For parents, it’s important to know how long your child will need their braces in order to plan out how you will handle their orthodontic needs, financially. However, for each individual case, the amount of time that braces may be needed varies based on individual needs and circumstances. In today’s blog post, Dr. Harrison’s team of Parkcrest Dental Group will look at some of the factors that go into this amount of time and look at some of your options.
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How Long Do Braces Typically Stay On?
Generally, the ballpark for how long someone needs braces falls between 12 and 24 months. If it is less than that, braces might not be necessary, and it may be longer, depending on how severe your need is. In most traditional cases, braces stay on for a full two years. However, this varies, again, based on age and severity. In these cases, Dr. Harrison will make a recommendation for how long the braces should stay on.
Here are a few factors that play into that decision.
Age
While children shouldn’t have braces too early, it is a good idea to bring your child for a consultation with Dr. Harrison around their 7th or 8th birthday. In cases where kids this age get orthodontic work done, it usually happens faster because it is preventative in nature. This is because your child’s jaws are still growing and can be more easily adjusted. While younger patients typically have a quicker turnaround time, this doesn’t have to be as young as 7-8. The ideal time to get braces is anywhere from their 11-14th birthday.
Severity
The severity of your orthodontic needs is the single biggest factor in determining how long you will need braces. Dr. Harrison looks at several things to determine severity, including the how far the teeth must move and the health of your child’s teeth. Again, the severity of these cases is often due to not catching the problem early, so getting your child to Dr. Harrison’s office sooner rather than later will help keep these problems from escalating.
Other Factors To Consider
While age and severity are the two biggest factors, Dr. Harrison will also look at a number of other things, such as dental hygiene and the type of orthodontic treatment needed. The traditional route is metal braces, but there are also other options, such as ceramic braces and Invisalign.
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Contact Dr. Harrison For More Information On Braces
As a parent, it’s important to get a headstart on orthodontic services. Dr. Harrison wants to help make sure that your child’s smile is the best that it can be without having to endure an extra-lengthy treatment. To schedule a consultation, give us a call at (417) 262-5515 or make an appointment online today.
