Straight teeth offer many benefits. In addition to a nicer smile, they make brushing and flossing easier, reduce the risk of tooth decay, and improve speaking and chewing.
But the process of teeth straightening could take a while. How long? It really depends. There are various orthodontic treatments available and different factors at play. So, keep reading to learn more. This piece will break down what to expect before you get on the dentist’s chair.
Average Timelines for Common Treatments
Timelines naturally vary depending on the teeth straightening method you choose. Here are the three common treatments and their typical durations.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are also known as Invisalign or invisible braces. They’re removable BPA-free plastic trays that shift your teeth into place. This option is popular because you can barely see them, and you can remove them for brushing and eating.
Treatment for clear aligners averages at around 22 months. Consulting a dentist will let you know how long the Invisalign treatment process should take for your condition. After the initial consultation, you may return in one to two weeks to see a simulation of how your teeth will move. Then, in three weeks, you’ll begin treatment.
Traditional Braces
Braces are a typical option for many people seeking straighter teeth. They’ve been around for decades and involve metal brackets and wires to gradually adjust teeth into alignment.
Most patients receiving metal braces need overbite and underbite correction, which usually takes 18 to 24 months. Putting on the braces takes less time, around one to two hours. Braces are effective for many alignment problems but need more time to handle bigger corrections.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces, which go behind your teeth instead of the front, usually follow the same timeline as traditional braces. But they can sometimes take a little longer since they’re harder to adjust and need specialized care.
Treatment for lingual braces typically takes 12 to 36 months. If you have a mild case, like slight crowding, it could be completed within six to 12 months.
Factors Influencing Treatment Times
Besides your chosen treatment, other factors also impact the duration.
Patient’s Age
Age matters in teeth straightening because bone development varies among age groups. For example, children and teens often see faster results since their jaws are still growing. Adults can also have great results, but the process may take a bit longer as their bones no longer develop.
Complexity of Your Dental Issue
Dental experts will consider how much your teeth need to move. If it’s only a little crowding or a small gap, your treatment might be done in a few months. More serious issues, like prominent overbite or rotated teeth, will naturally take longer to correct.
Patient’s Compliance to Treatment
After receiving treatment, you must follow aftercare instructions. Skipping appointments, forgetting to wear aligners, or breaking braces can extend the timeline.
Types of Braces Used
If you’re getting lingual or traditional metal braces, the type could also influence treatment times. Customized orthodontic appliances could give you a faster and smoother teeth alignment process compared to other alternatives.
How to Shorten Treatment Time
If you wish to spend less time in aligners or braces, the best thing you can do is follow your orthodontist’s advice carefully. Always attend your appointments so your doctor can make the necessary adjustments.
If you’re wearing clear aligners, wear them for the recommended number of hours each day. Most aligner systems work best when worn for 20 to 22 hours daily, and falling short of that time can slow the process down.
Also, be careful with your braces or aligners. Eating crunchy or sticky foods can break the brackets or damage your aligners. These issues add months to your treatment, so you must always follow expert advice and good oral hygiene habits.
What Happens After Teeth Straightening?
Having straighter and perfect-looking teeth after wearing your aligners doesn’t mean you’re done. There’s one more step you need to do: retention. You must wear a retainer to keep your newly straightened teeth from shifting to their original positions. Teeth retainers help stabilize your teeth so they don’t undo all the hard work you went through.
For many people, this means wearing a removable retainer every night. Others might need a permanent retainer glued behind their teeth. Either way, the retention phase is crucial to maintain your results.
When to See an Orthodontist
If your teeth feel crowded, your bite doesn’t seem right, or you don’t like how they look, it’s worth seeing an orthodontist. Kids should have their first orthodontic checkup by age seven. However, it’s not too late for adults to start. Early evaluation could prevent more severe problems from occurring.
A consultation is the best way to get a timeline tailored to your needs. Every mouth is different. Your orthodontist will look at your teeth, jaw, and overall health for a realistic estimate.
Wrapping Up
The timeline for teeth straightening depends on several factors. It could be the severity of your misalignment or the type of treatment you choose. On average, you can expect to see your desired results from a few months to a few years.
With patience and the right care, you’ll get the smile you’ve always wanted. Consider scheduling a consultation to start aligning your teeth little by little.