Braces look complicated. Those intricate brackets and tiny wires and even smaller rubber bands are quite the composition. The actual application of brackets, though, is not all that time-consuming. Your orthodontist is so experienced at getting teeth ready for their journey to alignment that you might be shocked to learn how speedy the process to get braces can be.
The Application Day Timeline for Braces
As with all teeth-related treatments, every person is different, even when it comes to braces. The care simply isn’t the same for every patient, and the application of brackets and wires will vary in time and method.
- Prep teeth. The multiple tasks of applying braces and all their accessories can take one to two hours. This includes prepping teeth by cleaning them thoroughly.
- Bracket application. The application of brackets may take only minutes. Your orthodontist knows your treatment plan and how your braces need to be applied. The brackets are bonded to the teeth with special glue and a blue light to hold them in place.
- Archwire addition. Archwire is threaded through each bracket. This thin metal wire is integral to the treatment and puts pressure on teeth to guide them into their proper positions.
- Add flair. Rubber bands (elastics), are colorful ties that hold archwires on metal brackets. If you’re concerned about brackets covering your teeth or making them look discolored, choose rubber bands that make teeth look whiter. This includes dark colors like teal, deep purple, emerald green, or navy blue, though there is an entire rainbow from which to choose.
What Affects Braces Application Time?
Patients who cooperate with their orthodontist and calmly manage the application of their full braces will find themselves set free from the appointment sooner rather than later. Patience, cooperation, and accountability are part of the entire journey from start to finish. The more you honor time, the better and faster your results will be.
Anyone with complex alignment issues are likely to have a lengthier and more complex first appointment, but after this jampacked visit the work is done in between your adjustments. Some things are out of your control too, like bone development and the speed at which teeth move. If you follow your orthodontist’s instructions on the day your braces are applied and thereafter, your treatment will move at a reasonable pace.
Want to Avoid the Traditional Braces Application?
If the thought of wearing hardware on your teeth, whether metal or ceramic, is unappealing, ask your orthodontist if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign. This treatment is clear, uses removable aligners, and eliminates the need for brackets and wires. Discretion is important to many adults and teens, but it’s most important to listen to your orthodontist’s treatment recommendation for your misalignment.
Get Braces from Your Lawrenceville Orthodontist
In the grand scheme of things, the amount of time it takes to get braces, wear braces, and straighten your entire smile is very small. Aligned teeth will deliver a lifetime of beautiful smiles, good oral health, and a happier you. Find out if you’re a candidate for braces or Invisalign treatment from Lawrenceville Orthodontics in Lawrenceville and Philadelphia. Contact us to make an appointment for a consultation.