How Long Will I Have to Wear Orthodontic Braces?

Dr Emad often get asked by patients how long they’ll have to have metal or ceramic braces on their teeth. It’s a fair question, though the amount of time someone will be wearing braces depends heavily on several factors that are unique to that person. Ultimately, it’s determined on a case-by-case basis.

Here’s what you need to know about the length of orthodontic treatment.

Key Influences on Orthodontic Treatment Time

As mentioned above, each person's orthodontic journey is unique, and the length of treatment can vary widely depending on individual circumstances. Understanding these elements, from your age and the complexity of your dental issues to the number of steps it takes to achieve the desired outcome,can give you a clearer picture of what to expect.

Generally, our orthodontists will consider the following:

• Age

• Degree of teeth misalignment and bite issues

• Goals set by you and our team for how your smile should look

• Your commitment to treatment (not missing or delaying checkup visits)

  
  

Earliest Treatment Timeline: 12 Months

The easiest cases are the ones where all the adult teeth have come through the gum line and don’t need to be removed to resolve crowding. When the bite is normal and there are no issues with the jaw, this also eliminates the need for orthodontic appliances such as palatal expanders or orthodontic headgear.

Adult orthodontic patients may be able to accomplish this treatment scenario though it should be noted that wearing braces can take slightly longer for those outside of their teenage years due to the jaw no longer growing and the increased density of the bone.

Most Common Treatment Timeline: 12 to 18 Months

The majority of the patients we treat wear braces between 12 and 18 months. Orthodontic appliances may need to be used to resolve any crowding of the teeth. There may also be slight issues with bite, such as an overbite or posterior cross-bite. The patient won’t need teeth removed to achieve their best smile.

Extended Treatment Timeline: 18 to 24 Months

For patients with moderate to severe crowding, your treatment will take approximately 18 to 24 months. Orthodontic treatment also takes longer if you need a tooth extracted and the remaining teeth in your smile moved accordingly to close gaps. Some patients may also not have enough jaw space to accommodate all their teeth, which complicates treatment.

Keep in mind that all of this information is meant to give you a general idea of how long treatment could take. To get an accurate timeline for orthodontics, you’ll need to consultation first to establish the problem and the estimated treatment time.

Start Your Smile Journey Today

Dr Emad offers a range of treatments to help your child achieve their best smile. To request a consultation and learn more about braces for kids, call us (7946 6889) or email (info@deenorthodontics.com)