During their initial consultation with the dentist, patients often want to know how long they will need to wear clear braces. The length of time depends mostly on the patient’s condition. There are situations when braces take longer than predicted, and sometimes, patients only need them for a short period. This article talks about the time it takes to complete treatment and contributing factors.
When ceramic braces are chosen as teeth straightening treatment, the teeth move through a bracket and archwire mechanism. The dentist will fix ceramic brackets to the front of the teeth with dental cement. A metal wire connects the brackets and is tightened to induce pressure on the teeth. The tension gradually draws the teeth into correct alignment. Patients need to visit the dentist at regular intervals to have the wire tightened, perhaps every six weeks. The treatment typically lasts for 12 to 24 months.
On average, it takes up to 24 months to complete teeth straightening treatment. Some patients only need less than a year, and some continue treatment for three years before the teeth are in correct alignment. Orthodontic treatment is not a standardized solution, and every patient’s dentition is different. So, although it is hard to tell precisely how long the treatment will take, one can get familiar with the factors that determine the length of time someone will be in dental braces.
The dentist provides treatment according to the patient’s condition, which means some factors need to be considered when determining estimated treatment duration. Some of the factors include:
Younger patients (including teenagers) often get faster results than adults because their jaws are still developing, allowing easy dental manipulation. This does not necessarily extend treatment time for adults beyond the usual two years. Other factors contribute to treatment duration as well.
Another factor to consider is the severity of the orthodontic problem. Minor spacing or crowding can be corrected in about a year or less, but severe cases may take longer.
Patients can ensure successful treatment by adhering to the instructions given by the dentist. This means maintaining excellent oral hygiene, making dental appointments and caring for the straightening device as directed.
Since there are many aspects of teeth straightening, the predicted treatment duration can change at any time during the process. If the clear braces get damaged, the repair process can extend the treatment time. Also, if the teeth are not moving as they should, the dentist may need to make some adjustments, and that may change the length of treatment. On the bright side, the teeth may move faster than expected, meaning the braces can come off earlier than anticipated.
The only way to be sure of how long treatment with clear braces will last is to consult the dentist. The dental professional will take x-rays and pictures of the mouth and develop a treatment plan. They will also discuss options to get your desired smile in the fastest way possible.
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