Braces 101: How Long Do You Have to Wear Braces?

Braces 101: How Long Do You Have to Wear Braces?

May 24, 2023 in Blog 0Comments

Getting braces can be a big decision for families and kids, and understandably so. It’s not only a significant investment of time and money, but it can also impact a person’s appearance and self-esteem. 

In this article, we’ll explore the question on many people’s minds: “How long do you have to wear braces?” We’ll cover the factors that affect treatment time, the types of braces available, and what you can expect during your orthodontic journey.

 So, let’s dive in and get started!

Factors that Affect Treatment Time

The length of time you’ll need to wear braces can vary widely depending on several factors. Understanding these factors can give you a better idea of what to expect and help you make an informed decision about your orthodontic treatment.

The Severity of Orthodontic Issues

The severity of your orthodontic issue is one of the biggest factors that will affect your treatment time. Minor issues like a small gap between teeth may only require a few months of treatment, while more complex cases like severe crowding or bite problems can take several years. Your orthodontist will evaluate your teeth and create a treatment plan that’s tailored to your specific needs.

Type of Braces Being Used

The type of braces you choose can also affect how long you’ll need to wear them. Traditional metal braces are often the most effective for complex orthodontic issues and may need to be worn for several years. 

Crystal clear braces and gold braces are less noticeable then traditional metal braces, however they are equally as effective and do not increase the total tretament length.

Clear aligners like Invisalign can be a great option for mild to moderate orthodontic issues and may only need to be worn for a year or less.

Adherence to Orthodontist’s Instructions

How well you follow your orthodontist’s instructions can also affect your treatment time. You’ll need to wear your braces for the recommended amount of time each day and follow any additional instructions, such as wearing rubber bands. If you don’t follow these instructions, it can increase the time you need to have braces.

By considering these factors, you’ll have a better idea of how long you or your child may need to wear braces. In the next section, we’ll explore the different types of braces available and how they work.

Types of Braces

There are several types of braces available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. 

Here’s a brief overview of the most common types of braces:

Traditional Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces are the most common type of braces and are often the most effective for complex orthodontic issues. They’re made of metal brackets and wires and are attached to the teeth using a dental bonding agent. While they’re not as discreet as some other types of braces, they’re often the most cost-effective option.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are similar to metal braces but are made of crystal clear materials, making them less noticeable. This can be a great option for patients who want the effectiveness of metal braces but don’t want the appearance of metal in their mouth. However, ceramic braces are typically more expensive than metal braces and can be more prone to breaking.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are attached to the back of the teeth, making them virtually invisible from the front. This can be a great option for patients who want the effectiveness of metal braces but don’t want anything visible on the front of their teeth. However, lingual braces can be more difficult to clean, are not as comfortable and can increase treatment length. 

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners like Invisalign are removable plastic trays that gradually move the teeth into the correct position. They’re virtually invisible and can be removed for eating and cleaning. Clear aligners can be a great option for mild to moderate orthodontic issues, but they may not be as effective for more complex cases.

Your orthodontist will evaluate your orthodontic issue and recommend the type of braces that will be most effective for your individual needs. The type of braces you choose can also affect how long you’ll need to wear them, which we’ll explore in the next section.

How Long to Wear Braces

So, how long do you have to wear braces? As we’ve discussed, the length of treatment time can vary widely depending on several factors. Here’s what you can expect based on the type of braces you choose:

Traditional Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces are often the most effective for complex orthodontic issues and may need to be worn for several years. The average treatment time for metal braces is around 2 years, but it can be shorter or longer depending on the severity of your orthodontic issue.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces work similarly to metal braces but may have a slightly longer treatment time, with an average treatment time of 2 years.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces can also take longer to achieve the desired result, with an average treatment time of 2-3 years.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners like Invisalign may have a shorter treatment time than traditional braces, depending on the severity of your orthodontic issue. The average treatment time for clear aligners is around 12-18 months.

It’s important to note that these are just averages, and your treatment time may be longer or shorter depending on your individual needs. Additionally, how well you follow your orthodontist’s instructions can also affect your treatment time.

Curious to find out more about this topic? Check out our last blog post on, “When to tart Brushing Your Baby’s Teeth: A Guide for Parents.”

Tags:

Add comment

Name
E-mail
Comment

Dr. Amanda Huminicki

BScDent, MScDent, DMD
I love working with children, which is why I have so much fun as a pediatric dentist. I taught children dance lessons while in school, and knew that I wanted to keep working with kids as a dentist. I’m lucky to have the privilege of laughing and sharing joy with my patients, and I enjoy watching them grow up into amazing young adults. I find it so rewarding to be part of a fantastic team that helps kids learn about their oral health and have a positive experience at the dentist.

Education

  • Bachelor of Science degree (Dentistry), University of Manitoba
  • Doctor of Medical Dentistry degree, University of Manitoba
  • Masters of Science degree (Dentistry), University of Manitoba

Continuing Education

I enjoy keeping current in the field of pediatric dentistry and getting together with colleagues to learn and share experiences. I attend many courses and conferences each year and am a member of the following organizations:

  • Canadian Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
  • American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
  • Ontario Society of Pediatric Dentistry
  • York Region Dental Society

In the Practice

I’m so fortunate to work with a fantastic group of people at KDG! The entire team is so caring and dedicated to providing the best possible care to our patients, and we have a lot of fun together at work. It’s a joy to work closely with such talented and knowledgeable people who also have incredibly kind hearts. Our patients and their families are so much fun to interact with, and there’s always a positive and upbeat feeling in the clinic.

Family and Community

I recently moved to Toronto from Winnipeg with my husband and am really enjoying getting to know my new community. The city is so exciting and I’m having fun exploring Toronto and all the amazing communities nearby. I enjoy staying active, and can usually be found running, at spin class, doing yoga, or walking outside on a nice day. I also love spending time with my family and friends, and try to see them as much as possible.

Dr. Krista Lee

BSc, DDS, Cert. Ortho.
I am enthusiastic and passionate about what I do and I feel very lucky to be an orthodontist. I get to meet new people every day in the office, and I always learn a lot about them. I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to impact the lives of others in a positive way.Because I see my patients every month for a couple of years, I really get a chance to get to know them, watching the young ones grow and mature. It makes me the happiest when a patient comes in and is excited be here and wants to share good news with me, like graduating, getting straight A’s, or their first goal at a soccer game. They know that I’m interested in them, I care, and I am proud of their accomplishments.

I appreciate that they are willing to let me help them with their smiles, and that they are willing to do their part, too. It’s a team effort because the orthodontist, the patient, the family, and the staff all have to work together to create beautiful smiles!

Education

  • Bachelors of Science, University of Western Ontario
  • Dentistry, University of Western Ontario
  • General Practice Residency, University of British Columbia and Vancouver General Hospital
  • Orthodontic Specialty, New York University in Manhattan
  • Board Eligible for the American Board of Orthodontists
  • Fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada

Continuing Education

During my time at New York University, I was an instructor for the Invisalign® course for dental students, and the orthodontic course for the dental honors students. I’ve learned so much during my education and enjoy sharing this knowledge with my patients and staff.

I’ve also published research in the American Journal of Orthodontics, Journal of Canadian Dentistry, and Oral Health. Our profession is moving toward evidenced-based practices and I think it’s very important to help support this.

While practicing as a general dentist, I had the opportunity to provide dental care to the First Nations’ population in the Northwest Territories, Northern Manitoba, and the Queen Charlotte Islands in BC. I also had the opportunity to provide dental outreach to children’s hospitals and orphanages in Vietnam and Cambodia, which was very rewarding. Locally, LA Orthodontics is proud to support the Sick Kids Foundation.

Professional Affiliations

  • Canadian Association for Orthodontics
  • American Association for Orthodontics
  • Northeastern Society for Orthodontics

Family and Community

I grew up in Vancouver, BC, and am very excited to be part of the Stouffville community! We have recently joined the Whitchurch-Stouffville Chamber of Commerce and I have met many great people and everyone has been very welcoming. My family in Vancouver includes my parents, younger brother and sister, and my older brother in Singapore. All of us are very close and get along well. In my spare time, I enjoy ballet, travel, cooking, and snorkeling.

Dr. Edina Heder

MScDent., DMD, Cert. Pedo.
I love kids. They are fun-loving and you can joke around with them all day long. That’s why I find my work in pediatric dentistry so rewarding. I get to spend time with some of the brightest, most fun people in the world, helping them stay healthy and develop good habits for a lifetime of wellness.

Education

Before becoming a dentist, I attained the following education:

  • Doctor of Medical Dentistry Degree, University of Manitoba
  • Clinical Director of the Undergraduate Pediatric Dentistry, University of Manitoba
  • Pediatric Dentistry Certificate and Masters Degree in Dentistry, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey

 

Continuing Education

I maintain memberships with several professional organizations that ensure I stay informed about the latest technology and techniques in my field. I belong to the following associations:

  • Canadian Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
  • Ontario Society of Pediatric Dentistry
  • York Region Dental Society
  • American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

In the Practice

I am proud to be a part of this practice and to associate with so many excellent professionals. I have a strong sense of home here, which is very important to me. My family moved from Bosnia when I was a child and we settled in Winnipeg where I grew up. After earning my DMD degree, I practiced and taught there before going to New Jersey to specialize. I moved to Ontario after graduating from the pediatric program to become a part of the LA team. I love the variety of my work and how friendly the atmosphere at the office is every day. It not only makes my job as nice as it is, it also helps provide a great atmosphere for my patients. Having a positive experience at the dentist as a child can make a big difference in person’s lifelong outlook on oral health.

Family and Community

My husband and I live in Gormley, Ontario where we are happy to raise our very active children. The kids keep us busy with a variety of activities, including gymnastics at Pulsars and swimming in Stouffville. I enjoy all of the time I get to spend at home and in my community with my family.

Dr. Zhemeng Wang

DDS, Cert. Pedo.
First and foremost, I love children. They inspire me every day to have more fun and to be more energetic, creative, and optimistic. I am very lucky that, as a pediatric dentist, my job gives me the opportunity to interact with kids all day long, and to help them with their oral health and overall health.

Education

  • Bachelor’s degree, McGill University
  • Doctor of Dental Surgery degree, University of Western Ontario
  • Advanced Training in Pediatric Dentistry, New York University College of Dentistry

Continuing Education

I greatly value the importance of keeping up with the latest advances in my field. Throughout the year, I attend several conferences and continuing education courses offered by my professional associations, which include:

  • American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
  • American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
  • Canadian Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
  • Ontario Society of Pediatric Dentistry
  • Chinese Canadian Dental Society

In the Practice

I truly believe that I work at one of the finest teams in the field of oral health. It is wonderful to be a part of an organization that cares so deeply for patients and works to provide the best treatment setting possible. I am confident that my patients will be comfortable in this practice and committed in providing a great experience at each visit.

Family and Community

I really love Toronto and all the opportunities it provides. I am proud of my work with the Chinese Canadian Dental Society, of which I am a past president, as well as the educational sessions I have conducted at several schools in Richmond Hill and Markham. In my leisure time, I like to be with family and friends, whether it’s catching a movie or exploring one of Toronto’s excellent restaurants. I stay fit by running and practicing yoga. I also like to travel when I get the chance.

Dr. Anthony Antoniazzi

BSc, DDS, Cert. Ortho.
I feel very privileged to be an orthodontist, because my profession has truly changed the way people smile. Orthodontics can have a positive impact on self-esteem and it is amazing to see the changes it can have on an individual’s self-confidence. I truly feel as though I have the greatest job in the world, and I enjoy coming to work every day. Because our practice treats both children and adults, we are very fortunate to meet many different people and build personal and professional relationships with them. Not only can we help our patients, but we can also learn from them.

We have a strong, team approach at the office, hopefully making every treatment more efficient and enjoyable. My team and I have the experience and knowledge required to create beautiful smiles, and, best of all, we love what we do! My profession allows me to give back to the community, and to give confidence through a new smile!

Education

  • Bachelor of Science Degree – Laurentian University
  • Doctorate of Dental Surgery – University of Western Ontario
  • Advanced Education in General Dentistry – Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
  • Orthodontic Specialty – Jacksonville University, Florida
  • Board Eligible for the American Board of Orthodontics
  • Fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada

Continuing Education

I have been exposed to a wide variety of continuing education courses which have helped mold the way I practice orthodontics. We believe in an evidence-based approach when employing new techniques in our practice. Not only do we take into consideration the dental literature and doctors’ experience and expertise, but we also truly value patients’ input.

As a part of my continuing education, I dedicated a full year to focusing on crown and bridge and implant dentistry. As many complex orthodontic cases require an interdisciplinary-approach, it is helpful to have this background and understanding when I am planning treatment and communicating with the dentists of our patients.

Professional Affiliations

  • Canadian Association of Orthodontics
  • Progressive Orthodontist Study Group

Family and Community

I am originally from Kirkland Lake and really enjoy the similarities I have found here in Stouffville. Everyone is warm and friendly, and even though it’s a big city, it has the charm and feeling of a small town! My parents still live up north and own a pharmacy in Kirkland Lake, and I have two older sisters and four really fun nephews! In my spare time, I enjoy golf, fishing, hockey, live music, and doing anything outdoors.

I am new to the Stouffville area but in the past I have been active in my community through coaching youth sports, especially hockey, baseball, and volleyball. I also volunteer for the Christmas Wish Foundation and Meals on Wheels. I understand the importance of being a community-minded citizen and I am excited to become an active member of the Stouffville community!