How Long Do Braces Stay On?

Whether large or small, odds are if you have gaps or misalignments in your teeth, you’ll need braces. They are a corrective dental device used to realign and posture your teeth in the proper order.

Braces address several common dental issues.

Several variables go into determining whether you need braces. There’s also a lot involved with deciding which ones are right for you.

People have a misconception that braces are for kids, but that’s not necessarily true. They are for anyone that needs help correcting the shape and outline of their teeth. Underbite, crooked teeth, and overbite are all conditions that they fix.

To learn more about understanding when you need braces and how to choose the correct setup, continue reading.

How long do people typically wear braces?

Before we get into the average length of time people need to wear braces, it’s essential to understand whether you need them in the first place. To determine if you need them, speak with your dentist to get a general checkup.

If a problem arises, your dentist is likely to recommend you to visit an orthodontist. When an orthodontist and an experienced dentist like Dr. Dalesandro together decide that they are the best solution, they’ll help you to determine which ones are right for you.

There are four primary types of braces available, as follows:

• Metal – these attach to the front of your teeth and are made from premium stainless steel. They can sometimes be uncomfortable and may require dental wax for pain management.
  Clear Ceramic – clear ceramic blend with the color of your teeth. People wear them like standard steel braces. They are less obtrusive but less durable than metal.
• Invisible – clear and removable aligning trays work great for moderate spacing problems but are not ideal for major realignments.
• Lingual – these attach to the back of your teeth, making them invisible from sight. They often achieve the same levels of success as conventional (buccal) braces, but they’re not ideal for certain types of alignment problems, such as an overbite.

After getting braces, regular checkups are required for maintenance purposes.

Click here to learn more about the best maintenance practices.

Each of these brace types corrects your teeth at varying speeds. The type you have will play an instrumental role in determining how long you need to wear them. Also, the condition of your teeth’s spacing determines how long you wear them. The average time people wear them is anywhere from 10 months to 3 years or more.

Check this write-up to learn more about the average time people wear braces.

Getting the most out of your braces

When wearing braces, it’s essential to avoid eating certain foods, since certain hard or gummy substances can actually ruin braces after regularly coming into contact with them.

You should avoid using chewing gum, or eating foods like pretzels, raw carrots, taffy, and popcorn. Doing so will help you maintain clean and functional braces that don’t need readjusting.

The cost of braces varies drastically based upon the type you get and how severe your mouth alignment problems are. Your dentist and orthodontist can get you an accurate estimate of how much they will cost.

People Also Ask

Q: How long do braces stay on after teeth are straight?
A: On average, people wear them for 18 months to 3 years in total. But the actual amount of time you’ll need will depend on the condition of your mouth.

Q: Can you leave your braces on too long?
A: Yes, it is possible to leave them on for too long a period. This is avoidable when under the care of a competent dentist, but neglect of this type can result in nerve damage. Always consult with your dentist to ensure you follow the proper wear guidelines and timelines.

Q: Do braces move your teeth every day?
A: Yes, braces do actually make small adjustments to your teeth every day. However, these changes are so minute from day to day that it can take a long time before you see any real results from wearing them.

Contact Dr. Dalesandro today!

To get started on your journey to a beautiful smile, contact Dr. Dalesandro to schedule a consultation. A healthier and happier you begins with a bright smile, and people will notice. Don’t waste another minute and reach out to Dr. Dalesandro today!