How Long Do Adults Wear Braces For?

We all know the power of a beautiful and perfectly aligned smile – it can do wonders. If you want to go from misaligned teeth to perfectly aligned teeth, braces are your best option. 

Braces are orthodontic devices dental professionals use to fix a range of orthodontic problems. They work by applying constant, gentle pressure on your teeth to move them into the desired position. Some of the dental problems braces can fix are: 

• Crooked teeth 
• Gaps in teeth 
• Dental crowding 
• Issues with your bite (overbite, underbite, crossbite)
• Incorrectly positioned jaws

Now, you may be wondering if you can still get braces as an adult. The answer is yes! 

While braces are typically associated with children, there is no cut-off age for getting braces. In fact, braces are fast becoming a popular orthodontic treatment among adults. And with different types of braces available, there’s a range of options you can consider to suit your lifestyle and needs. 

What Are the Benefits of Braces? 

• Improves the appearance of your smile by giving you an aligned, beautiful smile
• Improves oral health as straighter teeth are easier to clean and maintain
• Boosts confidence and self-esteem
• Improves the functionality of your teeth, making it easier for you to bite into and chew food
• Reduces uneven wear and tear of teeth caused by misaligned teeth or a bad bite
• Improves speech impediments linked to orthodontic issues
• Reduces the risk of TMJ disorder by alleviating the stress placed on your jaw joints
• Resolves pain, headaches, earaches and insomnia caused by misaligned teeth
• Reduces the risk of misaligned or crooked teeth being injured

How Long Do Adults Need to Wear Braces? 

Ever wondered about the timeline of transforming your smile? At PMD Dental, we understand that each smile is unique, and the duration of orthodontic treatment depends on individual factors. Generally, however, braces can take from several months to three years. Factors that determine the duration of treatment include: 

The Age of the Patient

Adult orthodontic treatment may take a tad longer than children. This is because early orthodontic intervention makes it easier to manipulate the jaws and teeth of children, which are still developing and malleable. However, since adult teeth and jaws have been in place for longer, moving into the desired position can take more time and effort. 

Complexity of the Condition 

As mentioned earlier, no two cases are the same. Accordingly, the complexity of your case can influence treatment time. Mild cases, such as crooked teeth or gaps in your teeth, may require you to wear braces for a few months, while treatment for complex cases may take up to three years. 

The Type of Braces 

The length of your treatment time can also depend on the type of braces. At PMD Dental, we offer several options for you to choose from: 

• Conventional Braces – These braces include bonded or cemented brackets that hold flexible wires in place using clear or colourful bands. Treatment takes 12-24 months, with regular 4-8 week appointments to change the bands and wires. 
• Damon System Braces – For those looking for a more discreet solution, Damon braces are for you. These braces consist of smaller brackets and are available in metal and clear brackets, which can be attached to your teeth in just one visit. 
• Clear Aligners (Invisalign and Clear Correct) – Clear aligners require patients to wear a series of clear aligner trays that must be replaced every 2 weeks. They are virtually invisible, removable and comfortable. Maintenance of clear aligners is a breeze and requires shorter treatment times. 

If you are considering braces and want to know how long treatment will take, schedule a complimentary orthodontic treatment at PMD Dental today!