodbridge
- Braces for Children in Burke
- Adult Braces in Woodbridge
- Braces for Adults in Burke
- Braces in Dale City for Adults
- Dale City Braces for Adults
- Invisalign in Dale City
- Woodbridge Dentist
- Burke Dentist
- Woodbridge Invisalign
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