What Is the Average Duration of Orthodontic Treatment for Adults?
Crooked teeth have the ability to steal confidence and cause dental issues. Orthodontic treatment for adults significantly corrects misalignment. As a result, it enhances smiles. Many adults are afraid to begin. They are worried about a lengthy treatment period. You must understand the timeline. It will help manage realistic expectations.
Factors Influencing the Time Needed for Orthodontic Treatment
Type of Treatment
Braces and aligners function differently. Standard braces reposition teeth with brackets and wires, whereas clear aligners move teeth step-by-step. Both affect treatment time in different ways.
Severity of Misalignment
Mild cases take less time. Usually, it takes less than a year. Moderate ones take 12-24 months. On the other hand, advanced misalignment takes 24-36 months. The more involved the case, the longer the treatment.
Age & Bone Density
Adult orthodontic cases require more time than children’s cases. Adult bones are denser. Therefore, teeth are more difficult to move. Younger patients have more rapid results. This is because jaw structures are more flexible.
Compliance & Oral Hygiene
Wearing the aligners daily and following oral hygiene accelerates progress. Omitting aligners or fracturing braces results in delays. A dentist provides guidelines to avoid setbacks.
Average Duration of Orthodontic Treatment for Adults Based on Varying Methods
Traditional Metal Braces: 18-36 Months
This is still the most effective orthodontic treatment Spokane Valley for complicated cases. Brackets made of metal and wires are used to exert strong tooth movement. Frequent dental adjustments significantly ensure consistent progress.
Ceramic Braces: 18-36+ Months
Ceramic braces function similarly to metal braces but with tooth-colored brackets. The material is less strong. Therefore, it occasionally results in more prolonged treatment. Patients must be cautious to prevent damage.
Lingual Braces: 24-36 Months
Lingual braces are positioned behind the teeth. It renders them invisible. Nevertheless, due to their intricate positioning, they take longer and require frequent adjustments from a qualified dentist.
Clear Aligners (Invisalign, etc.): 12-24 Months
Aligners provide a low-profile way for adults to undergo orthodontic treatment. Mild cases are completed in around one year. On the other hand, moderate cases require around two. Aligners are worn 22 hours dailyfor their effectiveness.
Accelerated Orthodontics: Shorter Treatment Time
Innovative methods like Propel and AcceleDent can immensely accelerate tooth movement. Corticotomy, which is a minor surgery, also decreases treatment time. These processes cut treatment time by several months.
Tips to Get the Treatment Done Early
You Must Adhere to the Orthodontist’s Instructions
Wearing aligners as instructed and wearing rubber bands properly accelerates results. If you ignore instructions, it can slow progress.
Consider Practising Good Oral Hygiene
Poor oral hygiene leads to gum disease. As a result, it prolongs orthodontic treatment in adults. Brushing, flossing, and regular cleaning avoid complications.
You Need to Steer Clear of Hard or Sticky Foods
Munching hard foods will damage braces immensely. It will need unnecessary repairs. Sticky foods are capable of loosening brackets. Avoid delays by having braces-friendly meals.
Opt for Regular Check-Ups
A dentist tracks progress and makes any required adjustments. When you miss appointments, it will prolong treatment duration. Consistency guarantees quicker results.
Orthodontic treatment for adults takes 12-36 months. The duration is influenced by the misalignment severity, the treatment type, and the patient’s compliance. Clear aligners guarantee quicker results, while braces are slower.
A dentist gives a clear timeline following an assessment of dental health. Adhering to the schedule accelerates improvement. Regular oral hygiene and visits to our dentists in Spokane Valley, WA for check-up sessions guarantee an easy ride.
