How Long Do You Need to Wear Braces?
Braces are worn for anywhere between 12 and 36 months. The average is about 24 months, but treatment lengths
differ depending on your specific case and the type of treatment. More severe conditions take longer to treat, and
very mild cases take less time.
Other factors that contribute to the length of your treatment time:
- Age of the patient
- Patient’s natural metabolic rate
- Bone density
- Certain medications that slow metabolism
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Doctor’s experience and expertise in the treatment mechanics
Age is a large factor in treatment lengths: generally, children can expect to wear braces for a shorter period,
because their teeth and bones are still growing, which makes it faster and easier to move teeth into their correct
positions. Their metabolism also tends to be faster. Adults tend to have denser, more settled teeth and bones, as
well as a slower metabolism, so they generally wear braces longer, although this all depends on the specific case.
It is possible to get treatment in between 6-12 months, but this is the case only for select, qualifying patients
with mild cases. This type of expedited treatment generally uses removable clear aligners like Invisalign for
qualifying patients. Expedited 6-month treatment is used to correct minor issues, especially second-round
treatment for patients who had previous orthodontic care and whose teeth have shifted. Most patients’ treatment
will take longer than 6 months.
As stated above, different treatment types have different expected lengths to produce results. Traditional metal
braces are made of sturdy, robust metal, and tend to produce faster results when compared to ceramic or clear
braces, and lingual braces.
The largest factor affecting the time you’ll wear braces is the complexity of your specific case, the experience
of your orthodontist, and the methods required to effectively straighten your teeth to create a healthy, beautiful
smile.
3. Refrain from activities that could damage your braces, and wear protective gear.
One of the most common orthodontic emergencies is broken braces from playing sports. If you play a
contact-heavy sport like basketball or wrestling, be sure to always wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth
and your braces appliance.
4. Brush and floss every day.
Keeping your teeth, mouth, and braces appliance clean and fresh is absolutely critical for effective,
efficient braces treatment. Be sure to brush thoroughly twice a day and after meals, for 2 minutes each time.
Floss between all of your teeth, using a floss threader to easily get under the archwire of your braces. You
can also use a waterjet and mouthwash for an extra effective oral healthcare routine.
5. Deal promptly with any braces emergencies.
A broken wire or bracket is not effective in moving your teeth and will slow down your treatment. While many
orthodontic emergencies can be handled at home, some will require an office visit. Read the below guide to
learn what to do in an orthodontic emergency, and contact your orthodontist if any issues arise.
6. Attend all your orthodontic appointments.
Braces wearers will need to visit their orthodontist regularly for check-ups, adjustments, and replacement of
certain parts of the appliance. How frequently you’ll visit the doctor depends on the type of orthodontic
treatment, but braces patients usually come to the office every 8-10 weeks.
If you can’t make an appointment, let your doctor know and reschedule as soon as possible. The adjustments
are a necessary part of treatment, and if you go too long without a visit, your treatment will be slowed down
as a result.
7. Select an experienced orthodontic professional.
The most experienced doctors know how to create lasting, reliable results in the shortest amount of time.
Years of experience allow an orthodontist to select the most conservative, effective treatment plan, utilize
the appliance most efficiently, and maximize the effectiveness of each step of treatment.
When seeking an orthodontist, ask about their experience — where did they train, how many years have they
been in practice, and how many patients have they treated with your specific treatment method. In addition, a
specialist orthodontist will likely have more experience and skill than a general dentist.
