Orthodontics is an area of dentistry that helps correct the alignment of teeth and jaws. Several individuals go to a dentist to enhance their bite, correct crowded teeth, or correct an overbite. A question asked by many patients is, “How long does orthodontic treatment take?”
The response changes based on a lot of things, such as the type of orthodontic problem, the patient’s age, and the treatment method used (employed). In this blog, we will define the average duration of orthodontics in Rocky Mountain House treatment, what influences it, and what to expect from the patients.
What Is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a part of dentistry that works to straighten teeth and make the bite better. It can fix
- Crowded teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Overbite, underbite, or crossbite
- Teeth that are misaligned
With orthodontics near you, a professional will be able to apply braces, clear aligners, or other devices to shift teeth into the proper position over a period of time.
Average Treatment Time
Most orthodontic procedures take between 12 months to 36 months. Some of them will take shorter periods of time, and others will take longer.
|
Treatment Type |
Average Time |
|
Traditional metal braces |
18 – 36 months |
|
Ceramic braces |
18 – 36 months |
|
Clear aligners (like Invisalign) |
12 – 24 months |
|
Minor orthodontic corrections |
6 – 12 months |
This table indicates that the duration depends on case complexity and treatment type.
Factors That Affect Treatment Time
Not every patient will have the same experience. Several factors, along with guidance from your dentist in Rocky Mountain House, influence (affect) how long orthodontics for crowded teeth or bite correction may take.
1. Type of Orthodontic Problem
Simple alignment problems may be quicker, but major bite problems take longer. For instance, orthodontic treatment for an overbite might be more time-consuming than correcting mild crowding.
2. Age of the Patient
Young patients are more likely to notice quicker results since their jawbone and teeth are still growing or developing. Adults can also enjoy orthodontics, though the treatment might be longer.
3. Type of Treatment
Various appliances operate at varying speeds. Brackets are bonded to the teeth and typically operate faster than removable aligners in difficult cases.
4. Patient Cooperation
Also, treatment outcome relies on the patient. Use of aligners as prescribed, observance of dental check-ups, and compliance with guidelines from the dentist near you will ensure shorter treatment time.
5. Oral Health Condition
If a patient has gum disease, tooth decay, or poor oral hygiene, it can delay orthodontics treatment. Healthy gums and teeth allow faster and safer progress.
Orthodontics for Crowded Teeth
Crowded teeth occur when there isn’t enough space in the jaw for teeth to sit properly. Orthodontics for crowded teeth can take 12 to 24 months, depending on the severity. In some cases, tooth extractions are needed to create space before treatment begins.
Orthodontics for Overbite Correction
An overbite is when the top teeth cover too much of the bottom teeth. It can take 18 to 36 months of orthodontics to fix an overbite, especially if you need jaw development assistance or other tools (appliances). Correcting an overbite is important because it prevents tooth wear and jaw pain in the future.
How to Make Treatment Faster
Patients want to know how they can accelerate orthodontic treatment. There is no shortcut, but the following can be of help
- Maintain good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing every day).
- Make sure to go to all of your orthodontic visits.
- Follow on what the dentist recommend to you
- Do not bite your nails, chew hard foods, or break brackets.
Following these measures will ensure that treatment goes as planned and that there are no delays.
Life After Orthodontics
After treatment, patients will have to wear a retainer to keep their new smile. Retainers stop teeth from moving back into their original position. Wearing them as instructed by your dentist near you is very important.
Wrapping Up
Orthodontics is a very effective solution for fixing crowded teeth, overbites and other issues. Treatment lasts 12 to 36 months on average, but the period may vary based on what the patient requires, the treatment type, and compliance.
Improve Dental Health With Orthodontic Treatment!
Aspen Dental Clinic offers full dental care to patients of all age. Our staff provides services ranging from dental cleanings, orthodontics, and more to maintain healthy smiles. We work to prevent and treat early in order to ensure the protection of your teeth as well as gums.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment and maintain a healthy, strong smile.
FAQ
Q: Is it possible for orthodontics to take less than a year?
Yes, simple cases may be treated in 6 to 12 months.
Q: Does age have any influence on the duration of braces?
Yes. Children tend to react more quickly to treatment than adults.
Q: Are clear aligners quicker than braces?
They may be quicker for mild to moderate cases, but for complicated cases, braces are usually needed.
