How long do braces last?

Most patients will need to wear fixed braces for around 18 to 24 months. For problems that are harder to correct, or for our older patients, treatment may take up to three years. If you have less severe issues or are a good candidate for clear aligners like Invisalign, treatment may take as little as 6 to 12 months.
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Do you wear braces forever?

On average, however, braces tend to be worn for anywhere from one to three years. Age is another factor to take into consideration when discussing treatment times. Research has shown that the earlier someone gets braces, the faster their treatment will usually be.
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Can braces work in 3 months?

The minimum time to wear braces can be as little as several months to fix a basic crooked tooth or spacing issue through to 36 months for both metal braces and ceramic braces.
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How long do braces take to straighten teeth?

For the majority of patients, teeth straightening with dental braces may take anywhere between just 6 months and 2 years. Your orthodontist will be able to give you an accurate estimate of how long your braces treatment will take based on their experience treating patients of similar requirements.
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What color is best for braces?

Choose light blue, bronze, dark purple or subdued reds and pinks to complement lighter skin tones. Choose darker colors to make your teeth appear whiter. Watch out for lighter colors that could make your teeth look more yellow. Consider colors that complement or match your eyes.
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Adult Braces: How Long Do They Take?



What foods can you not eat with braces?

Foods to avoid with braces:
  • Chewy foods — bagels, licorice.
  • Crunchy foods — popcorn, chips, ice.
  • Sticky foods — caramel candies, chewing gum.
  • Hard foods — nuts, hard candies.
  • Foods that require biting into — corn on the cob, apples, carrots.
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What are the 5 stages of braces?

Five Stages of an Orthodontic Treatment
  • Consultation Stage. ...
  • Bonding/Banding Stage. ...
  • Regular Adjustments Stage. ...
  • Debanding Stage. ...
  • Retainer Stage. ...
  • If you are currently suffering from any of the cases mentioned earlier, your dentist will most certainly refer you to an orthodontist.
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Do braces permanently straighten teeth?

For most people, braces are the safest and most effective way to permanently straighten their teeth. If your teeth are only slightly crooked or just a bit crowded, an orthodontist-prescribed retainer may be enough to get them straight.
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Do braces change your face shape?

Your face shape can become distorted by any type of bite issues or even just from misalignment of the teeth. Aligning the jaw and teeth with braces or Invisalign will give you a stunning, healthy smile. Since your smile is a major feature on your face, this can change your appearance in a positive way.
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Do I have to wear a retainer forever after braces?

Your retainers will help prevent this from happening as you age. To maintain a straight smile for a lifetime, you're going to need to wear your retainers nightly for the rest of your life. The good news is, after some time it won't be necessary to wear them as often.
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What is the cost of braces?

The average cost of braces is $5,000 to $6,000 for both children and adults, but there are several important factors that can lower or raise your final bill. While the average cost for braces is $5,000 to $6,000, some individuals pay as little as $3,000 or as much as $10,000.
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What happens if braces are left on too long?

If brackets remain in place for years, plaque could build-up in places that are hard to reach, eventually leading to tooth decay and gum disease. Some Brackets May Later Dislodge– Under normal circumstances, when a bracket dislodges, your orthodontist will reattach it.
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Do braces give you bigger lips?

Do Braces Change Your Lips and Make Them Look Bigger? Yes, braces can change the position of your lips, but only as much as the teeth immediately behind them change. It has nothing to do with braces changing your lips as far as fullness or shape.
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Do braces change your voice?

By altering the cavity space and shape in the mouth, your voice resonates differently. Thus, a few teeth shifting slightly, won't make a huge difference. However, long-term braces that entirely realign your jaw shape may create a slightly different tone.
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Will my teeth fall out after braces?

This is a common question asked in most orthodontic offices, but the answer is a resounding no! Braces will not cause your teeth to fall out. We understand the concern that some orthodontic patients have. During the first few days of wearing braces, the teeth will start to shift, causing the teeth to feel loose.
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What's the longest time you can have braces?

Again, the actual time depends on the patient's specific needs but since adult teeth have stopped growing and are set, they require more pressure to move. This means many adult patients can look to have braces anywhere from 18 months to about three years.
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What are the side effects of braces?

Common Side Effects of Braces
  • Mild Discomfort. Some discomfort with braces is totally normal and should be expected. ...
  • Irritation. ...
  • Jaw Pain. ...
  • Difficulty Eating. ...
  • Tooth Decay. ...
  • Decalcification. ...
  • Allergic Reactions. ...
  • Root Resorption.
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Are rubber bands the final stage of braces?

This can be the last phase, so if you are wondering, “are elastics the last stage of braces,” the answer is “yes” if your braces are there to also help with bite correction. Now, if your bands are there to help move your teeth, you may need to start using them during the earlier phases of this treatment.
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Why do top braces go on first?

In addition, it is normal to start treatment by having the braces installed on the top teeth first. The top teeth and jawbone take longer to align and move compared to the bottom teeth. After a period of time, based on what needs to be done to the bottom teeth and jawbone, the bottom braces are then installed.
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Do braces hurt?

Braces can cause discomfort or pain while the person is wearing them. Usually, people will only feel pain or discomfort when an orthodontist first fits the braces and after regular brace tightening. They may also feel pain if part of the brace is rubbing or poking into the inside of their mouth.
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Can I chew gum with braces?

Patients should not chew gum while they have their expander, but patients with traditional braces can chew gum if it is on the ADA (American Dental Association) approved list of sugar-free gums. These gums are sweetened by non-cavity causing sweeteners such as aspartame, sorbitol or mannitol.
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Can I eat pizza with braces?

Can you eat pizza with braces? Yes! You certainly can, as long as you avoid crusts and toppings that are too tough and hard, sticky, or stringy, and eat in small, careful bites. Of course, it's also essential to clean your teeth and the metal wires after eating for optimum dental health.
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Are donuts okay to eat with braces?

Avoid Sugary Food

While foods such as doughnuts, pastries, and cake are soft and easy to chew, these items contain sugar and white flour that will stick to your teeth, wires, and brackets.
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Can I take braces off myself?

Removing braces yourself could be a way to self-inflict real pain. During the self-removal process, the gums may even start to bleed, and you will be at the risk of dental infections. You just cannot use any tools to remove braces at home.
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