Orthodontic treatment can seem like a long journey, especially when it involves your child wearing braces.
Naturally, one of the most common questions parents have is: How long will my child need to wear braces?
The answer depends on a variety of factors, such as the type of orthodontic issue and the treatment plan your dentist recommends.
Let us explore the different factors that influence treatment length and what you can do to help your child’s braces experience be as smooth as possible.
What Determines the Length of Time for Wearing Braces?
The amount of time your child will need to wear braces depends on the severity of the misalignment and the specific orthodontic treatment required. On average, most children wear braces between 18 to 36 months, but this can vary based on individual needs.
Here are some of the most common factors that affect how long your child may need to wear dental braces:
1. Severity of Misalignment
The more crowded or misaligned your child’s teeth are, the longer the treatment might take. If there is significant crowding, there may even be a need for tooth extractions to make room for the teeth to align correctly. A minor gap or slightly crooked teeth might only require a shorter treatment time compared to more complex cases involving severe crowding or spacing issues.
2. Bite Issues
In addition to crooked teeth, some children have problems with their bite, such as open bite, crossbite, underbite, and deep bite. Each of these conditions requires different levels of intervention as it involves adjusting how the upper and lower teeth fit together. Fixing the bite issues generally takes more time than fixing misaligned or crooked teeth
3. Age of the Child
Younger children may complete treatment faster because their bones are still growing and more easily guided by braces. Most children begin orthodontic treatment between the ages of 9 and 14, but it’s important to note that every child’s growth and development are different.
4. Compliance with the Treatment Plan
One of the most significant factors that can influence the treatment timeline is your child’s commitment to following the orthodontist’s instructions. Whether it’s wearing rubber bands, following dietary restrictions, or maintaining oral hygiene, failing to adhere to these guidelines can prolong the treatment.
5. Type of Braces
The type of braces chosen for your child’s orthodontic treatment can also influence how long they need to wear them. Here are the main types:
- Traditional Metal Braces: These are the most common braces for kids and are effective for treating even severe misalignments. While they are durable and reliable, they typically require regular tightening, which can stretch the treatment time over a couple of years.
- Clear Aligners: Clear aligners are often a popular choice for teens, but they require strict adherence to the treatment plan. The trays must be worn for at least 22 hours a day, you can remove them for cleaning the teeth. If your child frequently removes them, this can extend the treatment time.
- Lingual Braces: These are similar to metal braces but are placed behind the teeth. Though they provide a more aesthetic option, treatment time is comparable to traditional braces.
Additionally, if baby teeth fall out too early or too late, it can affect the spacing of adult teeth, requiring more time in braces. Your child’s jaw growth can influence how long braces are necessary, particularly if a bite issue is being corrected.
What Can Shorten or Extend Treatment Time?
While some factors influencing the amount of time your child wears braces are out of your control, others can be managed to keep the process as efficient as possible.
1. Following Orthodontist’s Instructions
Your orthodontist will provide specific care instructions for your child’s braces, such as how to clean them, what foods to avoid, and when to wear additional appliances like rubber bands. Not following these guidelines can cause delays and extend the treatment time.
2. Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is essential for the health of your child’s teeth during braces treatment. Poor hygiene can lead to cavities, gum disease, or other complications, which may require pauses in treatment for additional dental work.
3. Attend Regular Checkups
Regular appointments with your dentist in Airdrie are crucial for keeping the treatment on track. These visits allow the orthodontist to make necessary adjustments, monitor progress, and address any issues that arise.
4. Diet and Care
Braces can be sensitive to sticky or hard foods that can cause breakage. If your child eats foods like popcorn, candy, or nuts, they risk breaking a bracket or wire, which can delay treatment. Keeping the braces in good shape is essential to avoid unnecessary delays.
Remember, once your child’s braces are removed, the work doesn’t stop there.
Your orthodontist will likely recommend a retainer to help keep the teeth in their new positions. The length of time your child needs to wear a retainer will depend on how well the teeth hold their new alignment. Wearing a retainer as directed is crucial to ensure that the orthodontic treatment’s results last a lifetime.
On the whole, braces are an important investment in your child’s oral health, and while the treatment process may take time, the result is well worth the effort. With the right orthodontic care, your child’s smile will be healthier, more aligned, and more confident. If you are seeking personalized dental braces treatment in Airdrie, Kings Pointe Dental is the one to look up to.
Contact Kings Pointe Dental for Your Child’s Journey to a Beautiful Smile
As a trusted dentist in Airdrie, Kings Pointe Dental is here to answer any questions you have about braces, so don’t hesitate to reach out. With our talented and experienced orthodontist, rest assured we will do everything possible to ensure a child achieves the best possible results.
Get in touch with our team today to schedule a consultation and find the best dental braces treatment in Airdrie for your child!
