Finding out that you or your child needs braces can seem devastating. Despite how common they are, especially for pre-teens and teens, the thought of the commitment of braces is never good news, especially considering how long braces take to work, the expense, and the frequent returns to the dentist’s office for checkups.
But there’s good news.
Your time in braces might not be the best in your life, but it is one of the most productive. After your braces, you’ll have straight teeth and a smile you’ll love. Understanding how long it takes for braces to work and being able to set realistic expectations is a great way to make your time in braces a little bit easier. Braces take several months or years to work, but the results are always worth the wait.
Here’s what you need to know.
Averages Braces Timeline
In most cases, people wear braces for about 18 to 24 months. Initially, this might seem like a lifetime, especially for young people, but it’s just a drop in the bucket for most people. In some cases, people wear braces for more or less time, but you can assume that your time in braces will be somewhere around two years, depending on the severity of your dental misalignment.
Other factors affecting the length of time you wear braces include:
- Age
- Type of braces used
- Compliance with treatment
Your dentist can estimate how long it will take to correct your dental misalignment before installing your braces. However, what you do during your time in braces affects the outcome and the length of time before they are removed. Wearing your elastics, keeping your braces and teeth clean, and following all of the instructions provided by your orthodontist reduces the risk that the time you’re in braces will need to be extended.
Patience Pays Off
No matter how long you wear braces, the important thing to remember is that the results will make the process worth it.
Wearing braces offers many benefits. You’ll feel better about your appearance once you have straight teeth and a smile you love. Many people report that they experience a boost in self-esteem and confidence in their personal and professional lives as a result of wearing braces.
And the best news is that once straightened, you’ll never have to worry about dental correction again. The improvements achieved by braces are permanent and ensure that you’ll love your smile for the rest of your life.
Health Benefits of Braces
Cosmetic improvements are not the only benefit of braces. In many cases, dentists and orthodontists recommend braces for dental health reasons. Straight teeth make it easier to brush and floss every day. People with proper dental alignment have a lower risk of developing cavities because there are fewer opportunities for plaque to build up. They also have a lower risk of gum disease.
Additionally, braces correct bite issues. Many people find that correcting over- or underbite results in less jaw pain and fewer difficulties chewing. If bite problems are severe enough, they might even experience speech problems that are corrected with braces. Because braces correct bite issues, people who have had them have a reduced risk of developing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues over the years.
The bottom line is braces have a significant impact on your dental health. Properly aligned teeth experience less wear and tear. Your risk of tooth decay, cracks, and chips is less. And better dental health reduces your risk of dental-linked whole-body health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and more.
Still Concerned?
It’s understandable why some people will still be uncomfortable with the commitment they require even after they understand the benefits of braces.
First and foremost, it’s essential to understand why it takes time for braces to work. In a perfect world, adult teeth would erupt into the mouth in perfect alignment. If there were problems, they’d be immediately fixable.
But we don’t live in a perfect world.
Shifting teeth into alignment takes time. Gradual adjustments are the least painful option and healthiest for your body. Moving teeth too quickly, even by a few weeks or months, can damage teeth, roots, and bones. Of course, braces can be frustrating. You’ll need to avoid certain foods for a few months and schedule follow-up checkups with the orthodontist.
But when all is said and done, your commitment will be worth it. Do your best to stay focused on the outcome or encourage your child to do so if they are frustrated during their time in braces. It might even help to take progress photos along the way so you can see the positive changes occurring.
Braces Alternatives
Finally, remember that you might have less daunting alternatives to traditional metal braces. Many people are opting for dental tools like Invisalign or clear braces. While you’ll need to deal with some of the frustrations that accompany wearing braces, you’ll have fewer cosmetic concerns because these tools aren’t as noticeable to other people as metal braces.
If you’d like to know more about why braces are worth your patience, or you’re ready to speak to someone about improving your smile and dental health, we can help. Contact us now to find out how we can help you get your perfect smile.
