We can summarize that the average duration of braces treatment is between 1 to 3 years (medium to long term), however, some dentists cannot define the exact duration because it is determined by the process and the patient’s results.
Because of the above, several people decide not to wear braces because of the time they spent with them, but our recommendation is that if you really need it, start your treatment as soon as possible so that you get out of it much sooner. Also, as we mentioned before, the duration is different for each person and here we will tell you all the phases involved:
1. Diagnosis and planning
The most important stage of the whole treatment begins before even starting to use the braces as such. This requires a particular study of each case with x-rays, photographs, models, etc. Once a diagnosis is made, the orthodontist will be able to give you an approximate time frame for the dental treatment.
2. Working Stage
This stage is when the teeth straightening process begins. This is when the orthodontic appliances are installed and the straightening begins. The working stage is divided into the following phases:
– Alignment and Leveling: Generally this takes depending on the level of crowding (how close together the teeth are) to achieve proper leveling. It can be from 3 months to more depending on the particular case.
– Space closure: Once the teeth are properly leveled, they may become slightly separated. This union of teeth takes less time than the leveling, although it depends on each particular case, it can take between 2 and 4 months.
– Settling: Here we seek to achieve a healthy bite since not everything is simply to have straight teeth. You can wait about 6 months.
– Finalization: Here the aim is to maintain the position achieved in the previous steps. This stage also usually lasts about 6 months.
3. Retention stage
This stage is carried out once the brackets are removed, in this stage fixed or removable retainers are usually used to retain the teeth in the same position they were in after orthodontics.
As you will see, there are several stages that you must go through to finish the braces treatment, however, we recommend that you do not worry so much about their duration, but to improve your bite or beautify your smile with this treatment, because once they can remove them you will be very grateful for the result.
Where can I get braces in the Phoenix area?
If you want to get braces and want to know how long your orthodontic treatment will take, you can come to Somos Dental. At Somos Dental we offer a free, no-obligation, no-obligation evaluation of your individual case by appointment. You can find us at our six locations in Downtown Phoenix, Laveen, Mesa, Camelback, Avondale, and Desert Sky Mall, you can also call us at our phone number 623-404-9258, and you can also get your free first appointment by filling out our online form here.