If you are thinking about getting braces in ne Calgary, you may be wondering how long your treatment time will be. The amount of time you will need to wear your braces will vary based on your specific treatment needs, but what you do during your time with braces can also impact the duration of your treatment. In this blog post, our team at Falcon Ridge dental tells you all you need to know about braces, treatment time, and what you can do to get the most out of your orthodontic treatment.
What is the Typical Treatment Time with Braces?
The average amount of time one must wear braces ranges from one to three years. However, you may require them for a longer or shorter amount of time depending on your specific circumstances. Here are some of the factors that impact your treatment time:
1 The Crookedness of Your Teeth:
One reason that you may need to get braces near you is because your teeth are crooked, crowded, or spaced too far apart. The length of your treatment time can vary based on the severity of these conditions.
2 The Alignment of Your Bite:
The way that your top and bottom teeth fit together is referred to as your bite. Sometimes, your bite won’t line up the way it needs to, and you will need to get braces to align it properly. Depending on what type of bite problem you have, your treatment time may take longer than expected.
3 The Type of Braces Used:
There are many kinds of braces that can be used for your treatment, the kind that you settle on can affect the duration of your treatment:
● Traditional metal braces- use stainless steel brackets that are attached to your teeth and connected with a metal wire. These wires are tightened by an orthodontist every couple of weeks to pull and push your teeth into the correct positions. Metal braces are most often used to correct more serious teeth misalignment.
● Clear aligners- these are clear, plastic, removable trays that are changed out every couple of weeks to help your teeth shift into the correct positions. These trays need to be worn for at least 22 hours a day to be effective. Clear aligners are better for aligning moderately to mildly misaligned teeth.
● Lingual braces- use metal brackets that are bonded to the backs of your teeth. They tend to be as effective as metal braces and clear aligners, but offer a more discrete option.
4 The Importance of Your Input:
When it comes to getting braces, it is important that you voice your concerns and needs to your dentist in ne Calgary. They may be able to work with you to adjust your treatment time based on important social and life events, but they won’t know how to do this unless you bring it to their attention.
5 Your Diet and Lifestyle:
It is vital that you listen to the advice of your orthodontist and dentist near you when it comes to what you can and cannot eat with braces, because this can affect the time of your treatment. Choosing to indulge in crunchy or sticky foods can cause your brackets to break, leading to a longer overall treatment time and more visits to the dental office.
You will also need to commit to taking an active role in your treatment to prevent the need for longer wear. Ensure that you see your orthodontist regularly for adjustments and checkups, follow the instructions provided to you carefully, and visit your dentist every six months for dental cleanings and checkups. Speak to your dentist or orthodontist if you are experiencing any excessive pain or discomfort.
Here is our list of what you should and shouldn’t do when undergoing orthodontic treatment:
DO:
● Rinse your teeth with water after meals to remove food debris and bacteria
● Brush your teeth each morning and evening for at least two minutes
● Floss every evening
● Visit your orthodontist as needed for adjustments
● See your dentist regularly for dental cleanings and exams
● Contact an orthodontist right away if you have trouble with your aligners or braces
● Follow instructions carefully when it comes to removable or adjustable appliances
DON’T:
● Eat sugary, hard, crunchy, or sticky foods
● Drink carbonated or sugary beverages
● Attempt to fix broken braces or aligners on your own
● Skip your scheduled checkups with your orthodontist or dentist
● Participate in contact sports or high-impact activities without the proper mouthguard for protection
● Slack on your oral hygiene routine
What Benefits Do Braces Have to Offer?
There are many benefits to getting braces beyond improving the appearance of your smile, although this is a big benefit as well. Here are some of the best reasons to choose braces:
● Align your teeth to give you a better bite and alleviate undue tension on your jaw joints and muscles
● Avoid unnecessary trauma to your front teeth
● Prevent the development of tempo roman dipolar joint disorder, gum disease, and tooth decay
● Boost your ability to chew and swallow with ease
● Improve your speaking challenges associated with bite misalignment
● Improve your self-confidence and boost your sense of self with a more desirable and healthy smile
If you are still apprehensive about getting braces, speak to your orthodontist for more information. They can provide you with a comprehensive breakdown of the benefits and drawbacks of choosing to undergo orthodontic treatment based on your specific needs.
The Bottom Line
Getting braces can help align your bite and teeth, providing you with health benefits and boosting your confidence by improving the aesthetic of your smile. A dentist and orthodontist can help you determine the appropriate treatment time for your needs, and they can help you come up with a treatment plan that satisfies your needs and desires. If you would like to learn more about braces and how they can help boost your confidence and overall quality of life, please contact Falcon Ridge Dental. We look forward to helping you maintain a happy, healthy smile for years to come.
