One question that many clients ask when seeking braces is, “How long will I need to wear braces?” The answer varies. The duration of wearing braces often ranges anywhere from 18 months to two years. Sometimes, you may only need to wear braces for a few months. Other times, you may actually need to wear them for several years. There are a few factors that determine the length of time. An orthodontics specialist at Lovett Dental Webster can give you a more accurate duration for your specific case.
How Long Will I Need to Wear Braces?
Orthodontics isn’t a precise science. Each case is different. What may be true for your friend or sibling may not be true for you. There are a few key factors that can influence how long you will need to wear braces.
What Type of Braces You Wear
The kind of braces that you have installed can determine how long you have to wear them. Ceramic braces, for example, are popular because they’re easy to wear and not always visible. However, they aren’t as strong as traditional metal braces. That means it takes more time for them to slowly move your teeth into the correct position. The same person may experience a few additional months or even years if they choose to use ceramic braces over metal ones.
Additional Methods
When you ask, “How long will I need to wear braces, the orthodontist may also suggest other methods to add to your oral routine. These methods can cut down the time that you need to wear braces. This might include wearing headgear at night. By wearing headgear, you can speed up the process of aligning your teeth. You may also need to wear a retainer at night. This can also help speed up the process. Those who finish with braces earlier than expected might be required to use a permanent retainer. This ensures that their teeth remain in place even after the removal of their braces.
State of Your Oral Health
If you’re wondering how long you will need to wear braces, the state of your oral health can be a determining factor. For those with poor oral health, your teeth may need a lot of work before you can get braces. They may attempt to over-correct or even injure your teeth. You might also need additional surgeries on your mouth to keep it healthy and functional. In this instance, it could be necessary to wear the braces longer because of all the interruptions. For those with excellent oral health, you may only need to wear braces for a short time as you didn’t need to remove them in order to take care of any dental emergencies.
Initial State of Your Teeth
One last factor that may determine how long you need to wear braces is the initial state of your teeth. Those with a small underbite or overbite or even a mild teeth misalignment could only need a few months of braces. Those with a severe underbite, overbite, or misalignment may require two or more years. The same goes for those who suffer from jaw misalignment. This is a delicate case that requires precise work from the orthodontist. Depending on the severity of the jaw misalignment, you might also need several years devoted to orthodontics.
Are Braces Necessary?
Before you ask, “How long will I need to wear braces?” you may also wonder if it’s even necessary. Are misaligned teeth such a big deal? They can be. Teeth that aren’t aligned can create overcrowding issues. This can upset the careful system of forces and pressure in your mouth. As a result, your jaw and neck might even start suffering the consequences.
Get Braces Today
Stop wondering, “How long will I need to wear braces,” and get answers. Lovett Dental Webster is the solution you need for braces and healthy teeth. Whether you need dental veneers, traditional braces, dentures, or any other form of structural support, we can help. Contact our office today at 832-932-5584 to schedule an orthodontics appointment. Your oral health is vital to your overall health.
