Teenagers and adults sometimes rely on braces to address dental or bite misalignment or enhance their smile’s appearance. If you have braces, you might ask yourself how long do braces take to work? It’s a common question and one that can depend on several factors.
If you’re considering getting braces in Metairie, Louisiana, but don’t know the treatment duration, we here at Maldonado Orthodontics can help. Continue reading our post to learn the average timeframes of different kinds of braces and how you can avoid delaying the treatment process.
How Long It Takes for Braces To Fix Orthodontic Issues
Braces are dental appliances that bond to teeth to resolve orthodontic problems like:
- Crowded teeth
- Gapped teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Problems with how your teeth fit together
How long do braces take to address orthodontic problems? The average timeline to complete this treatment is about two years, but the actual timeframe can differ from patient to patient. Below are some factors that could contribute to your braces’ timeline.
The Kind of Braces You Have
Some types of braces are more effective than others, depending on the severity of the issue. As a result, some options have relatively fast treatment times. Your options for new braces may include the following:
- Metal Braces: Classic metal braces are the most common variety and usually take 18 to 24 months of wear to resolve orthodontic problems.
- Clear Aligners: Clear aligners are a good choice for those who prefer a discreet option for teeth straightening. They’re most suitable for mild orthodontic problems like minor gaps or teeth misalignment, so treatment can range from 3 months to two years.
- Clear Braces: Clear aligners and clear braces fall into the class of cosmetic braces because they’re less visible than metal braces. Clear braces work well for severe teeth misalignment, and their treatment timeline is similar to that of traditional braces.
Orthodontic Issues Complexity
The scope and severity of your dental problems will also play a major role in how long you need to wear braces. Sometimes people have minor dental issues like teeth that overlap slightly and only require them to spend a year or less in braces. Others with severe bite or misalignment issues need up to two years of treatment to resolve their problems successfully.
During your consultation with your orthodontist, they’ll discuss your smile preferences and thoroughly examine your teeth and jaw. They’ll use that information to create a custom plan for your orthodontic treatment, along with a general timeline for it.
Age and Jaw Flexibility
People often associate braces with teenagers, yet adults can also get the treatment. Still, your age will influence how long you’ll need braces.
Younger patients tend to see faster results from this orthodontic treatment because their jawbones have greater flexibility. It makes it easier for teeth to shift into their correct positions. Conversely, adult jaws are stiffer, and they may have other oral problems that’ll take longer to fix with braces. However, some adults have options to partially correct certain issues, which can help shorten treatment time by focusing on specific areas rather than full correction.
Your Compliance With Orthodontic Guidelines
Compliance with instructions that your orthodontist provides is crucial for your treatment’s timeframe. General instructions may include:
- Attending regular check-ups
- Wearing elastics on your braces
- Flossing and brushing your teeth daily
- Avoiding hard, sticky, and crunchy foods
Ignoring these rules can jeopardize your treatment.
Contact Maldonado Orthodontics To Start Your Braces Treatment
If you want braces to straighten crooked, gapped, or overlapping teeth, knowing the answers to questions like “how long do braces take to work” and, “what should I expect during my first week with braces”, will make your treatment less stressful. Yet our compassionate professionals at Maldonado Orthodontics are here to help. As a leading Metairie, LA orthodontist, we specialize in providing top-quality care, including traditional braces, clear aligners, and early orthodontic treatment for patients in and around the area. Our board-certified orthodontist and support staff commit ourselves to providing excellent services and personalized treatments. We’ll help you with your smile transformation process every step of the way — call (225) 869-3753 to schedule a FREE consultation.
