You can get braces at any age and it is now much more common for adults to have braces than it was ten years ago, but how long do adults need braces and are treatment times different from children?
Just like teenagers, adults want to know how long their treatment will last. The answer is: “It depends”. Each case is unique and treatment can last from a few months to three years.
There are four main factors that influence the length of orthodontic treatment for patients – age, complexity of their case, patient compliance and the braces used. The complexity and number of orthodontic problems being treated is the main factor affecting the duration of treatment. Age plays only a minor role.
Does the Patient’s Age Matter?
Adult orthodontic treatment may take a little longer than for teenagers and children. When treating children, results can be achieved faster because their jaws are still growing and their teeth are mobile, so they are easier to move to the desired location. In adults, the teeth have been in the same position for longer and have less movement.
Complex Brackets Take Longer
No two cases are the same, but some treatments are easier than others. The minimum time to solve a basic problem, such as a crooked tooth or a spacing problem, can be as short as a few months. However, some adults have complex cases that need to be treated. Adults are surprised to hear that braces can not only correct their crooked teeth, but also other related dental problems such as bone and gum loss, abnormal wear of tooth enamel, headaches, jaw pain and tooth decay. In complex cases, it can take up to 36 months for all teeth to be in the desired position.
Bracket Type Affects Treatment Time
The length of treatment with braces may depend on the orthodontic treatment used. Braces can be metal, ceramic or lingual.
Metal and Transparent Bracket
High-quality stainless steel and clear ceramic braces are the most powerful orthodontic treatment available. They are more efficient than lingual braces in tooth movement and move faster to the desired position thanks to the clear aligners. These braces are more likely to give the best result in the shortest possible time. Ceramic braces use tooth-colored supports and archwires, so they are less noticeable than metal braces. Ceramic braces cannot tolerate the same amount of pressure as traditional metal ones.
Lingual Bracket
Lingual braces (worn on the inside of the teeth) are a popular option for adults because they are almost invisible to other people. It takes longer to be treated with lingual braces. The orthodontist scans the patient’s teeth so that individual braces are custom-made in the dental laboratory to fit each individual tooth. The braces are attached behind the teeth. When the braces are on the outside of the teeth, they are easier to control and to apply the desired force in the desired direction. Patients who choose lingual braces should come to the appointment more often to check progress and make adjustments.
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Be Harmonious
Although it is not often a problem in adult patients, not following the Orthodontist’s instructions can prolong the treatment time. If you follow your orthodontist’s instructions, your treatment will go smoothly according to the schedule. Here are the most important things to remember about compliance:
Be meticulous and consistent in cleaning your teeth
Keep your appointments with your orthodontist and follow their instructions.
Do not delay making an appointment to repair bracket fractures, as this can allow the teeth to return to their original position.
Care after orthodontic treatment
Remember that orthodontic care does not end after the braces are removed. Although braces may remain in the mouth for several months or three years, the teeth can return to their original position without the help of a retainer. Your orthodontist will advise on how often the clear plastic retainer should be worn or whether a permanent wire should be fitted behind the lower teeth.
If you are considering braces and would like an estimate of how long the treatment will take, make an appointment by calling 0 (530) 775 11 87.
