The decision to get braces to straighten your teeth is an involved one. You want to understand as much of the process as possible prior to committing. You are likely wondering how long braces will be required for your case. As your orthodontist in Grayslake explains, some factors affecting required orthodontic time are under your control, but not all of them. Keep reading to learn more.
How Well Do You Follow Instructions?
You may think the full responsibility for treatment is up to your orthodontist, but the truth is that you play a major role in the success of braces. It’s imperative you follow the rules your orthodontist gives you. Otherwise, you will run into complications.
For instance, if you eat hard, crunchy, or sticky foods, you could break off a bracket. Broken brackets slow down your progress toward a straight smile. Even something as simple as properly cleaning your teeth when you have braces can impact your treatment timeline. Cleaner teeth and cleaner appliances will allow your teeth to move more rapidly.
If you’re asked to wear rubber bands during treatment, using them as instructed will keep your treatment on track. Not wearing rubber bands as directed will definitely prolong your time in treatment.
If you develop a cavity or other problem due to poor oral hygiene, that issue needs to be addressed before you can move forward with orthodontic treatment. This will also add to your required treatment time. Depending on the situation, it may become necessary to remove the braces before a fully finished result, if you are developing cavities.
Are You Consistently Attending Your Adjustment Appointments?
Realigning your teeth consists of many small steps. Every few weeks, your orthodontist will need to adjust your braces, which will apply gentle force on your teeth and move them steadily where they should be. These appointments take just a few minutes, but they are important if you want to stay on track. Skipping them or rescheduling frequently prolongs your treatment time.
What Degree of Misalignment Are You Trying to Treat?
Small problems, like minor gaps between teeth, can usually be fixed relatively quickly. However, if you have rotated teeth or other severe issues, the treatment process can extend significantly. So, the more misaligned your grin is, the longer it will likely take to correct it.
The good news is that no matter the current condition of your teeth, traditional braces can address the problem. Unlike Invisalign/clear aligners, which are most effective for mild-to-moderate cases, braces can treat patients with severely crooked or misaligned smiles.
In the end, when you and your orthodontist work together, you can achieve alignment efficiently with minimal braces treatment time. The results will be worth your effort and patience! In a few years, you can look back and be glad you invested in your oral health.
About the Author
Dr. Ben Youel earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). He practiced as a general dentist for a few years before returning to UIC to obtain his specialist credentials in Orthodontics while also earning a Master’s degree in Oral Sciences. A member of the American Dental Association, Dr. Youel loves helping patients of all ages smile more confidently. He offers an array of services, including traditional braces and clear aligners. You can schedule a free orthodontic consultation on his website or call (847) 548-4330.
