One of the most popular questions we’re asked by teen and adult patients alike is “How long do braces take to work?” Braces are a major change for patients. They impact how you speak, eat, and brush your teeth. They can also be a little uncomfortable, especially after adjustments. No one wants to wear braces longer than they have to!
However, this question isn’t an easy one to answer. We usually tell patients that braces take between 9 and 24 months to straighten your teeth. This wide range is due to a couple of factors:
Complexity
No smile is the same! Every single smile we see deserves different care and attention. Some patients may be dealing with a small overbite, while others may be dealing with more serious malocclusions, or tooth alignment, issues.
Sometimes, simple cases like a gap between teeth can be solved with Invisalign aligners, which take only 9-18 months of regular wear. However, traditional braces are strongly recommended for more advanced cases, like protruding teeth.
Age
Younger patients may need to wear braces for a longer period than adults do. The main reason for this is because young patients may still be losing their baby teeth. This means that orthodontists have to wait for adult teeth to grow in. Sometimes this process takes years.
Adult patients, on the other hand, are often partial to Invisalign. With active lifestyles, adults seek the quickest treatment option. Adults also have the benefit of having all of their teeth. There’s no waiting for new teeth to grow in.
Compliance
Whether you wear braces or Invisalign, you must listen to your orthodontist. Brush your teeth regularly to avoid white spots. Stay away from sticky, crunchy, or gooey foods that may break your braces. Broken braces may mean a longer treatment.
Compliance rates are lower among Invisalign patients. This is because it takes a great deal of discipline to wear Invisalign. You need to make sure you’re wearing the aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours per day. If you’re not wearing your aligners as much as you’re supposed to, your treatment may last longer.
Will I Pay More for My Braces If My Treatment Is Longer?
No! Here at Exeter Orthodontics, you pay an all-inclusive price of $3,995 for traditional braces. X-rays, retainers, repairs, adjustments, and even emergency visits are all included.
No matter the complexity of your case, we want to make sure you have the support you need to achieve a straighter smile. This means being with you every step of the way until the smile of your dreams becomes a reality!
If you want to give your smile spark, orthodontics from Exeter Ortho will help your smile shine. Contact us today!