The length of time one will need to wear braces greatly relies on his or her circumstances.
Generally, braces have to be worn roughly 18 months to two full years.
There are some cases when braces need to stay on longer. Likewise, there are also cases where people need to wear braces for shorter terms.
What affects the length of orthodontic treatment?
The length of time a person wears braces will depend on the goals of the orthodontist. Of course, the patient’s current condition will also affect the length of treatment.
Headgear, retainers, plus other appliances are also necessary for some people to consider aside from the braces.
Please consider the fact that proper dental hygiene will certainly play a very valuable role in orthodontics. This conveys that it is essential to carefully adhere to the orthodontist’s instructions. By strictly adhering to your orthodontist’s instructions, this may reduce the time the patient needs to continue with treatment.
Not every person who has braces is a young child or an adolescent. In fact, many people of various genders and ages get orthodontic care. This is primarily due to fact that a great number of adults have to fix dental issues that were not addressed in adolescence.
The kind of braces one requires will also have a huge effect on the amount of time they must wear braces. Ceramic braces are sturdy and come with better appearance. However, these are worn longer since these types of braces do not have the same level of strength which metal braces have.
A lot of people prefer to wear lingual braces where brackets are behind the teeth instead of on the front. However, this is another approach which will take longer in order to be effective. On the other hand, metal braces function more excellently since they are made from durable materials.
Related: Moving Teeth? See How Braces Work.
The good news is that it is possible to reduce the length of time wearing braces. For one, carefully following the orthodontist’s advice regarding proper oral hygiene and care for braces can help.
Apart from these, the amount of time one will need to wear braces shall rely on how old a person is at the time of treatment. Studies reveal that the earlier someone gets braces, the faster the dental treatment shall be.
Several individuals do not really become qualified candidates for braces until about age 10- to 12-years-old. However, it is possible to begin orthodontic treatment at the age of 7.
There are many preparations for preparing a child, a teen, or even an adult to wear braces. In reality, some of these reduce the length of time the dental device will have to stay on the teeth.
Braces also help significantly lower a child’s need for extractions, surgery, and even other dental issues which could emerge later on. A general dentist can assist the dental patient to determine if orthodontic treatment is suitable for him or her.
Likewise, general dentists may also treat a patient’s orthodontic problems. Alternatively, a patient may request an evaluation and acquire orthodontic treatment from the orthodontist. After all, orthodontists are specialists in detecting and treating misalignment of the teeth.
Why do people need braces?
Dentists recommend braces for individuals with malocclusion such as buck teeth, underbite, open bite, crossbite, as well as, those with crowding, spacing, misplaced midline problems. People will jaw joint disorder may also need an orthodontic treatment like braces.
It is imperative that these orthodontic problems be addressed as they make oral care difficult and add stress to other facial structures like the jaw. When such concerns are left unaddressed, they can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, oral bone deterioration, enamel wear, bleeding gums, and jaw-related problems which can eventually lead to eating and speaking problems.
How do you know if you need braces?
Visual observation can usually tell if a person needs orthodontic treatment. Look at your teeth in the mirror and see if they are crowded, crooked, or too far apart. Try to bite down and see if your teeth fit together. A large space between the upper and lower teeth or a protrusion of either the upper or lower teeth may also indicate bite problems. Additionally, frequent jaw pain is also a sign that extra stress is put on your temporomandibular joints.
Still, for proper diagnosis, a dental check-up will be necessary as the dentist can thoroughly examine the condition of your teeth.
Hawaii Family Dental has been providing dental services to the whole state of Hawaii since 1986.
Disclaimer: The oral health information published on this web page is solely intended for educational purposes. Hawaii Family Dental strongly recommends to always consult licensed dentists or other qualified health care professionals for any questions concerning your oral health.
References:
- http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=w&iid=322&aid=1304
- https://www.medicinenet.com/why_do_you_need_braces/ask.htm
- https://www.wikihow.com/Determine-if-You-Need-Braces
