Braces are a common orthodontic treatment used to correct misaligned teeth and jaws. The typical braces treatment duration is 18-24 months. However, some cases require longer treatment times of 2-3 years. There are several factors that determine braces treatment length. This article will examine if 3 years in braces is considered a long treatment time.
What’s the average braces treatment time?
The average braces treatment time is between 18-24 months or 1-2 years. This allows enough time for the teeth to be gradually moved into proper alignment.
Treatment times vary depending on the severity of the teeth misalignment. Slight problems like small gaps or mildly crooked teeth can be corrected in shorter time frames of 12-18 months. Moderate issues like crowded teeth or overbites can take 18-24 months. Severe misalignments like large overjets or gaps may require up to 3 years of braces.
Here is a table summarizing average braces treatment times:
| Severity of Misalignment | Treatment Time |
|---|---|
| Slight | 12-18 months |
| Moderate | 18-24 months |
| Severe | 24-36 months |
As you can see, the majority of standard braces cases fall in the 18-24 months range. But severe issues often need longer treatment plans of 2-3 years.
When are 3 years of braces required?
There are certain situations when an orthodontist will recommend 3 years in braces:
– Very severe teeth misalignment – In cases of extremely crooked teeth or large overbites, the amount of correction required will take longer. Moving teeth gradually into proper position over 3 years reduces risks.
– Early/Pre-Teen Treatment – Putting braces on young patients with early orthodontic issues spreads treatment over more time. This allows jaws more time to properly grow and develop.
– Two-Phase Treatment – Sometimes it’s best to break treatment into two phases. The first phase corrects urgent issues. The second refines alignment. This totals 3 years of braces but with a break in between phases.
– Extraction Cases – When teeth are extracted to make room, it lengthens total treatment time. The orthodontist must carefully close extraction spaces over an extended timeframe.
– Jaw Surgery Cases – When patients require realignment jaw surgery along with braces, it adds substantial time to coordinate treatment. Surgery is usually done after 1-2 years of braces.
– Complex Cases – Multiple problems like crowding, gaps, crossbites, and overbites can require longer treatments to completely correct alignment.
Factors that extend treatment time
Some of the key factors that cause braces to take longer include:
– Poor Elastic Wear – Rubber bands must be worn consistently to guide jaw/teeth position. Poor elastic wear means slower progress.
– Broken Brackets – Replacing broken brackets adds a few extra weeks per incident. Multiple breakages cause incremental delays.
– Poor Oral Hygiene – Plaque buildup around braces can lead to stained enamel and cavity risks. This requires pausing treatment for restoration work.
– Missed Appointments – Monthly adjustments are needed to advance treatment. Missed appointments interrupt the planned sequence of wires/tension.
– Failure to Avoid Restricted Foods – Hard, sticky, chewy foods can damage braces, adding repair appointments. This stalls progress.
When these complicating factors are present, an orthodontist will compensate by extending total treatment time. This prevents rushing and damaging teeth by moving them too fast into position.
Benefits of longer treatment times
While 3 years in braces may seem lengthy, there are advantages to longer treatment:
– Lower Relapse Risk – Moving teeth more slowly decreases chances of teeth shifting back after braces removal. This maintains stability long-term.
– Less Discomfort – Smaller incremental tooth movements are gentler on roots, nerves, and jaws. This reduces pain levels.
– Shorter Appointment Intervals – Appointments may be spaced further apart for slow adjustments. Fewer monthly visits can increase convenience.
– Better Protection of Tooth Roots – Gradually nudging teeth prevents shortened roots, a side effect of fast movement. Longer treatments allow proper root development.
– Improved Jaw Growth Guidance – In pre-teens, moving teeth parallel to jaw growth direction over more time benefits facial development.
– Less Need for Retainers – Retainers help hold teeth in position after braces. More time in braces means less retainer wear needed after removal.
Although longer braces treatment may not be ideal, there are definitely advantages in certain situations.
Is it possible to shorten 3 years in braces?
While 3 years in braces is required for complex dental issues, here are some ways treatment time may be reduced in certain appropriate cases:
– Expanded Appointment Schedule – More frequent monthly adjustments make tooth movements efficient while still gentle. But more visits are required.
– Temporary Anchorage Devices – TADs allow orthodontists to apply forces to teeth from more directions, expediting specific movements.
– Increased Archwire Size – Bigger archwires exert more pressure on teeth. But patient comfort must be considered.
– Minimized Broken Braces – Careful eating and oral hygiene helps avoid breakages that delay treatment.
– Proper Elastic Wear – Closely following instructions for rubber band wear supports optimal teeth movement.
– Exceptional Oral Hygiene – Meticulous brushing and flossing prevents buildup that can impede progress.
However, any efforts to reduce lengthy treatment times must be approached cautiously to avoid complications. It’s best to trust an orthodontist’s recommended timeline. Attempting to rush through braces is risky. But improving certain factors may mildly decrease total treatment length.
Options besides standard braces
Standard braces are not the only option. Here are some alternatives that may require less time:
Clear Aligners
Clear plastic aligners like Invisalign are removable. Treatment averages 12-18 months. Aligners apply mild, even pressure that moves teeth safely. No food restrictions. Mainly improves slightly crooked teeth.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are less noticeable. They are lighter and can use titanium wires that move teeth faster than metal braces. May reduce treatment time by a few months.
Lingual Braces
Brackets are bonded to the backs of teeth. Completely hidden but can impact speech temporarily. Requires frequent adjustments. May prolong treatment compared to standard braces.
Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics
A device called a PROPEL stimulates bones to speed tooth movement. Shown to reduce treatment time by 30-50% in some cases.
Acceledent System
A light plastic mouthguard is worn to transmit pulsations to accelerate orthodontic tooth movement. May help avoid some extractions. Fewer months of treatment.
The alternatives above are proven to be safe when used carefully. Consult an orthodontist to determine which option is most appropriate for the orthodontic problem at hand.
Conclusion
Standard braces typically take 18-24 months but severe cases need up to 3 years. Although a longer timeframe, there are benefits such as reduced relapse risk and more gradual adjustments. Attempting to shorten treatment is risky but some alternatives like clear aligners may require less time for select issues. An experienced orthodontist will recommend the ideal timeline and method based on each patient’s unique dental needs. If braces for 3 years are truly necessary for proper realignment, it’s best to be patient and allow teeth to be moved slowly to avoid complications. In the end, you’ll have an improved smile for the rest of your life.