Wearing braces is one of the easiest and most effective ways to get a more attractive smile. Braces can be used to change the alignment of your teeth, making your smile straighter. This orthodontic treatment can also improve alignment issues that make it easier to chew food and clean your teeth.
Because patients are anxious to see the results of their orthodontic treatment, “how long do you have to wear braces?” is one of the questions we hear the most as orthodontists.
How Long Do You Have to Wear Braces?
Every patient is unique, and the length of time needed for treatment with braces will vary. Some of the factors that will affect the amount of time you need to wear your braces include:
- The severity of your alignment issues. – The more crooked your teeth are, the longer it will take to move them into the desired formation. Likewise, if you have more serious issues with your bite, such as a severe overbite, you may need to wear your braces for a longer period of time.
- The type of braces you choose – Some types of braces may require a longer time period to work than others. Your orthodontist can explain how your choice may impact your treatment plan.
- Your treatment preferences – Some patients may want to correct only the most noticeable orthodontic issues, while others may want more in-depth treatment. The more in-depth your treatment plan, the longer you can expect to wear your braces.
In some cases, making poor choices while wearing braces may also lengthen the amount of time you need to undergo treatment. For example, if you eat sticky foods that cause you to break part of the braces, you may experience a treatment setback as a result, especially if the problem isn’t fixed right away.
So how long do you have to wear braces? The average amount of time these devices are worn is one to three years, depending on the factors above. To learn more about braces or to begin the treatment process, please contact Lake Ridge Orthodontics to make an appointment.