Let’s face it — no one actually loves wearing braces. So when your orthodontist informs you you need braces, you might be a bit worried. Despite the pain, these orthodontic appliances are actually pretty beneficial for you as they help straighten your teeth. By exerting pressure on your teeth, braces shift into the correct position over a period of time.

So, how long do you have to wear braces? We will discuss the braces’ time period and what factors affect it in this blog.

How Long Do Braces Take to Work?

In general, braces have to be worn for around 1 to 3 years. Nevertheless, you may have to wear them for a shorter or longer period based on your situation. Some factors that impact how long you need to wear braces include:

1. How Much Correction is Required
   Braces will work as long as your teeth need. So in case your teeth are severely crooked or have a lot of spaces in between them, your treatment will take longer. Similarly, less crooked teeth will require less time to align. Some complex cases take as long as 36 months for all teeth to be in proper alignment.
2. The Type of Bite
   Bite refers to the way your top and bottom teeth align. If your bite does not line up in the correct manner, you will need orthodontic braces. The types of bite that require treatment include open bite, deep bite, underbite, and crossbite. Bite treatment with braces takes longer than treating misaligned teeth. Therefore, you may have to wear braces for a long time if you need bite correction.
3. The Kind of Braces
   Braces are of different types; the duration of treatment will depend on the kind you have. The dentist will choose the braces based on your individual needs, budget, and more.
   When it comes to metal braces it has brackets attached to teeth connected with a metal wire. Every few weeks or so, the orthodontist will correct these to align your teeth over time. Usually, a serious case of misalignment or malocclusion might call for the need for metal braces.
   Invisalign is clear trays that are put on teeth and shifted every week to help move the teeth. Although you can remove the aligner for dental hygiene, cleaning, or eating, it is essential to wear them all day. You might not have to wear clear aligners as long as metal braces.
   Lingual braces, too, are a kind of metal braces that are glued behind your teeth. They usually take 12 to 18 months to work. For mild crowding, they might take as few as six months to show results.

Does Age Affect How Long You Wear Braces?

Yes, age is a factor that affects how long you wear braces. The earlier you wear braces, the shorter the duration. Hence, adults might have to wear braces longer than children. This is because adult teeth have been in position for a long time and they require more effort to move into position.

Conclusion

In conclusion, braces tend to take 1 to 3 years to work in general. However, your age, the type of braces you wear, your bite, and the severity of your misalignment might affect the duration of braces treatment. No matter the case, Vintage Smile Family Dentistry will make sure your teeth are healthy and strong. Dial (281) 251-7770 to talk to us now or visit our team at 10300 Louetta Rd Ste 132, Houston, TX 77070, United States.