“How long will I need to wear braces?” Our Jensen Orthodontic Arts team hears it a lot. It’s a good question! And Dr. Jensen doesn’t have a single answer for every person in McKinney. The time you spend in braces depends on a few different things. What’s your situation? What does your unique smile need from our orthodontic practice? What treatment will you choose? Age also plays a role—kids might see quicker results than adults. And don’t forget, following Dr. Jensen’s instructions can make a big difference. Let’s look at what affects how long you’ll be sporting that metal (or clear!) smile.
Getting Back Into Alignment
The time you’ll need braces largely depends on how much your teeth need to move. Some smiles might just need a little TLC. But others might need more serious intervention.
Light Alignment Alight
If your teeth only need a slight shift, your braces might be off in less than a year. These cases usually involve fixing slight spacing issues or minor crowding.
More Major Malfunctions & Malocclusions
More complex problems, like severe crowding or bite issues, take longer to deal with. These situations require significant tooth movement and careful alignment. For these situations, Dr. Jensen recommends extending treatment to two or even three years.
Trips Around The Sun
Your age can significantly impact how long you’ll need to wear braces. Teeth move differently depending on whether you’re a child, teenager, or adult.
Kids & Teens
Kids and teens often see faster results with braces. Their jaws are still growing, and their teeth are more responsive to movement. This means their orthodontic treatment might be shorter. Kids in McKinney typically finish treatment in one to two years.
Grown Ups
For adults, braces may take a bit longer. Since their teeth and bones are fully developed, movement can be slower. Adult treatment often ranges from 18 months to 3 years, but the results are just as rewarding—no matter your age!
Our Orthodontic Artistry
What type of braces are you interested in? The kind you choose at Jensen Orthodontic Arts can affect how long you’ll need to wear them.
Incredible Invisibility
Many of our Jensen Orthodontic Arts patients love clear aligners. They’re a popular choice for having a convenient, see-through look. However, they may require more time than traditional braces, especially if they’re not worn consistently. On average, treatment with clear aligners can last anywhere from 12 to 24 months.
Metallic Marvels
Metal braces have a proven track record. They’re amazing at correcting many dental issues and often work faster than other braces. Most patients with metal braces can expect to wear them for about 18 to 24 months.
Clearing The Way
Clear braces offer the same superior results as metal braces. But they do it with a more subtle appearance. Made from tooth-colored materials, they’re a great choice if you want a less noticeable option. The treatment time with clear braces is similar to that of metal braces. It usually ranges from 18 to 30 months.
Brackets Behind The Scenes
Dr. Jensen places your lingual braces on the back of your teeth. This makes them virtually invisible from the front. While they’re a great option for those who want a hidden solution, due to their positioning, they can take a little longer to work. Treatment with lingual braces typically ranges from 18 to 36 months.
Sticking To The Plan
How well you follow Dr. Jensen’s instructions plays a big role in how long you’ll need to wear braces.
Elastics or Aligners
Wearing elastics, aligners, or any other orthodontic appliances as directed is crucial for keeping your treatment on track. If you skip wearing the m or don’t follow the schedule, your teeth won’t move as our team plans. That’ll add months to your treatment time (yikes!).
Hype Up Your Hygiene
You have to stay on top of your oral hygiene during your braces treatment. If you don’t keep your teeth and braces clean, you could develop cavities or gum issues (eek!). Brush and floss regularly. Show up to your appointments with Dr. Jensen, and everything will run smoothly.
What We Bring To The Table
Your orthodontist’s experience and expertise also play a role in how long your treatment will last. Dr. Jensen always brings his A-game, so he’ll do everything in his power to have you through treatment in a snap.
Jamming With Dr. Jensen
Dr. Jensen carefully designs a treatment plan for your specific needs. With years of experience and a deep understanding of orthodontics, he knows how to give you a stupendous new smile.
Respect Our Tech
At Jensen Orthodontic Arts, we use the latest techniques and technologies to optimize your treatment. Innovative diagnostic and treatment tools can help reduce your treatment time and improve your overall experience.
Biology Is Big
Your unique biology plays a big role in how long you’ll need to wear braces. Everyone’s teeth and bones respond differently to orthodontic treatment.
It’s Getting Dense In Here
The density of your bones and the natural rate at which your teeth move can impact your treatment time. If your bone density is higher, your teeth may move a little slower. You might be in braces a little longer. On the other hand, if your teeth respond quickly to adjustments, you could see faster progress.
Your Helpful Healing Factor
Everyone’s body heals differently. You may heal faster than your neighbor. Orthodontics moves bones and muscles into new positions. Your body has to grow and get used to that so that it can deal with the adjustments. If you’re a faster healer, your treatment won’t take as long. But the only way to really find out is to try and see!
Braces And Beyond In McKinney
Our Jensen Orthodontic Arts team in McKinney has all the answers you need for your braces treatment. Want to know more? Go here to schedule your free consultation with Dr. Jensen.