How Long Are Braces On? 4 Things to Know
Orthodontic braces can work beautifully to straighten teeth over time—with the key words being over time. It definitely doesn’t happen overnight.
Before getting braces, after the initial application, and throughout treatment, patients naturally and anxiously want to know when they’ll be able to have their braces removed. You’re excited to reveal your new and improved smile.
So, how long are braces on? The short answer is that the average time is 24 months. However, each patient has a unique set of circumstances—and also some influence—that can move the clock in either direction.
1. Start Time Is Pivotal
Adults may sometimes get braces, but most orthodontics patients are children. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children should have an orthodontic evaluation around age 7. At Cuozzo Orthodontics, the majority of our patients are ages 10 to 14. We mention all of this to make an important point:
In most cases, it is recommended that children wait to get braces until most if not all of their permanent teeth have grown in.
If we start treatment too soon, treatment time is lengthened by the amount of time we are waiting for all of the adult teeth to come in, which leads to frustrated patients and parents. It may even damage their teeth. Our early observation program helps us keep treatment safe, efficient and effective.
2. Appointments Are Essential
At Cuozzo, we typically schedule follow-up visits every 8 weeks. These appointments serve several purposes. Aside from general check-ins to see how treatment is going, follow-ups allow your orthodontist to make necessary adjustments along the way. They also give you an opportunity to ask any questions about what you can, can’t, should and shouldn’t do with braces, so you can keep your treatment on track to the best of your abilities. If you skip your appointments, your treatment time could potentially be extended at the very end when you think you’re going to be home free.
3. Elastics Are Helpful
Some patients are asked to wear elastics to aid in correcting their bite. The success of elastics is completely based on patient compliance, so it is very important that they are worn as instructed. Elastics do call for some extra care, but it’s all with the purpose of getting those braces off on time and as expected.
4. Food Choices Are Crucial
What happens if you eat sticky food with braces? Can you eat chewy food with braces? How about crunchy food? Unfortunately, all of the above foods are generally bad for braces. Braces and wires will break when met with the wrong foods. Excess plaque can also cause problems.
If you’re struggling to avoid bad foods for braces, remind yourself that it’s not worth derailing your treatment and having to avoid those guilty pleasures for even longer. Plus, there are plenty of other sweet and savory foods to enjoy that won’t break your braces.
Align for the End Goal
You want your braces off asap for multiple reasons. While they’re not painful, they’re also not necessarily luxurious. They require diligence and discipline. And above all, you can’t wait to show off that perfect smile. We want your treatment to move along at its best pace, too. That’s why we like to equip you with the information and expectation for success. Learn more about the top 5 ways to get your braces off on time.
