When people find out that they will need braces or any other kind of orthodontics, one of the first things they want to know is how long they will need to wear them. Unfortunately, there is no clear answer to that question. While the average amount of time someone wears braces is 18 months, the actual amount of time will vary from one person to the next. There are some indicators that will determine how long you will need orthodontic care.
Factors That May Affect the Length of Time Braces Are Worn
1 – Severity of Malocclusion
The biggest factor that will determine how long you will need to wear braces is the severity of your malocclusion, or how far out of position your teeth really are. Obviously, teeth that are more crooked or misaligned will require a longer period of care, while someone whose teeth are fairly straight won’t need to wear braces as long.
2 – Proper Dental Care
Another important factor is how well you will care for your teeth and braces. If you follow the proper care instructions from your dentist and orthodontist, you probably won’t have to wear your braces for as long as you might think. If you don’t care for them or suffer any injuries to your teeth, you can expect a longer period of care.
3 – Age
Finally, your age will help determine how long your braces need to be kept in place. While it is never too late to straighten your teeth, orthodontists often have an easier time working with younger patients whose jaws are still growing and developing.
Orthodontic treatments can vary significantly depending on the person and in most cases, no two treatments are the same. For more information about braces, talk to the orthodontic professionals at Wonder West Orthodontics.