There are so few lucky people worldwide who have the perfect teeth and a bright smile. The majority of people face different kinds of problems and issues when it comes to the looks and health of their teeth. Fortunately for us, we’ve made advancements in all aspects of our lives, including oral hygiene. That means that nowadays, we can deal with these issues easily and fairly quickly. Dentists can fix even teeth in the worst condition. However, every patient is an individual with a specific situation, so they require a specialistic consultation to determine the problems and designate a plausible solution. Crooked or misaligned teeth can have negative effects on our self-confidence, not just physical appeal.
First of all, the question of how long should a person wear dental braces can’t be answered so simply with a number. There are several factors that affect the longevity of the need for braces. Moreover, there are different types of braces – more on that later. It is possible to reduce the time of wearing braces by following the instructions of your orthodontist. What’s more, there are several benefits of wearing braces as well as some dos and don’ts we should be aware of.
1. It’s not an easy question
When it comes to wearing braces, everyone can wear them to fix some misalignments and other dental issues. However, adults are always more concerned about the longevity of the need for braces. This is one of the first questions they ask their orthodontists. Nevertheless, you can’t get a real answer until several factors such as your age, type of treatment, the severity of the issue as well as your compliance with the rules are concerned. Generally speaking, people often have to wear braces for at least 6 months to 24 months typically. Sometimes it is even more, but rarely only 6 months.
2. Factors that affect the longevity of the need for braces
As we already briefly mentioned, a few key factors influence how long we have to wear braces to achieve certain results. Let’s take a closer look at them.
Age
One of the major factors that affect how long we need to wear braces is our age. As children and teens are in the development phase, it takes less time for them to get results. Their jaws are still growing, so, naturally, it is easier to manipulate teeth. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean that all adults have to wear braces for as long as 2 years. Other factors affect it as well.
Type of treatment
What’s more, the type of treatment itself affects the length of the braces-wearing period. There are several options including ceramic, metal and clear braces. Metal braces are quite strong and robust as they are made from stainless steel. On the other hand, ceramic and clear braces look much more appealing.
The severity of the issue
The complexity of the issue that we need to deal with influences the time we need to wear braces as well. Obviously, complex issues take more time to get fixed.
Patient’s willingness to follow directions
To ensure a successful treatment, patients need to follow their orthodontist’s instructions strictly. You need to maintain your oral health properly and use your orthodontic appliance appropriately.
3. How to reduce the time of wearing braces?
It is possible to reduce the time of wearing dental braces. It can be achieved through following the directions clearly, as we mentioned in the previous paragraph. Of course, other factors need to be fulfilled. That means that the cause of the issue is detected and the right treatment suggested. Also, the orthodontic appliance should be of high quality to ensure fast and effective results.
4. Benefits of wearing braces
Wearing braces brings us several benefits. First of all, they align your teeth, improve your bite and make your smile aesthetically pleasing. They can also help you in chewing and swallowing properly. Moreover, wearing braces can also prevent cavities as well as gum disease and other disorders. Additionally, they can even aid in speech impediments caused by misalignments. Finally, they can do wonders for our self-confidence indirectly.
5. Dos and don’ts
We should be mindful of dos and don’ts when it comes to wearing braces.
Some dos include brushing your teeth at least twice a day. It would be ideally after every meal. You should floss at least once a day and rinse your teeth to remove debris. When it comes to checkups for adjustments, you should schedule them regularly. Also, you should follow all the instructions regarding the braces your orthodontist discloses to you. Remember to visit your orthodontist immediately if you experience a break.
As far as don’ts are concerned, you should avoid sugary, crunchy and sticky food as well as carbonated beverages high in sugar. And don’t try fixing your broken braces on your own!
Wearing braces for a certain amount of time can bring a smile to your face, that is going to follow you throughout your life.