Not only can a bright and attractive smile light up a room, but it can also make someone feel more confident about themselves. Unfortunately, crooked teeth are a common issue for many people and can make one feel like their smile is less than perfect. At Central Texas Orthodontics in Austin, TX, we’re here to help you get the smile you’ve been dreaming of with our teeth straightening treatments or Ceramic Braces.
How Long Do Teeth Straightening Take?
Depending on the type of braces you choose, the length of time it takes to get straighter teeth can vary. Most treatments take between 10 and 34 months to deliver the desired results. Clear braces, clear ceramic braces, and self-ligating braces are all offered at our office to help give you a beautiful smile.
Clear Ceramic Braces
Clear ceramic braces offer similar results as traditional metal brackets but with greater aesthetics due to their transparent or white coloration which blends in with your natural teeth coloration. This allows for an overall more subtle look during orthodontic treatment. Ceramic braces usually take between 18 and 36 months to reach the desired result depending on the severity of the orthodontic case at hand.
However, these braces can sometimes take longer depending on patient compliance and lifestyle habits such as poor oral hygiene practices or smoking. Though they are mostly used on upper front teeth, clear ceramic braces can also be used on lower arches.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners provide a unique orthodontic solution that works differently than traditional braces while creating amazing results. These braces work using a built-in, self-adjusting mechanism to move teeth into their ideal position over the course of 10 to 24 months.
Instead of metal brackets and wires, clear aligners feature a pair of clear acrylic trays. These trays are removable and generally don’t cause any mouth abrasions or irritation since there is no metal involved. For best results, we recommend wearing the aligners for at least 20 hours a day.
Self-Ligating Braces
Self-ligating braces are similar to traditional metal braces. They operate with a clip mechanism instead of the elastics often associated with metal braces. Therefore, self-ligating braces require fewer adjustments from the orthodontist.
Treatment time for self-ligating braces can range from 12 to 30 months depending on the individual’s case. Nevertheless, it is crucial to note that whether for traditional or self-ligating braces, patients need to stay consistent with follow-up visits in order to track progress and make any necessary adjustments.
How Can You Make Your Braces Work Faster?
Practice Oral Hygiene
Keeping your mouth clean is one of the most essential tips to remember when it comes to keeping your braces timeline as short as possible. Brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, and rinsing with an antibacterial or fluoride mouthwash will help keep plaque from building up and prevent tooth decay. If you have metal braces, it is also crucial to use a specialized brush with soft bristles so that you can get in between the brackets and wires.
Chop Up Solid Foods
Chop up solid foods into smaller pieces before consumption in order to reduce pressure on the braces. This will make them easier to chew and minimize the amount of stress on the wires and brackets.
During treatment, stay away from hard foods such as popcorn kernels, apples, carrots, nuts, and hard candies as they can all cause damage to your teeth and braces. Similarly, avoid sticky foods like taffy, caramels, or gummy bears that may stick in between the teeth or pull at the wires.
Watch What You Drink
It’s also essential not to consume soda or other carbonated beverages during treatment. These drinks contain large amounts of sugar which can contribute to tooth decay. Carbonated drinks are also highly acidic and can corrode enamel and/or stain braces.
Furthermore, chewing on ice cubes should be avoided at all costs as this can cause damage to the wires on your braces. In addition to ice cubes, refrain from chewing on straws, pens, or any other items that could potentially put a strain on your teeth or brackets.
Break Bad Habits
Breaking habits such as playing with the elastics attached to the braces is an important step towards successful treatment. Consistently messing with elastics can lead to them becoming loose, which will set back progress significantly. If any adjustments need making, leave it up to us instead of attempting DIY fixes.
Electric toothbrushes are great for removing plaque more effectively than manual brushing so consider using one for 15 minutes each day if you have access. Electric brushes are especially helpful around areas where wires and brackets connect two molars together as it makes cleaning in those spaces much easier! Finally, always follow instructions provided by your orthodontist; we know what works best for different individuals!
Reasons Why You Should Start Treatment Early
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, children should have their first orthodontic screening at around age seven. An orthodontist can evaluate a child’s teeth and jaw structure at this age and identify any problems that may require braces or other treatments in the future.
Moreover, by having an orthodontic evaluation early on, parents can assess their child’s best treatment plan, and thus start the process of teeth straightening as soon as possible. Starting treatment early is beneficial for several reasons, including:
Benefitting From Conservative Treatment
Early treatment helps reduce the number of months one needs to wear braces by allowing an orthodontist to use more conservative methods such as expanders or aligners rather than traditional braces. Roomier mouths may require more advanced treatment options such as full-mouth rehabilitation or periodontal therapy. However, these techniques can be avoided if braces are started when the mouth is still growing — typically between ages 7-15.
Identifying Facial Development Issues
Starting treatment at an earlier age also allows an orthodontist to make corrections to facial development issues such as uneven jaws. In extreme cases, these issues can significantly interfere with normal activities such as eating and speaking, which would only worsen if not addressed properly. This could lead to costly surgical procedures later on which could have been avoided by starting treatment early on.
Saving Money
In addition to its medical benefits, beginning treatment early helps save money due to the shorter amounts of time required in braces or other treatments. Expenses add up quickly when having braces over multiple years so starting early means clients will be out less money in the long run.
Finally, starting treatment earlier gives patients more control over how beautiful their smile looks after treatment is completed. That’s because corrective measures are taken much sooner, and there will be less work for an orthodontist when it comes time for fine-tuning details prior to the removal of appliances.
Getting Your Braces Off Faster
Another benefit of starting treatment early is that younger patients tend to respond better than older ones because they’re still growing. This makes teeth movement easier and faster than with adult patients whose bones are already formed and settled into place. Also, due to their age, younger patients don’t tend to have as much difficulty following instructions such as wearing their retainers for correct amounts of time each day, all of which contribute positively towards the success of treatment.
Is Straightening Your Teeth Painful?
The best way to ensure a comfortable experience is to work with an experienced orthodontist who uses advanced technologies such as clear aligners, lingual braces, ceramic brackets, and self-ligating braces. These types of braces have evolved over time and are designed specifically to reduce potential trauma to gums and soft tissues in the mouth. They also require fewer office visits since they are designed to move teeth more efficiently than traditional metal braces or bands.
While some slight discomfort may be common during the initial adjustment phase of treatment, extreme pain is highly uncommon. In addition to the advanced technologies used, we provide excellent patient care. We understand that any type of dental work can seem intimidating at first, so our team will answer all of your questions and address any concerns you may have about your teeth straightening process.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
If you’re looking to make a change in your life, scheduling an appointment for teeth straightening is a great way to do it. Not only can you achieve the beautiful, confidence-boosting smile of your dreams, but you’ll also be receiving the expert care of Austin’s most reliable facility for orthodontic treatments. Make your move and book an appointment with Central Texas Orthodontics of Austin, TX, today!
