If you’re considering getting braces, you may be wondering how long you’ll have to wear them. During your initial consultation, your dentist will examine your mouth and design a treatment timeline to estimate when you’ll be able to have your braces removed. Here are some of the factors they’ll use to determine how long your braces treatment time in Parsippany will be.
Factor #1: How Crooked Your Teeth Are
One factor that determines how long you need to undergo orthodontic treatment is how crooked, crowded, or far apart your teeth are. Not only do these issues make your smile look less uniform, but they can also result in an increased risk of several different oral health issues down the road. The more severe the orthodontic problems are, the longer you’ll need to wear braces.
Factor #2: Your Bite Misalignment
While some people wear braces for a straighter smile, others use them to correct bite issues so other oral health problems don’t develop in the future. A misaligned bite can lead to issues with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which can cause jaw pain, headaches, and trouble speaking. It can also result in nightly grinding and clenching of the teeth and issues biting and chewing food properly. Those who have severe bite misalignment issues will likely need to wear braces longer than those without them.
Factor #3: The Type of Treatment You Want
The orthodontic treatment you choose will also contribute to how long you need to wear your braces. If you pick traditional metal braces, treatment will likely take longer to complete than with Invisalign or other clear aligners. However, it’s important to remember that traditional metal braces can treat severe orthodontic issues that clear aligners can’t.
Tips to Keep Treatment On-Track
With the right maintenance and by remaining diligent with how you care for your braces, you’ll be able to keep your treatment on track. A few tips to do this include:
- Don’t eat sticky or hard foods that could break a bracket
- Floss thoroughly to prevent cavities and other barriers from popping up
- Wear rubber bands, expanders, or any other attachments as instructed by your dentist
- Post-treatment, make sure to wear retainers or any other necessary appliances to avoid taking a step back in the process
No two orthodontic treatment plans are exactly the same, but following your dentist’s instructions and making sure you take good care of your teeth during your treatment will help you stay on track. To find out how long your orthodontic treatment will last, visit your dentist for a consultation so you can be on your way to a more beautiful smile!
About the Author
Parsippany and the surrounding New Jersey communities are in good hands with Rauchberg Dental Group. With six talented dentists and a staff of kind, courteous, and compassionate oral health professionals, patients of all ages can receive the quality dental care they deserve. If you’re interested in getting braces and unsure of what to expect, their full-time orthodontist can give you a consultation to discuss how long treatment may take. For more information on if braces are the right choice for you or to set up an appointment, visit Rauchberg Dental Group’s website or call their office at (973) 718-9887.