Dental braces are mechanical devices used by orthodontists to correct misaligned and crowded teeth. Braces are mostly applied during the early teenage years. However, this does not mean adults cannot benefit from braces as well.
The main objective of braces is to align jaws and dental formula to produce a pleasing smile and an even bite. This technology is also applied to remove gaps between teeth.
Patients can choose between wearing fixed braces or customized, removable appliances known as modern Invisalign. Depending on the case’s condition, an orthodontist can recommend the braces that will work better to fix the issue. However, always ask about the cost and the advantages, disadvantages, and concerns of the different types of braces available before you make a choice.
To make an informed choice, read on to find more about the science of orthodontics and the methodology behind how long braces are worn.
How Do Braces Work?
State of the art Orthodontic treatment involves placing pressure on misaligned teeth to change their position. Braces are attached to the teeth to force them towards the desired position. The force applied to a tooth pushes its root against the underlying alveolar bone, causing the next bone to dissolve. Eventually, the tooth is gently pushed towards the desired direction.
As the tooth moves into the desired position, a new bone grows in the space left by the moving root. This ensures that the tooth does not move back into its original position. Braces can be used to move several teeth at the same time in a variety of directions.
Brackets are bonded or cemented on the teeth’ surface to apply pressure, and wires or elastic ties are threaded through the brackets to push the teeth into position. Normally, it takes approximately two hours to install braces.
How Dental Metal Braces Are Adjusted?
In adjusting dental braces, regular appointments for dental services are scheduled to ensure proper repositioning. Braces need to be adjusted periodically since the elastic ties holding the brackets in place tend to stretch and become weaker.
The orthodontist evaluates the orthodontic movement of teeth during each appointment to help him to make ongoing decisions.
New ties and wires that hold braces are replaced during each adjustment appointment to further pull teeth towards the direction required.
After each session, the person will usually experience soreness and tightness, which may last for a few hours to several days. Simple pain medication is given to offer relief since eating after adjusting the braces can be painful.
Teeth should be adjusted after every few weeks to allow them to reposition. The number of times the braces need to be adjusted depends on the type of dental wire used and the intended movement.
How Long Do You Have To Wear Braces?
Most patients, especially adults, want to know about the amount of time they need to wear braces. According to experts, completing an orthodontic treatment takes an average of 24 months. Some people may take more time while others even less depending on the severity of their conditions.
Several factors can impact how long you need to wear braces, including:
Types Of Braces
There are different types of braces, and they vary depending on the material they are made of. Other types can affect the duration of treatment.
Lingual Braces – The brackets are fixed on the interior side of the teeth, making them invisible. They are the most aesthetic type of braces treatment.
Metal Braces – Metal brackets are attached on the front side of the teeth using an adhesive. A wire is then run between the brackets, pulling the teeth in the direction they should move when tightened. Both lingual and metal braces require almost the same amount of time to produce results.
Invisalign – Also known as clear aligners, these are plastic-like, clear trays that can be removed when need be. You can remove your Invisalign when brushing. However, the alignment trays must be worn daily for the Invisalign treatment to work.
Failure to follow instructions only leads to a prolonged period of treatment. Compared to the other types of braces, Invisalign or clear braces can work the fastest, depending on how each tooth reacts to the treatment.
Ceramic Braces – These are more popular compared to metal braces because they are less noticeable. They use tooth-colored or clear brackets instead of metal. Compared to Invisalign, ceramic braces take less time to work. Also, they are a better option for severe cases of malocclusion or misalignment than Invisalign.
The Severity Of The Case
This is another crucial factor that determines how long a patient has to wear braces. The length of the time one wears braces varies based on how crooked the teeth are, how far they are spaced out, and whether they are sticking out.
Some teeth may have to be removed to create more room in the mouth when it comes to teeth alignment. Cases like mild crowding or spacing can be fixed within 12 months, while severe cases can take more time.
Patient Compliance
To ensure a successful treatment, patients undergoing orthodontic treatment should follow all the instructions provided. This means patients still have to maintain their oral hygiene, use the provided appliances as directed, and keep all their dental insurance updated.
Age
Children and teens take less time to get results than adults. Since children’s jaws are still growing, manipulating teeth is much easier in younger patients than in adults. Not all adults have to wear clear braces for longer periods. The length of treatment depends on the severity of the case as well.
If you live in New York City, the only way to know how long your orthodontic treatment will take is to visit and consult an orthodontist. Call and schedule a consultation with a professional who can create a treatment plan to meet your needs.
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