You should only expect to wear your braces for a maximum of three years. While this may appear to be an excessively long period with braces on your teeth, please make an effort to understand that this is the worst-case scenario. Two years is an approximate time of how long your braces will last.
The average orthodontic treatment plan is anywhere from 18 months to three years. It's different for everyone, but anything beyond a four-year treatment plan warrants getting second, third and fourth opinions.
Age of the Patient
As a rule, the younger a patient is, the less time they need to wear braces. Because their jaws are still growing and teeth are on the move, kids may get their teeth straight with just 6-12 months of treatment. Adult teeth generally take longer — up to 3 years.
If brackets remain in place for years, plaque could build-up in places that are hard to reach, eventually leading to tooth decay and gum disease.
If you've been in braces more than 3 years, I'd strongly recommend talking to your orthodontist about it. Some challenging cases do need 3 years or more to achieve all the planned movements, and most patients are aware of their situation. But, in my opinion, anything more than 3 to 4 years is excessive.
Braces for Older Adults
But teeth continue to shift as we age, so there's never a time when braces won't work. Braces adjust teeth by putting pressure on them, and this pressure works even after bones have stopped growing.
Those who have orthodontic issues can benefit from treatment at nearly any age; there is no braces age limit. The American Association of Orthodontists suggest that kids at the age of 7 can have their first visit at an orthodontist to see if there is any need of orthodontic treatment.
Often, three years is the maximum time. But time depends on the brace maintenance procedures, diet, and age of the patient. For instance, if you don't take care of your braces, you'll likely stay with them for long periods.
It's natural for teeth to want to move back to where they were. Even if you wore braces for three years, your teeth have a long memory. Teeth movement can happen soon after braces, or take many years to occur. Teeth shift as part of the aging process.
Depending on your requirements, your orthodontist will suggest you the right time for braces tightening. Your orthodontist will usually fix a check-up appointment every 4-6 weeks since that is the average time needed to tighten braces. Although here are some signs that indicate when you need braces tightening.
Is It Normal To Still Have Braces On 5 Years Later? Even the most complicated orthodontic problems are normally fixed with braces within 24-36 months. It is not normal to still have braces on after 5 years of treatment.
Patients with more severe orthodontic issues may wear braces for up to 24 months while those with minor problems may complete their treatment in less than 12 months. Let's take a look at the factors that play a role in orthodontic treatment time.
The biggest risk of leaving braces on for years is the damage caused by dental plaque. Unless a patient is especially meticulous with their oral hygiene, eventually, their teeth will begin to rot. Bacteria may also attack gum tissue, leading to gum disease.
It's never too late to improve your smile. No matter your age, braces can help bring your teeth into proper alignment, improving your dental health. Contact your dentist today if you're interested in braces.
When is it too late to get braces? The answer, it's never too late to get braces! Getting braces is usually associated with children and teenagers, but we are here to inform you that there is no age limit on getting braces. Having the perfect smile can be lifetime goal of yours no matter what your age.
Your orthodontist will know how to look for this potential problem. Snapped wires and brackets. If you wear your braces for too long without having them checked and adjusted, there is a chance they dislodge or break, which in turn can teeth to move in unwanted directions.
While it's true that nearly 1 in 5 orthodontic patients can be subject to some relapse after the three-year mark, it's not impossible for teeth shifting and relapse to occur earlier.
At Orthodontic Gallery our advice is, that you must wear your retainers for as long as you want straight teeth. Over time and with the addition of fixed bonded retainers you may wear your removable retainers less often. But, we will never advise you to stop wearing your retainers completely.
Your teeth go through a kind of adjustment period as they get used to the movements of your mouth. Talking, chewing, and holding tension in your jaw can all cause stress on your teeth. While the amount of pressure is small, over time this can lead to shifts in the alignment of your teeth.
Why the Process Takes so Long. Because braces are moving teeth that are attached to bone, the process cannot be rushed. Bone is solid and teeth must be gently guided into new positions with consistent pressure. If the process were rushed, serious and perhaps permanent damage may occur to your bone, teeth, or gums.
Whether you're a kid or an adult, braces will make you feel tender at first, but it won't last. At worst, you'll have some soreness in your teeth, and chewing may be a challenge for a few days after each treatment. But it subsides.
Your Bite Isn't Fully Corrected
If your orthodontist feels your bite is not aligned as it should be, they are likely going to make further adjustments to your teeth. This might add time to your treatment, but in the long run, will ensure your teeth and enamel stays nice and healthy.
There's no age limit on who can get them, so having braces as an adult is certainly possible. And there's no time like the present!
Getting Braces as an Adult Is Not a Bad Thing
Don't let yourself or others prevent you from getting braces as an adult. It's never too late to get the teeth you always dreamed of. Don't wait until matters are worst either if you know you have dental issues that are causing medical discomfort.