Factors That Affect the Duration of Braces Treatment

Today, most people undergo braces treatment at some point during their life. Braces are used to straighten misaligned teeth and fix improper bites. Metal braces for teens usually stay on for two years on average, according to Nemours Children’s Hospital, but the timeline for wearing braces depends on a variety of factors. For example, the nature and severity of their case influences the amount of time a teenager needs to wear braces. Some only have minor problems that can be resolved quickly while others require a more complex, lengthy solution.

Your orthodontist will evaluate the problem and estimate the treatment duration at the initial consultation. Traditional braces work by gradually moving each tooth into the correct position. This process typically takes around 16-18 months. Your child can reduce the time they wear braces by strictly adhering to the orthodontist’s instructions and by practicing proper oral care techniques. Read on to explore the factors that may affect the treatment timeline.

Your Dental Hygiene

The day you start your braces treatment, your orthodontist will instruct you on the best way to care for your oral health while wearing braces. This may involve using floss picks instead of traditional floss and removing certain foods, such as sticky or hard foods, from your diet during the treatment. Poor hygiene during treatment can result in cavities and gum inflammation and could mean that you have to wear the braces for longer than anticipated.

The State of Your Teeth Before Treatment

The intensity of adjustment needed for your teeth and bones to align also affects the timeline. Severely misaligned teeth have farther to travel than slightly misaligned ones. Hence, a longer treatment time would be necessary. Snaggleteeth may also extend the treatment duration because they are often fixed within the gums. Your orthodontist will go over this with you after your initial evaluation.

The Type of Medication

Non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory medication can affect the duration of braces treatment. Substances like vitamin D and thyroid hormone can speed up the movement of teeth. Therefore, your child will need to wear their braces for less time. Other factors, such as the patient’s age, also factor into how long braces treatment will last. Younger teens often recover faster than those closer to adulthood.

Metal braces for teens have an average treatment period of 24 months. After the braces come off, the orthodontist will evaluate and advise you on whether the child needs to wear a retainer and, if so, for how long. For more information on metal braces, or to get started on you or your child’s new smile journey, contact the expert team at Orthodontics LA, today.