Many people dream of having a straight and confident smile. That is because it not only looks good but also helps us in chewing the food properly and maintaining clean gums. In contrast, if you have misaligned teeth, then they might lead to the oral health problems while affecting your appearance. One of the common queries we often receive from our customers at our dental clinic in Rohini sector 24 is about how much time it actually takes to straighten teeth. In this blog, we will understand how much time it can take if you want to consider straightening your teeth and what happens after the straightening treatment.
Why Do People Need Teeth Straightening?
We need to understand why people need teeth straightening first before understanding anything else. So, people consider teeth straightening to fix their alignment problems like crowding, gaps or crooked teeth. Some people also face bite issues such as overbite, underbite or crossbite which can affect chewing and even speech. That is why people prefer straightening their teeth as it helps them to maintain long-term dental health. Also, the well-aligned teeth are easier to clean and maintain as compared to crowded, crooked or misaligned teeth.
Different Treatment Options Available
There are different treatment options available and each of them has its own timeline. The most common types of treatment are listed below.
Metal Braces
The most common of all braces is the traditional metal braces. These braces use metal brackets and wires to slowly move your teeth into the desired place. They are very strong and widely used for the complex cases. At Sai Dental Clinic, most of our patients prefer metal braces, as they are affordable, effective and deliver excellent results even in complex cases.
Ceramic Braces
They are also a type of braces just like the metal ones. However, these may work like metal braces but are less visible because they have the tooth-coloured material which makes it a good option for working people and professionals.
Clear Aligners
The clear aligners are basically the movable trays that gradually shift your teeth. They are more comfortable and discreet but usually suitable for mild to moderate cases. They can’t help you out if you have serious issues related to biting.
Lingual Braces
The lingual braces are basically fixed behind the teeth which makes them invisible from the front but sometimes uncomfortable in the beginning. They also work like the metal and ceramic braces but are hidden from the eyes of other people.
Average Treatment Duration
Well, straightening teeth can take anywhere between 12 months to 24 months for most people. This is only the average estimate because the actual time duration depends on the complexity of your case. Some patients with minor adjustments may complete their treatment in just 6 to 9 months. Other patients with much severe misalignment may need 2 to 3 years. Your local dentist will suggest you a timeline after checking the condition of the teeth, bite and overall oral health.
Factors That Affect the Time Taken
There are several factors that play a very crucial role in deciding how long the process of teeth straightening will take:
Age of the Patient
A child or a teenager usually responds faster to the braces because their jaw is still developing. However, this process may take longer for an adult since their teeth are set firmly in place.
Type of Misalignment
If you have a small gap or slight crowding, then it can be fixed quickly. On the other hand, a severe bite issue may need more time, especially in the adults.
Treatment Method
We have discussed above that the metal braces are usually faster for complex cases. The clear aligners are good if you have minor problems, as they may take more time depending on the consistency of wear.
Patient Cooperation
It is advisable for the patients to regularly visit the nearest dentist, follow their instructions and maintain good oral hygiene for timely progress. If you skip your appointments or stop continuing the treatment, then it can extend the treatment duration.
How to Speed Up the Process
There are some habits that you can adopt to make the process of straightening your teeth more effective for you:
- You should visit your dentist regularly for the check-ups and adjustments.
- You should wear your aligners or retainers for the recommended hours daily.
- You should brush and floss your teeth properly to avoid any gum infections.
- You should try to avoid hard or sticky foods that may damage the braces or wires.
- Lastly, you should follow every instruction that is given by your dentist carefully.
What Happens After Straightening?
After getting the teeth straightening treatment, the patients think that they are now free for life. However, the truth is that the strengthening of teeth does not end once the braces or aligners are removed. There is an important phase called retention after the active stage of teeth straightening treatment. The patients are supposed to wear the retainers to keep their teeth in their desired place after the treatment. A retainer is basically a simple device that holds the teeth in their new position.
If the patients don’t wear them, the teeth will slowly shift back to their old position because of the natural pressure that comes from the jaw and the surrounding tissues. Also, wearing a retainer helps you to lock the teeth in the correct place. They help you to maintain your smile for the long term. In most cases, the retainers are worn full-time for a few months and then only at night.
Benefits of Patience During the Process
It is truly understandable that the patients may get excited about their results. However, in the process of teeth straightening, the movement of the teeth is changed gradually to avoid any unnecessary damage to the roots and gums.
If the treatment is rushed intentionally, it can create long-term problems and make the teeth unstable. When the teeth are given the right amount of time to move, the results will last longer. Also, the patients who stay committed to the process usually enjoy a healthier bite, better chewing function and a smile that looks natural.
Final Thoughts
The time required to straighten the teeth is different for every individual. It depends on the several factors, such as the type of braces or aligners, the complexity of misalignment and how well the patient follows the advice of their dentist. Most people achieve straight teeth within one to two years on average but again it depends on the case.
At Sai Dental Clinic, we believe that every smile deserves personalised care. That is why we provide customised dental solutions along with the modern orthodontic techniques. We will support you at every step from your first consultation to the final retainer stage. With the proper support, regular check-ups and advanced treatment methods, we will make your journey of teeth straightening smooth and satisfactory.