Did you know that 4.5 million individuals wore braces in 2008? Around 80% were under the age of 18.
Since braces are so common in today’s society, braces are often expected as soon as teeth become noticeably crooked. This usually occurs around the age of 10, which explains why many young individuals receive braces at an early age.
With the rise of braces, the rise of questions concerning braces also increases. The number one question we often hear is, “how long do I have to wear braces?”.
To see what an orthodontist in San Mateo says on that topic, keep on reading.
Factors That Determine Length Of Braces
Since no two individuals are the same, no treatment will be the same. This means that some people can have braces for a short period of time while
others with very complicated cases may have to wear braces for a few years.
So how long do you wear braces? Well depends on how misaligned your teeth are.
For example, if your teeth are crooked because your mouth doesn’t have enough space, then you have to wear a palatal expander to create room in your mouth. This process to expand the two palatal bones can take roughly around 6 months, often longer for younger children.Many Orthodontists will recommend use of a palatal expander as an easy, but uncomfortable method of creating space, some Orthodontists would recommend the removal of specific teeth to make room. Dr. Alborzi’s Orthodontic philosophy has lead her to a method of practice which can avoid the use of uncomfortable palatal expanders or the removal of teeth commonly used to create space by other Orthodontic practices. Personal consultation is necessary to create an individual treatment plan that will produce the desired outcome while avoiding the more aggressive treatments that can cause future side-effects.
Types Of Braces
Damon braces are less expensive and work better for worse teeth while clear, plastic aligners (such as Invisalign) are made to blend in with your teeth and fix minor issues. There are also ceramic braces which can take longer than traditional metal ones and lingual braces that are placed behind the teeth.
All of these different styles of braces are usual because not everyone wants the same thing. If you want to hide your braces then plastic aligners or lingual braces will be your choice.
If you just want your teeth to be fixed, then traditional metal braces will work for you.
The above data is false. Braces & Invisalign are the same price in our practice (not the industry usual but that’s how it is in our practice, the lab fees for invisalign are higher but this is mediated by fewer office visits. Invisalign is an effective orthodontics appliance in the hands of a trained and experience Orthodontist, but gets the reputation of being for only minor changes by Dentists and Orthodontists who cannot effectively use the appliance so they tell patients they are not candidates. It’s all about the doctor. if the doctor is a skilled Orthodontic Invisalign specialist they can get all the same results with Invisalign as can be done with braces. Including adjusting severe overbites, oversets, cross bites and other severe cases. Invisalign must be worn 20-22 hours daily to be effective. Most patients who opt for invisalign have no trouble complying with this requirement and get results in expected time and usually a bit faster than braces.
We do not deliver traditional braces as they place 600 times more force on the teeth than necessary which causes root resorption and pain. We use the Damon System of braces which is a faster, gentler approach. The benefit of braces is that they cannot be self-removed and so the appliance stays on the teeth and does it’s job.
Condition Of Teeth
Since your teeth determine what type of braces you should get, your teeth will always determine the time frame for your braces.
If you get traditional braces for two slightly misaligned teeth, you will wear braces for roughly 6 months. The reason you have to wear them a little longer than expected is that the teeth and bones need to readjust and cement itself in that place so that they don’t move as soon as you take off your braces.
If you decide to wear a plastic aligner so that they aren’t noticeable, the process will take around 12 months. Usually, this is an option for adults who do not want to wear braces.
The treatment time is the same whether it’s braces or invisalign.
If you have an overbite with extremely crooked teeth, then the process will can take about 2 years. Accelerators can be prescribed which can reduce your treatment time in half so ask your Orthodontist about this device.
Final Thoughts on an Orthodontist in San Mateo
Although the condition of your teeth is something you’re born with, taking care of your braces and mouth is something you can control.
If you have slightly crooked teeth yet you don’t floss, you eat hard foods that will remove the bracket off of your tooth, or don’t go to your scheduled appointments, then the process will take longer than necessary.
The effort you put into the process will be the determining factor in how long your braces or invisalign treatment last, your cooperation and compliance with the plan makes all the difference in the world.
If you are unhappy with your current alignment of your teeth, schedule an appointment today!