The length of time for braces can vary depending on a variety of factors, such as the complexity of your case and your level of dedication to the treatment process. Generally, the average time frame for treatment can range anywhere from 18 to 36 months.
Yet, some cases may take as long as three years or even more, depending on how complex they are. For example, if you need orthodontic treatment and also jaw surgery, it will typically require more time.
Staying compliant with your appointments and following your orthodontist’s instructions can help to reduce the amount of time you will need to wear braces. Additionally, wearing a retainer after your braces are removed is important to maintain the desired results.
Can you have braces for 7 years?
Yes, it is possible to have braces for 7 years or even longer. The length of time generally depends on the severity of the case, the type of treatment needed, and the patient’s level of compliance. Orthodontic treatment usually lasts between 18-30 months, but certain more intense cases could take up to 7 years to successfully correct.
Even after the braces are off, follow-up visits and retainers may be necessary to ensure the correct alignment of teeth. It is important to keep up with regular orthodontic visits and wear the braces and retainers as prescribed by your orthodontist in order to ensure that treatment is successful and not unnecessarily prolonged.
Can braces take 5 years?
Yes, braces can take up to 5 years, depending on the patient’s situation. Orthodontic treatment with braces can last anywhere from a few months to three years or longer, depending on the severity of the case and the speed at which the teeth and jaw are moving.
Treatment times can be longer for adult patients, as dental and skeletal bones are fused together and can move slower than those of younger patients. Some conditions, such as a deep overbite, can take 5 years or longer to correct.
Additionally, a complex case with jaw surgery can take even more time. Therefore, it is possible for braces to take up to 5 years, depending on the individual treatment plan.
What happens if braces stay on too long?
If braces are left on for too long, there can be a host of negative consequences. The constant pressure of the braces on the teeth can lead to decreased blood flow and circulation, leading to teeth becoming weakened and sensitive.
This can cause discomfort, pain and even damage to teeth, gums and bones. Long term pressure can cause teeth to become permanently misaligned, leading to crooked and abnormally shaped teeth that may never fully recover.
Poorly aligned teeth suffer from higher levels of stress, which can cause disproportionate wear and tear that may affect their longevity. Furthermore, leaving braces on for too long can cause both permanent discoloration and staining of the enamel on the teeth, as well as too-tight bands that can rub against the gums and irritate them.
In some extreme cases, leaving braces on too long can even cause a misalignment of the jaw that can affect overall oral health.
At what age are you too old for braces?
At any age, braces can be beneficial if they are used to treat dental or functional issues. However, there is no single “cut-off” age where a person is considered “too old” for orthodontic treatment.
While it is true that the earlier one begins orthodontic treatment, the better the results may be, it is never too late to consider braces. Adults can and do benefit from braces and other orthodontic treatment.
In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) states that one in five orthodontic patients is over the age of 18. Additionally, the AAO encourages adults who are unhappy with the alignment of their teeth to visit an orthodontist and determine if braces or other treatments would be beneficial.
In some cases, adult patients may be able to use treatments such as clear braces or Invisalign, instead of the traditional metal braces. No matter the age, an orthodontist can help find the best solution for improving smiles.
How long can braces stay on?
The length of time that braces stay on largely varies based on the person wearing them. Generally, braces are typically worn anywhere between 6 months and 3 years, however depending on the severity of the dental issues being treated, the length of time can be shorter or longer.
It is important to follow your orthodontist’s instructions for both wearing the braces and for the follow-up visits in order to keep your process on track and make sure your braces stay on for the appropriate length of time.
At each follow-up visit, you will get an updated timetable of when your braces can come off. If the correction progresses quicker than your orthodontist anticipated, your braces can come off early. Additionally, if your correction process is going slower than expected, your orthodontist may suggest extending the time for wearing braces beyond the original estimated time.
Will braces eventually fall off?
Yes, braces will eventually fall off. This typically occurs after a person has worn them for 12 to 24 months, depending on the severity of their orthodontic problem. During this time, the brackets, archwires, and elastic bands are gradually tightened and adjusted, applying pressure to the teeth, which slowly moves them into the desired position.
Once the teeth have been correctly aligned, the braces can then come off. Generally, a retainer will be prescribed after the brace removal to ensure that the teeth do not move back out of alignment.
Can I keep my braces on forever?
No, you cannot keep your braces on forever. Orthodontic treatment usually has a timeline of 12 to 24 months, depending on your treatment plan and the severity of your condition. After that time frame, the braces will be removed.
Braces should never be kept on for an extended period of time, as it can easily lead to weakened enamel and other dental complications. It is important to talk to your orthodontist about your treatment plan and to follow through with their instructions to ensure your braces are taken off at the right time.
At what age are braces not free?
The cost of braces can vary significantly depending on the individual needs of each patient. Generally, braces for children are covered by their families’ health insurance plans until the age of 18-21, depending on the insurance plan.
In some cases, braces may be free before this age if the patient meets certain criteria that make them eligible for insurance coverage.
Once an individual is over the age of 18-21, they may no longer be eligible for free braces under their insurance. However, they may be able to take advantage of financing options designed specifically for orthodontic treatments.
In some cases, a health savings account (HSA) or a flexible savings account (FSA) may be able to cover some or all of the cost of braces.
It’s important to be aware that, even when an individual is no longer eligible for free braces, a variety of financial options may be available. Furthermore, it’s worth looking at reviews of providers in the area to make sure that the quality of treatment is up to the standards expected.
Can braces cause long term damage?
Braces can cause long-term damage if not used correctly or worn for too long. The most common kind of damage will be enamel erosion over time. When braces are not worn correctly, they can put too much pressure on a person’s teeth, causing the enamel to erode or wear down.
In some cases, this can lead to discoloration or staining. Other long-term damage can include increased plaque, cavities, and gum disease. The most severe cases may even result in root loss and loose teeth.
To prevent long-term damage, it is important to wear braces correctly and follow all of the orthodontist’s instructions. This includes wearing the braces for the recommended amount of time, using recommended toothpaste and mouthwash, and coming back for regular adjustments.
Regular dental checks should also be done to check for any signs of damage.
Do braces stunt jaw growth?
No, braces do not stunt jaw growth. Orthodontic braces are important tools used to straighten teeth and improve the overall health of the mouth, but they do not pose any threat to ongoing jaw growth.
In fact, when properly applied, orthodontic treatment can often promote the natural growth of the jaw and facial bones. For example, when a patient wears an expander to widen the upper jaw, the mechanical tension created by the brace can directly stimulate bone growth and remodeling.
In young patients, the use of braces may even be necessary for the normal growth of the jaw.
However, when a patient receives orthodontic care at an older age, it is more difficult for the treatment to cause jaw growth as the patient’s growth has likely already been completed. In this situation, the orthodontic treatment helps to align the teeth into a healthier position, but the growth of the jaw itself is usually already complete.
In these cases, braces will not stunt jaw growth.
In short, braces are designed to help align and properly orient teeth, but they will not stunt jaw growth. On the contrary, orthodontic treatment may actually be beneficial or even necessary for proper jaw growth in some cases.
