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How Long Do You Have To Wear Braces?

  • Larson Orthodontics
  • January 23, 2025
The Connection Between Diet and Jaw Development

If you’re considering braces, one of the most common questions you’re likely asking is, “How long will I have to wear them?” The length of orthodontic treatment can differ for each individual, as every smile is unique. At Larson Orthodontics, we specialize in traditional and ceramic braces, customizing every treatment plan to fit your unique dental needs. While factors like age, the type of braces, and the complexity of your dental issues play a big role, our team’s priority is to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile in the most efficient time possible.

Factors That Affect the Length of Treatment

Age Plays a Role

Your age can influence how long you’ll need to wear braces. Children and teenagers often experience faster results because their jaws and teeth are still growing and more receptive to adjustments. Adults’ teeth can take a little longer to move since their jawbones are fully developed. However, this doesn’t mean braces aren’t effective for adults — they absolutely are! Whether you’re a child, teen, or adult, Larson Orthodontics creates personalized treatment plans to achieve the best results for your smile.

The Type of Braces Matters

The type of braces you choose also impacts your treatment timeline. Traditional metal braces are effective and can efficiently address a range of dental issues, often making them the fastest choice. Ceramic braces, while less visible, can sometimes require slightly more time for adjustments because they’re more fragile. Regardless of the type you choose, our team ensures your treatment stays on track with regular adjustments and professional guidance.

Complexity of Dental Issues

The severity of your dental alignment and bite issues is perhaps the most significant factor in determining how long you’ll need braces. Minor crowding or spacing issues might only take 12 to 18 months to correct, while more complex misalignments, such as severe crowding or bite problems, can take two to three years. When you visit Larson Orthodontics, we’ll assess your smile during your initial consultation and provide an estimated timeline based on your specific needs.

Commitment to the Treatment

Your compliance to your orthodontist’s instructions can significantly impact the duration of your treatment. Wearing your bands as directed, avoiding foods that can damage your braces, and keeping up with regular appointments are crucial steps to ensure your treatment progresses smoothly. At Larson Orthodontics, we’ll guide you every step of the way to keep your smile transformation on schedule.

Tips for Maintaining Braces and Staying on Track

Once you’ve started your braces treatment, maintaining them is key to achieving the best results in the shortest time possible. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Braces create small spaces where food can get trapped, which means brushing and flossing are more important than ever. Utilize a soft-bristled toothbrush and consider acquiring an interdental brush or floss threader to ensure a thorough cleaning around your brackets and wires. This aids in preventing cavities and gum disease, which may postpone your treatment.

2. Avoid Certain Foods

Sticky, hard, or chewy foods can damage your braces, leading to broken brackets or wires that need repair. Popcorn, gum, caramel, and hard sweets are some of the most commonly avoided foods. Instead, opt for braces-friendly snacks like soft fruits, yogurt, and steamed vegetables.

3. Attend Regular Adjustments

Skipping orthodontic appointments or delaying adjustments can prolong your treatment time. Regular visits allow our experts to make the necessary changes to your braces and ensure your teeth are moving according to plan.

4. Wear Elastics and Other Appliances as Directed

If your treatment plan includes rubber bands, headgear, or other orthodontic appliances, wearing them as instructed by your orthodontist is crucial. These devices are designed to correct specific alignment issues and are important to achieving the best results.

What Happens After Braces?

Once your braces come off, it’s time to celebrate your new smile! But to ensure your teeth stay in their new positions, you’ll need to wear a retainer. Retainers are customized for each patient and play a vital role in maintaining the results of your treatment. At Larson Orthodontics, we’ll create a retainer plan tailored to your needs and help you develop the best routine for wearing and caring for your retainer.

Start Your Smile Journey Today

If you’re ready to learn more about braces and how long your treatment might take, contact us at Larson Orthodontics to request a free consult. Our team is here to answer all your questions, assess your unique needs, and guide you through every step of your smile transformation.

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The first step toward achieving a beautiful, healthy smile is to request a free orthodontic consultation with our team.

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free orthodontic consultation in Riverside

request an appointment

Get Started Today

The first step toward achieving a beautiful, healthy smile is to request a free orthodontic consultation with our team.

Request Free Consult
free orthodontic consultation in Riverside
Our 5-Star Experience

Our 5-Star Experience

Check out what our patients are saying about their experience with us! If you’ve always longed for a healthy, beautiful smile, we’d love to make your dream come true, too!
Mauricio C.
Great service, started Invisalign treatment with Larson Orthodontics a few months back and I couldn’t be happier. The staff is incredibly helpful during check ups, and it’s incredibly easy to set up future appointments with them. Dr. Hadid is also extremely nice, and explains everything regarding questions about the treatment process!
Zahra S.
I am on my 3rd month of treatment and I have received really great results, help, and support. Larson Orthodontist on Riverside is very clean and organized. They have very convenient appointments times that is not too far apart. The timeframe to do a consultation and get braces only took two weeks.This was really great because most places take extremely long for the next available appointment. The workers are very kind, nice, and are really gentle with their work. I am glad I came to this place because they make you feel really welcomed and I trust they will take care of my teeth well.
Moni
Excited because my braces are off and then they gave me this goodie bag 🤩 You guys are truly the best ! Thank you :)
Susiie M.
If I could rate it more than a five I would. This office is super nice, with the most efficient dentist I’ve ever been to, hands down! My kiddos have always been scared of going to the dentist but the staff is just the best, friendly and super welcoming. They explained everything step by step and always make my kiddos feel comfortable and safe, they really love it here. Highly recommend!!!
Porsha M.
Very friendly environment all the staff is polite and greet customers. I did not have to wait long before I was seen. Dr. Larson is very honest and answered all of my questions and concerns. I would recommend anyone interested in braces or Invisalign to Dr. Larson’s office.
Alwin L.
Fast, efficient, and friendly staff members and providers. Invisalign instructions were easy to follow and use. Payment plan was very reasonable and affordable.
Nadine R.
The staff is very welcoming and friendly very easy to work with. I highly recommend this office and staff for anyone looking to get orthodontic care
Maria D.
The ladies in the front desk are wonderful, and it is a spacious waiting room. You don't wait long for your appointment. All the staff is wonderful. They have a game room for the kids to keep entertained. Love this place. Nice and clean.
Jessica V.
We have received exceptional care and service from the staff. My son began his orthodontic treatment in February 2024, which included the placement of expanders and braces. When he came in to get his expanders placed, my son was nervous, but the staff provided a supportive and calming environment. (Wish I remembered the person name who helped us that day because they helped him from being scared by explaining what they were doing. She made him feel comfortable)

As of January 2025, he has completed his treatment and had his braces removed.
Julie S.
Best orthodontists ever! Noticed my son had teeth that weren’t coming down and they got me in right away. I’m so impressed with their kindness and service and so grateful!
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Come by one of our locations and get started today! We look forward to meeting you and your family. It’ll be our pleasure to help you achieve a confident, beautiful smile — one you’ll love for a lifetime!

Locations
  • Riverside
  • 6886 Indiana Ave. Suite A
    Riverside, CA 92506
  • Corona
  • 580 N. Main St.
    Corona, CA 92880
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Monday 8:00am – 5:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am – 5:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am – 5:00pm
Thursday 7:00am – 4:00pm
Friday 8:00am – 4:00pm

Corona

Riverside

Our locations

come visit us

Come by one of our locations and get started today! We look forward to meeting you and your family. It’ll be our pleasure to help you achieve a confident, beautiful smile — one you’ll love for a lifetime!

Locations
  • Riverside
  • 6886 Indiana Ave. Suite A
    Riverside, CA 92506
  • Corona
  • 580 N. Main St.
    Corona, CA 92880
Phone
  • (951) 686-6410
Office Hours
Monday 8:00am – 5:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am – 5:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am – 5:00pm
Thursday 7:00am – 4:00pm
Friday 8:00am – 4:00pm
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