How long do you need to wear braces?

At a certain stage in life, while looking at your smile in the mirror, you start to wonder: maybe I should straighten my bite? The next thought: I wonder where they install braces in Lviv? Let's note right away that not every dental clinic corrects bites. Only those where an orthodontist is available.

Braces remain one of the most effective methods for correcting bites and aligning the dental arch. Despite the emergence of new technologies, classic braces can solve the most complex orthodontic problems and give the patient a beautiful smile. However, before getting braces, it is important to understand all the nuances of treatment and be prepared for certain limitations.

Most often, the need for braces is indicated by the following problems: crowding of teeth, when they overlap each other or are positioned at an angle; the presence of large gaps between teeth (diastemas and trismus); incorrect jaw closure – when the upper and lower teeth do not align when closing the mouth; a visible protrusion of the upper or lower jaw; aesthetic discomfort due to crooked teeth. The final conclusion about the necessity of a brace system can only be made by a qualified orthodontist after a detailed examination, which includes an oral cavity inspection, making diagnostic models, and conducting radiological research.

The duration of treatment with braces is individual and depends on the complexity of the case, the age of the patient, and the type of brace system chosen. On average, a complete course of orthodontic treatment lasts from 1.5 to 2.5 years. In mild cases of bite disorders, the duration may be reduced to 12 months. In complex cases, especially when jaw position correction is needed, treatment can last up to 3 years. It is important to understand that attempts to speed up the process can lead to unstable results or even complications. Regular visits to the orthodontist (usually once every 3-4 weeks) are a mandatory condition for successful treatment.

The period of wearing braces requires special attention to nutrition. You should exclude from your diet:

The main rule is to avoid foods that can mechanically damage the system or complicate oral hygiene.

This is one of the most common concerns among patients. To prevent relapse after removing braces, retention devices are used – removable or fixed retainers. Removable retainers look like clear aligners that need to be worn initially all the time, then only at night. Fixed retainers are thin metal wires that are attached to the inner surface of the teeth and remain there for a long time. The choice of retainer type depends on the specific case and the doctor's recommendations.

It is important to understand that the retention period (maintaining the achieved result) is a crucial component of orthodontic treatment. The duration of the retention period is individual, but usually lasts at least 2-3 years. In some cases, it is recommended to wear retainers constantly. With strict adherence to the doctor's recommendations regarding the use of retention devices, the risk of relapse is minimal.

Modern orthodontics offers various options for brace systems: metal, ceramic, sapphire, and lingual (installed on the inner side of the teeth). Each type has its advantages and specific usage features. The choice of a specific system is made individually, taking into account the clinical situation, patient preferences, and financial capabilities. The main thing is to trust an experienced specialist and diligently follow all recommendations throughout the treatment.