a girl with red lips is wearing braces
How Long Do Braces Take To Straighten Teeth
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Braces are one of the best solutions for straightening unaligned teeth and having that perfect smile. However, most people want to know how soon they can get rid of them and have their mouth free from artificial material.

It is one of the first questions posed by patients to dentists in Hope Island, and the answer is a bit complicated. The reason behind this is that every teeth alignment is unique and varies from person to person.

Thus, there is no standard timeline for the treatment. It can take from 12 months to three years, depending on the dental condition of the patient and various other factors.

You must remember that braces shift teeth gradually into their required position and need regular examination by the orthodontist, which makes it a lengthy procedure. So here is a list of the factors that can influence the duration of the treatment.

How Braces Help in Teeth Alignment?

Every jaw is unique. While some people may need braces for overcrowding, others may need it for correcting their smile or resolving biting issues. After the examination of your teeth, the orthodontist will offer advice on the right procedure for your specific problem.

Braces apply continuous pressure on the teeth for a long time to force them into the desired position. The jaw eventually takes the intended shape as the membrane under the gums, which joins the teeth to the jaw, responds to the pressure of the braces.

The insertion of braces is not painful, and you may take a couple of weeks to get accustomed to the feeling of the braces in your mouth. You must pay attention to the post-care instructions to get comfortable with the braces and to take care of your teeth afterwards.

Metal braces need regular adjustments by the orthodontist to make sure the wires are tight and are putting the required pressure on the teeth. For other types of braces too, the dentist needs to check if the treatment is progressing successfully and whether you are following the aftercare tips properly or not.

After the teeth have been straightened appropriately, the braces are removed, and the orthodontist will suggest wearing a retainer for some time so that the teeth do not come back to their original crooked position.

Factors Affecting the Duration of the Treatment

The length of time for which you have to wear the braces depends on a variety of factor. We have listed them for you right here:

1. Specific Dental Condition

Different people have different dental conditions. If the teeth are only slightly misaligned or only a few teeth have gaps between them or are crowded or crooked, then they can be aligned within 12 to 18 months.

Conversely, if the entire jaw needs alignment or the problem is more severe, then it will take longer time to correct it. Your orthodontist will examine your teeth and give you the exact timeline for the treatment depending on your particular condition.

2. Age of the Patient

If a child or a teenager is being treated for misalignment, then the problem can be rectified sooner because their jaws are still developing when they are young. On the other hand, adults with alignment problems may take more time than kids because their jaws are fully developed.

However, the duration also depends on the extent of the dental issue, so age is not the only deciding factor. For example, a middle-aged person with two crooked teeth can get the problem resolved much faster than a child with several protruding teeth.

3. Type of Aligners

Orthodontic treatments have come a long way in advancements and provide the patients with a plethora of options. Your dentist will inform you about all the available options, including metal braces, veneers, and clear aligners, which are translucent and can be used for patients above 12 years of age.

Most people prefer Invisalign over metal braces because they are almost invisible and extend optimum comfort while eating and brushing as they can be easily taken off and inserted back into the mouth. Also, Invisalign takes lesser time to straighten teeth and needs fewer trips to the dental clinic.

 4. Aftercare

The treatment needs patience as it takes several months to complete so the patient needs to be diligent with the aftercare. Your practitioner will provide you with the instructions for effective cleaning of teeth and will create a calendar for appointments that should not be missed or delayed.

If you follow the guidelines without fail, then you can get the desired results. Otherwise, it can get delayed. If you are using clear aligners, then you must clean them regularly to make sure that your teeth do not get infected, which can lead to decay. Thus, it is highly essential to follow the prescribed regimen.

Conclusion

Unaligned teeth can make you feel embarrassed and lead to biting and chewing problems. Thus, you must consult your dentist in Hope Island to determine the required corrective procedure and get them straightened.