How many years wearing braces

After the initial question why get braces is asked, most people jump to their next pressing question: how long do you need to wear them? Everyone is different, so no patient care plan for your braces will be exactly the same. Once all 3 of these things are considered, a more accurate time length can be assigned to your personal orthodontic case. Typically, a rough estimate of months is given when it comes to a time period for wearing your braces.

There is one way you can maintain some control over the length of your treatment plan — your cooperation! Your willingness to always follow the instructions of your orthodontist plays a major role in the length of time it takes to complete your treatment.

To keep from having to wear your braces longer than expected, take these steps to get the best results:. A retainer goes on after your braces come off and is an important addition to your orthodontic care.

Old habits die hard. When braces come off, teeth like to revert back to their old positions. A retainer helps keep your new smile in place by giving your gums and jaws time to get used to the new positions of your teeth. We hope you will give orthodontic treatment a try. Schedule your free consultation right here on our website, and we will work to find a time that fits your schedule, for this and all of your future appointments.

January 31, Posted by: Sawgrass Orthodontics. Children often see results faster than adults. Research has shown that the earlier someone has braces put on, the faster the length of the treatment. Any breakage or damage to your braces can cause an interruption that will slow down your care. Avoid any foods that will get stuck in your brackets or put too much pressure on the appliance. Brush and floss regularly to remove any food debris stuck under the wires or around your brackets.

Get tips on food do's and don'ts with braces. 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 mouth-guard to protect your teeth and your braces appliance. 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. 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. Braces wearers will need to visit their orthodontist regularly for check-ups, adjustments, and replacement of certain parts of the appliance. Removing braces too soon may undo the progress of your alignment correction.

In many cases, a child or teen getting braces may encounter resistance from their parents if they want to speed up their time in braces. A study found that parents of children in braces were more focused than orthodontists on the outcome of treatment than the length of treatment. Your orthodontist may be able to find a successful treatment that can be accomplished by a realistic timeline and that will address these kinds of concerns. Eating sticky, hard, or crunchy foods can break off parts of your braces.

These foods include not only candy and gum, but also raw vegetables and popcorn. Breaking your braces may affect the amount of time you need to wear them and likely require an emergency appointment. Consider taking an active role in your treatment plan to prevent a prolonged need for braces.

You can:. Also, talk with your orthodontist about an appropriate mouthguard to wear while exercising or playing sports. This can help protect your braces and prevent injuries to the mouth. But you should report severe pain , especially if it persists for hours or days after tightening. In this case, your orthodontist may be able to loosen your braces and refer you to your dentist for any tooth issues that may be causing additional pain.