Will you soon visit a dentist to discuss the possibility of straightening your teeth with braces? You have a lot to look forward to! Still, you may wonder when exactly you will get to enjoy the full benefits of your orthodontic care. How long does it take for braces to straighten your teeth? The answer to that question varies from case to case. This blog post provides some information about the factors that could influence your treatment timeline.
Factors that Affect Braces Treatment Time
On average, braces can take anywhere from 12 to 36 months to finish their job. Granted, that is a huge time range. There are a number of factors that can have an influence on exactly how long your treatment will take:
- The severity and complexity of your dental misalignment. Complex cases usually take longer to address than simpler cases.
- Your bite alignment. Braces can do more than straighten teeth. They can also help to align your bite so your upper and lower teeth work harmoniously together. Serious bite issues can take quite a bit of time to correct.
- Your age. Often, children’s teeth move more quickly than adults’ teeth.
During your consultation, your dentist or orthodontist may be able to give you a rough idea of how long your treatment may take.
How to Avoid Delays
There is not much you can do to speed up your treatment. However, there are some steps you can take to avoid unnecessary delays:
- Use accessories as directed. Some patients need to wear elastics (small rubber bands) or use other accessories to achieve the desired results. Failing to use such devices could slow down your treatment.
- Protect your braces. If you play sports, you should be sure to wear a mouthguard to protect your braces and your teeth. You should also be careful to avoid extremely hard foods that might damage your brackets and wires.
- Stick to a thorough oral hygiene routine. If you develop cavities or other oral health problems during your orthodontic treatment, your braces may need to be removed so you can receive proper treatment.
- Do not skip orthodontic appointments. You should try to visit your dental team for all recommended appointments so you do not fall behind your treatment schedule.
- Attend regular cleanings and checkups. Visiting your general dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning remains important even when you have braces.
Treatment with braces can seem like a lengthy commitment. Hopefully, the time will pass quickly, and you will soon have a healthier, straighter smile!
Meet the Practice
New Haven Dental Group is proud to offer comprehensive oral care in a comfortable environment. We are able to provide braces, clear aligners, preventive cleanings and checkups, and more. If you have questions about what you can expect with orthodontic treatment, we are ready to speak with you. Contact our Woodbridge office at 203-409-2535.