How long does it take to get braces

By Catalogs Editorial Staff

How long does it take to get braces is a concern when headed to the orthodontist

Our smile can be an important aspect of our happiness. If we have misaligned teeth — known as malocclusion — it doesn’t just affect our self-image. It can also cause health problems and an inability of our teeth to perform vital functions.

No matter whether young or old, braces can be an effective way to fix a variety of malocclusions (re: misalignment of teeth), such as: an abnormal bite such as an overbite/underbite, gapped teeth, crowded teeth, and more.

When looking to get all the facts, it is important to answer questions of both finances and timetable for the procedure. In essence, let’s take a look at how long does it take to get braces?

Well, it will normally take more than one visit to your local orthodontist’s office in order to find out what the problem is and perform both x-rays and impressions. After the few hours it takes to install your new get-up a week or two later, the period of wearing your new gear can last up to 24 months, depending on a variety of factors.

Let’s take a look, shall we?

The Basic Process

The length of time necessary to fit your teeth with your new metallic smile will normally span over multiple visits to the orthodontist/dentist. The first check-up may consist of x-rays and an impression done of your teeth. This way, the specialist can determine whether or not you will need a dental appliance in the first place. If so, they’ll go over the best fit for the wearer and provide multiple options for the process.

At this time, the dentist may place spacers — a type of rubber band — in between a patient’s back teeth. This will help prepare the wearer to get fitted for the real deal within the next one to two weeks.

Step two will involve the actual placement of metalwork in the mouth. Depending upon which type you choose there can be differences in the overall process. Some of the process is, in fact, the same; patients can expect to wait a few hours while being fitted, mouth wide-open, hopefully thinking happy thoughts as the dentist fiddles inside your mouth.

Depending upon what type of alignment problem you are looking to fix there can be different ways in which dentists may proceed. In certain instances, the top teeth can be done on one visit and the bottom teeth completed on the next. It all will depend, obviously.

For a more detailed depiction of the process, head over to the PAMF.org website. Written by a high school writer — and reviewed by a DDS — it’s a good place for kids (and adults) to head in order to get a better idea of the overall process.

Different Types

According to 1-800 Dentist, there are a variety of new braces which can help to ease the strain of having metal in your mouth for an extended period of time. Here are a few options for interested parties:

Removable: Basically, these are similar to mouthguards; the user will wear this clear plastic device in order to get the same effect as metal bracing. Yet, they will be able to remove the device when eating, drinking, brushing one’s teeth, and more.

Lingual: The only difference here is lingual braces are placed behind the teeth, instead of in front. Thanks to this they are virtually unnoticeable.

Clear: This porcelain variety features a tooth-colored bracket which looks translucent. It’s made from a glass-like composite and provides the user with a much less obvious — near invisible — form of the bracing.

Gold: For those fashion-conscious individuals, the sky’s the limit. This variety is a stainless steel frame overlaid with gold for those looking to stand out!

Glow-in-the-dark: Teenagers might enjoy a glow-in-the-dark variety of teeth straightening — It can definitely be a fun little addition to your smile!

So, how long does it take to get braces? Depending upon your needs, it can take multiple visits to your local dentist-slash-othrodontist. From there, it’s a few hours in the chair as they apply your new metalwork and help to straighten those pearly whites.

In the end, fixing your particular issue and, in the process, getting a glowing, radiant smile can mean all the difference in the world. So, what are you waiting for?