Braces are a tried-and-true form of orthodontic treatment, and countless generations of patients, young and old, have benefited from wearing these ingenious metal brackets and wires. That said, if you’re on the fence about getting braces, one thing that might be holding you back is the expected treatment timeline—just how long will you need to wear them to achieve a straighter, healthier smile that you’re proud to show off? Here’s a brief look at what you can expect in terms of timeline as you kick off your braces journey.
How Long Does It Take for Braces to Straighten Teeth?
The average amount of time that it normally takes for braces to straighten teeth and correct bite issues is between 1 and 3 years, though this can vary from patient to patient. While there are many factors in play here that determine this timeline, the most pertinent ones are:
- How crooked your teeth are – If you have less crowding to correct, your timeline will be on the shorter end.
- The state of your bite pattern – If you have an open bite, overbite, crossbite, underbite, or another bite issue, it can lengthen your treatment timeline.
- The use of additional add-ons – Some patients need to wear rubber bands, palatal expanders, or other types of headgear in addition to the brackets and wires, which can stretch things out.
- Your general compliance with treatment – Braces aren’t a plug-and-play form of treatment; patients need to remain on top of their dental health and adhere to specific guidelines to facilitate proper and timely tooth movement.
Tips for Keeping Your Treatment on Schedule
Even though you cannot technically accelerate or speed up your braces treatment, the good news is that there’s a lot you can do to accommodate it and ensure things remain moving as scheduled. Keep these tips in mind:
- Maintain excellent dental hygiene throughout your treatment, as issues like cavities or decay can cause surprising setbacks.
- Avoid biting into hard objects or foods that might cause damage to one or more of your brackets.
- If you participate in sports, always wear an athletic mouthguard.
- If you wear elastics with your braces, follow your orthodontist’s instructions closely since these add-ons help facilitate proper tooth movement.
- Attend all of your check-in appointments with your orthodontist so they can ensure your treatment is moving along as scheduled.
With braces, it’s better to focus on the destination rather than the journey! While there will be challenges and speed bumps along the way, by following your orthodontist’s guidance and making smart choices, your newly-straightened smile will be here before you know it.
About the Practice
With Dr. Arlene Pimentel and Dr. Sam Alkhoury leading the way, our team here at Simply Orthodontics Milford has served patients and families in the Milford community for several years, offering a wide range of orthodontic services for patients of all ages, including traditional braces. If you’ve been thinking about straightening your smile and improving your quality of life, our custom-made orthodontic solutions are certain to help. If you have any questions about the blog or need to get in touch with our office to schedule an appointment, please reach out online or call today for more information. Telephone: (508) 473-2002.