How Long Do Braces Take To Straighten Teeth? A Quick Guide

If you’re among the two-thirds of adults seeking dental care each year, you might be looking into braces. After all, a straighter smile will boost your confidence and result in a much healthier mouth.

But how long do braces take to straighten teeth? Keep reading to find out!

Consider the Complexity of Treatment

Getting braces offers a convenient way to correct crooked teeth and reduce crowding in your mouth. With their help, you’ll be able to avoid protruding teeth or jaw issues as you age. And, of course, braces can help you get a more pleasing smile that will give you confidence as you head to job interviews or special events.

Straightening teeth might be more complicated for some patients than others, however. Correcting issues like overcrowding or an overbite is relatively common. And you can complete this process with braces in under 2 years in many cases.

But correcting an underbite or misalignment connected to jaw problems is trickier. Severe problems could require surgery or headgear in addition to braces.

When teeth are very misaligned, an individual will struggle with brushing and flossing. And gum disease becomes a real threat. It may take longer to achieve uniform spacing for teeth that overlap, but it’s well worth the effort for your oral health.

Types of Braces Impact Treatment Time

Traditional metal brackets remain a common choice when getting braces. As the wire connecting the brackets is tightened at routine visits, the tension helps shift your teeth. The metal brackets tend to take around 2 years to do their job.

Clear aligners offer a more discrete way to straighten teeth. They tend to be better for individuals with less severe needs. The invisible tray should be swapped out for a new one every week or so, depending on your orthodontist’s instructions.

The trays, which are derived from a mold of your teeth, gradually straighten your smile. One key advantage is that an individual can remove the trays while eating. And this process can take as little as a year.

Which braces are best for your needs? Talk to your dentist or orthodontist about their teeth straightening recommendations.

Age Affects Speed

If you’re hoping to straighten teeth as an adult, expect the timeframe to be longer. Adults have fully developed jawbones, making the process a little trickier.

By contrast, a child’s jaw is still in the process of development. As a result, moving teeth is easier. But adults do have one significant advantage: maturity.

Sometimes younger patients are less willing to follow their orthodontist’s instructions. This could include brushing carefully or attending routine checkups. The less someone adheres to the treatment plan, the longer the plan will take.

How Long Do Braces Take to Straighten Teeth?

Are you still wondering, “How long do braces take to straighten teeth?” The answer hinges on several factors, including the patient’s age and willingness to follow directions. The types of braces, as well as the severity of the patient’s needs, also impact the timetable. It’s best to check out this dentist in dallas so they can discuss the process and clarify any questions you may have.

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