How Long Will I Need to Wear Braces

If you’re thinking about getting braces, one of the first questions you probably have is: How long will I have to wear braces?

This can differ from one individual to another, but at Liberte Dental Clinic, where we have branches in Malappuram, Calicut, and Kasaragod, we’re here to guide you through each stage of your orthodontic treatment.

Normal Treatment Time

Generally speaking, braces are usually worn for 12 to 24 months, depending on:

The severity of your dental alignment issue
The type of braces or aligners used
Your age and bone development
Your consistency with follow-ups and care

Some patients may complete treatment in as little as 6 months, while others, especially with complex jaw or bite issues, may require up to 3 years.

What Influences How Long You’ll Wear Braces?

1. Type of Misalignment

Mild crowding or spacing: 6–12 months
Moderate issues: 12–18 months
Severe alignment or bite correction: 18–36 months

2. Type of Appliance

Metal Braces: Best suited for full cases
Ceramic Braces: Appearance-wise but takes just a bit longer
Clear Aligners: Like Clear correct aligners, suitable for mild to moderate corrections

3. Your Commitment

Do you take your appointments on time?
Do you keep your orthodontist’s instructions in mind?
Are you skipping foods that might harm your braces?

These small routines can cut treatment time drastically or add to it.

Braces vs Clear Aligners: A Quick Comparison

Feature	Braces	Clear Aligners
Visibility	Visible (metal or ceramic)	Nearly invisible
Comfort	May cause soreness	Smooth, no wires
Duration	12–36 months	6–18 months (mild/moderate cases)
Maintenance	Requires regular brushing	Removable & easier to clean

What to Expect During Treatment

Most patients experience mild discomfort for a few days following the adjustment of braces. With clear aligners, this is typically confined to the initial 1–2 days after changing to a new set. In either case, your orthodontist will instruct you on how to handle the discomfort and keep your teeth clean.

Managing Discomfort and Adjustments During Braces

It’s normal to experience some discomfort or adjustment challenges during your braces. Here’s how you can manage them and keep your treatment on track:

Common Sources of Discomfort:

Pressure on Teeth: As your teeth start shifting, you may feel pressure, especially after adjustments. Solution: Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, as advised by your orthodontist. Also, eating soft foods can help relieve discomfort.
Sore Gums or Mouth Irritation: Braces can irritate the inside of your mouth, especially when you first get them or after adjustments. Solution: Use orthodontic wax to cover any areas of irritation, and try salt water rinses to soothe your gums.
Difficulty Speaking or Eating: Braces can temporarily affect your speech and eating habits.
Solution: With braces, you might need time to adjust to talking with the brackets and wires in place.

Post-Braces Care is Just as Important

When your braces are removed, following the instructions with your retainer is the most important thing in keeping your new smile. Teeth will move naturally with time, and retainers keep that from happening.

Tips to Reduce Braces Duration

Keep your teeth clean by brushing and flossing regularly to avoid delays caused by dental problems
Follow your adjustment schedule, don’t skip appointments!
Stay away from sticky or firm foods such as toffees, popcorn, or chewing gum
Inform your orthodontist if you experience something out of the ordinary

Key Takeaways

Braces are usually worn for 12-24 months, but duration may differ depending on the cases.
Clear aligners can shorten your treatment duration based on your situation
Your compliance contributes significantly to how long treatment takes
Retainers are a must after treatment

Conclusion

Braces are an investment, not only in your smile, but in your oral health and confidence. Whether you opt for traditional braces or aligners, the time you invest today rewards you with a smile that lasts a lifetime.

If you’re looking for teeth braces near me or want to know the exact braces cost in Kerala, our expert orthodontists are ready to help. Visit Liberte Dental Clinic in Malappuram, Calicut, or Kasaragod and begin your smile transformation.

Faqs

How long will I have to wear braces?

Generally, most wear braces for 12 to 24 months, but it all depends on how complicated your case is, how old you are, and which type of braces or aligners you use.

Do braces hurt?

You might have some mild soreness or pressure, particularly following adjustments, but it should stop after a couple of days. You can ease it with some over-the-counter pain medication if necessary.

Can adults wear braces?

Yes! Braces can be used by many adults to enhance their smile. Treatment takes a little longer than in teenagers, but results are equally good.

What foods should I avoid with braces?

Stay away from sticky, chewy, and hard foods such as gum, popcorn, toffees, and nuts. They can ruin the brackets and wires, resulting in treatment delays.

Will I need to wear a retainer after braces?

Yes, you should definitely wear a retainer following your braces. It will help maintain your teeth in their new place and halt shifting.

Can I play sports or musical instruments with braces?

Yes, but you should wear a mouthguard for contact sports. With practice, playing wind instruments also becomes comfortable.

Where can I find affordable braces near me?

You can obtain your braces from Liberte Dental Clinic which has branches in Malappuram, Calicut, or Kasaragod. We provide customized orthodontic treatment, including braces, aligners, and other cosmetics with reasonable prices.