Almost one-third of British adults are considering having their teeth straightened with orthodontic treatment, a survey has revealed. This is due to the increased demand and self-realisation among the British population to appear attractive and approachable. The British Orthodontic Society attributes it to the rise in online working in the post-COVID-19 era. Regardless of the underlying cause, the demand for orthodontic braces in the UK is unprecedented.Â
If you’re also considering braces for straightening your teeth, you might be wondering how long the entire process takes. This blog offers a comprehensive guide about everything you need to know about dental braces, how they work and the time required for teeth straightening. So, read till the end to get the answers to all your questions about orthodontic treatment.
What’s The Process Like For Braces To Get Placed?
The process of getting braces is straightforward. First, your dentist will clean all your teeth and dry them. Next, they will apply a mild etchant in the centre of each tooth’s front surface. The etchant will create microporosities on the tooth which helps bond the braces to the tooth. After 30 seconds, the etchant is washed away and the tooth is dried again.
Then, your dentist will apply a bonding agent on each tooth’s prepared surface and place dental braces (called dental brackets) at predetermined positions on the teeth. Finally, your dentist will bond the brackets to the tooth using a special UV light that polymerises the bonding agent and ensures that the brackets remain intact.
How Do Braces Work?
Dental braces work by forcing our teeth to move in the desired direction. Each orthodontic bracket has a slot in the middle through which a wire passes and connects all the brackets. Your dentist will adjust the pressure and tension in the wire such that it generates pressure, which is transmitted to the teeth and moves accordingly. Your dentist will adjust the tension in the orthodontic wire at every checkup appointment such that it gradually realigns your teeth. The process continues until all the teeth have been optimally aligned. If you feel any discomfort or pain during your early days of wearing braces, you may apply orthodontic wax on the sharp edges of the brackets to prevent soft tissue injury.
How Many Weeks And Visits Does It Take To Get Braces On?
The process of getting braces is not very time-consuming and is typically completed in a single sitting. However, extreme precision and clinical skill are required to place the brackets at the right position and angle. This is because the position and angulation of the brackets will determine how your teeth will move and realign themselves. Typically, 15 – 20 minutes are needed to bond each bracket to a tooth.
Why Do Braces Take So Long?
Dental braces are designed to move and realign your teeth gradually. This is because if excessive forces are applied to accelerate tooth movement, it can have deleterious effects on the underlying jawbone. For example, excessive force application can lead to unwanted resorption of the tooth roots and jawbone, leading to various complications such as periodontal disease and tooth loss. That is why, tooth alignment is a gradual process which may take many months to completely realign crooked teeth.
How Long Do Braces Take To Start Showing Changes?
Dental braces start realigning your teeth immediately after their placement. However, it may not be until one or two months before you start observing changes in your tooth alignment. So, one has to be patient when wearing braces.
Do Braces Hurt When Getting On?
You won’t feel any significant pain or discomfort when your brackets are removed, only a slight pressure. This is because your dentist will use a special instrument to instantly remove your brackets without damaging your teeth or causing pain. This is why it is never recommended for one to take their brackets off by themselves. Instead, brackets should always be removed by a dental professional so that there are no complications later.
How Long Does Teeth Braces Treatment Take?
The amount of time required by orthodontic braces depends on various factors, such as the severity of the problem, the patient’s age and compliance with the treatment, and the dentist’s skill and experience. Typically, a mild to moderate orthodontic issue can be treated within 6 – 8 months with braces, while more complicated issues may take up to 24 months.
What Are The Different Materials Used To Make Braces?
Thanks to modern dentistry, traditional metal braces are not the only option for straightening teeth. Today, there are several, less conspicuous braces available for teeth straightening. For example, tooth-coloured ceramic braces or Invisalign can be used for straightening teeth without affecting one’s smile and facial aesthetics.
Can I Have Braces For The Second Time?
Orthodontic treatment done by an experienced and qualified dentist will ensure that you don’t have to wear braces for the second time. The need for wearing braces again implies that your treatment was not done properly. So, it is always advisable to visit a qualified and experienced orthodontist for braces treatment.
Are Braces Worth It?
Yes, of course! There are so many benefits of having one’s teeth straightened with braces. First, straighter allows for optimal oral hygiene maintenance, thereby preventing common dental complications such as gum disease and tooth decay. Secondly, it is easier to chew and optimally digest food with straight teeth. So, one can enjoy good physical health with properly aligned teeth. Finally, straight teeth ensure a beautiful smile and a boosted self-confidence. So yes, braces are worth it!
Now, the next question is which dental practice offers the best braces treatment in Middlesbrough? The answer is Cleveland Orthodontics. Specialising in orthodontic treatment for patients of all ages, we take pride in providing the highest-quality treatment in town in a relaxed, comfortable environment. So, contact us today for a consultation and let us take care of the rest.
