Interested in straightening your teeth but worried you’ll have to undergo orthodontic treatment for 2+ years? You’re not alone. In fact, many patients hesitate to commit because they are unsure of how long they will have to wear the metal brackets and wires. While the only way to find out for sure is by scheduling an appointment with a skilled orthodontist, read on to learn a few factors that will influence your treatment timeline with braces.
5 Factors That Influence Your Treatment Timeline with Braces
On average, braces can take anywhere from 1-3 years to straighten your teeth. As you can see, that’s quite a spread. That’s because braces aren’t a one-size-fits-all treatment – they are tailored to each patient’s dental needs and smile goals. A few factors that will influence the length of your treatment include:
- The severity of the orthodontic issue (ex: mild crowding vs. severely rotated teeth).
- The type of orthodontic problem (ex: misaligned teeth vs. an overbite).
- If additional appliances/tools are needed, like rubber bands.
- How well you follow your orthodontist’s instructions, like your dietary restrictions.
- Lifestyle habits, like visiting your orthodontist regularly for adjustments.
Must-Know Tips for a Successful Treatment
If you’ve been dreaming of a perfectly straight smile for years, hearing that you need to wait another 18+ months can be discouraging. While you may not be able to speed up your treatment, there are a few things you can do to avoid falling off-track! Some important ones include:
- Following a solid at-home oral hygiene routine, including brushing for two full minutes twice a day and flossing daily.
- Avoiding crunchy apples, corn on the cob, and other foods that can damage your braces.
- Prioritizing your adjustment appointments with your orthodontist.
- Quitting unhealthy dental habits, like chewing on ice or pen caps.
- Wearing a mouthguard if you grind your teeth or participate in sports.
Worth the Wait: The Benefits of Braces
Oftentimes, braces are chalked up to a cosmetic service. While the aesthetic improvements are undeniable, it’s important to consider the other benefits as well. To start, properly aligned teeth can enhance your bite and improve your digestion in the process. Furthermore, a straight smile can improve your oral health, enhance your speech, and improve your self-esteem. So, while braces may take 1-3 years to straighten your teeth, the results will be well worth the wait.
Now you know about a few important factors and tips surrounding your treatment timeline with braces. The next step? To schedule an appointment with a skilled orthodontist and make your smile goals a reality!
About the Practice
With Dr. Sam Alkhoury leading the way, our team at Simply Orthodontics is here to help patients with all kinds of orthodontic issues achieve their smile goals. Plus, our personalized treatment plans and comprehensive array of services ensure you get the results you want as quickly as possible! If you are interested in braces but aren’t sure how long your treatment timeline will be, then we encourage you to schedule an initial consultation via our website or by phone at 508-943-2100.