The time required for treatment with braces depends on various factors. Some of these include:
- The severity of the Orthodontic Problem – as a general rule, the more complex or complicated an orthodontic issue is, the longer it will take for complete treatment. For example, mild to moderate tooth crowding or spacing can be fixed with braces within 6-8 months. However, more complicated issues involving the dental bite require between 36-40 months for completion.
- The Type of Braces Used – the speed of your treatment also depends on the orthodontic appliance used. For example, removable braces such as clear aligners are suitable for rapidly treating mild to moderate issues. However, complex issues are treated faster with fixed braces.
- Patient Compliance – patient complaince is one of the most crucial factors when undergoing treatment with different braces. As a general rule, the more you adhere to your dentist’s instructions regarding your braces care and use, the faster you will be your treatment and vice versa. For example, if you keep dislodging your braces or if you don’t wear your removable ones for the prescribed amount of time, your treatment will be considerably prolonged.
- The Dentist’s Skill and Experience – if you are undergoing treatment with an experienced dentist, you can expect your treatment duration to be considerably shorter. Similarly, a specialist orthodontist, who has undergone additional training to treat orthodontic problems, can treat your problem faster than a general dentist. So, it is a good idea to visit an experienced and specialist orthodontist for your braces treatment.
- The Patient’s Oral Health – generally, the better a patient’s oral hygiene is, the lesser time it will take to move and realign their teeth. Studies have shown that poor oral hygiene negatively affects tooth movement and hence, prolongs orthodontic treatment.
