Average Timeline For Kids Braces In Oklahoma

The question is often asked, how long will my kids need to wear braces? These timelines differ depending on the child's needs, the orthodontist, and the individual's efforts with oral hygiene and maintenance. That being said, there isn't an exact timeline we can identify for your specific ortho needs, however, we can itemize the process and help you ballpark that number of months you will be wearing braces. Your local orthodontist will be able to give you a date of completion, give or take a few weeks.

Protecting Your Braces Everyday

If you attend school in Oklahoma, chances are active in sports and recreational activities. If you play sports, you will want to make sure you wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and the brackets. Braces on kids can easily be knocked loose along with the tooth if you are playing baseball, football, wrestling, or playing any other contact sport. Every day recreational activities have caused issues also. Bike riding and playground fun should all be considered as possible activities that could damage your braces. So our advice to you while you are wearing braces is to be cautious of physical activities, wear helmets and mouthguard when possible.

Caring For Your Teeth At Home

Oklahoma is home to some amazing BBQ, and other foods unique to the area. Oklahoma BBQ often consists of very sugary BBQ sauces. These sauces should be consumed in moderation with or without braces. However, if you have braces and wiring in your mouth, taking time to clean your teeth after every meal will help you keep your teeth and gums clean and free of decay. If you already have an orthodontist in Oklahoma City, ask them to educate you further on oral hygiene for braces. Having braces is something that requires maintenance and attention to detail. You will want to follow the recommendations of your orthodontist to avoid gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral hygiene issues.

Great Smiles Come To Those That Wait

Rushing through the process isn't going to benefit you in the long run. Like cooking really good food, sometimes things that take longer to prepare and finish are better than those things that are rushed. The same thing can be said about braces ortho treatments. Rushing braces to meet a deadline like Senior pictures, or prom isn't a good idea. Taking time to let the teeth and mouth respond to the treatment is ideal and will allow you to enjoy all the true benefits of braces. When braces are applied, they are tightened and anchored to move each individual tooth in the direction needed to create a beautiful smile. During ortho visits, braces may be adjusted as the teeth continue moving into place. Wires will be loosened and tightened, bands changed out, and monthly visits will be required. 

So What Is The Timeline For Braces In Oklahoma City?

While we can't necessarily provide you with an exact timeline for your braces, it's safe to say that on average it could take 18-24 months to complete your orthodontic care. By following some of these guidelines we listed above, you might not speed up the process, but you can add these preventative measures to avoid extending the timeline of wearing your braces. If you prefer invisible braces, they are often available, just ask your orthodontist.