How long will I have braces for?
Most patients will need to wear fixed braces for around 18 to 24 months. For problems that are harder to correct, or for our older patients, treatment may take up to three years. If you have less severe issues or are a good candidate for clear aligners like Invisalign, treatment may take as little as 6 to 12 months.
Is 4 years of braces too long?
The average orthodontic treatment plan is anywhere from 18 months to three years. It’s different for everyone, but anything beyond a four-year treatment plan warrants getting second, third and fourth opinions. Adults can get braces, too, but may require more invasive or longer treatment plans.
Do you have to wear braces forever?
The general rule of thumb is that you should wear your retainer for a little longer than you wore your braces for. For instance, if you had your braces on for a year then you’ll want to wear your retainer as often as possible for a little over a year before considering a reduction.
Can you have braces for 2 months?
As a general rule, your total time in braces will be between 18 and 24 months. In that time, you can start to actually notice the changes in your teeth’s appearance as early as four weeks from being fitted. But two or three months is the average expectation.
How long do braces hurt for?
Mild pain or discomfort is a normal side effect of wearing braces. But you should only feel the discomfort immediately after your orthodontist places or adjusts your braces or wires. The discomfort typically disappears within four days, and braces pain rarely lasts longer than a week.
Do lips change after braces?
Yes, you may notice your lips look different after getting braces and other forms of orthodontic treatment. This is because the prominence or “fullness” of the lips is directly affected by the forward position and alignment of the front teeth.
Do braces change the way you talk?
A person wears teeth straightening appliances like Invisalign or Incognito to correct their set of crooked teeth. However, while primarily a corrective action, braces sometimes impede speech fluency. Slightly slurred speech and other difficulties are to be expected as a normal response to the initial adjustment period.
What can’t u eat with braces?
Foods to avoid with braces:
- Chewy foods — bagels, licorice.
- Crunchy foods — popcorn, chips, ice.
- Sticky foods — caramel candies, chewing gum.
- Hard foods — nuts, hard candies.
- Foods that require biting into — corn on the cob, apples, carrots.
Do elastics move teeth or jaw?
This is not a time to cheat: The force of the elastics is what moves your teeth or jaw, and you cannot skimp on wear time if you want your treatment to progress correctly. It may be tempting to double up on elastics with the idea that twice the pressure will move the teeth twice as fast – but that doesn’t work.
Are elastics for braces painful?
Do rubber bands on braces hurt? It’s normal to feel some discomfort when using rubber bands with your braces. This is because these bands place additional pressure on your teeth and jaws to ensure they move into the correct position. This pain should not last long.