Can You Have Braces for Only 3 Months? An Expert's Guide

The minimum time to wear braces can be as little as several months to repair a basic crooked tooth or a spacing problem, up to 36 months for both metal and ceramic braces. The average time for orthodontic treatment is 24 months, but some patients may require less than 12 months, while others may need up to 3 years. If you choose to have your braces removed early, it's almost like starting over from the beginning of treatment. The typical process for removing braces, cleaning teeth and placing a retainer takes about an hour on average.

Taking measurements of your teeth can contribute to the effectiveness of your treatment plan and help you avoid additional months of wearing braces. These measurements will also be used to create a well-fitting retainer, which will help your teeth stay properly aligned once you have completed treatment with orthodontic appliances. Removable appliances are transparent plastic trays that are placed and removed from the mouth to correct orthodontic conditions. While it is possible to have braces removed early, this decision has a lot of disadvantages.

After all, wearing braces can be a little uncomfortable and inconvenient at times, and it's rewarding to see your diligence and patience rewarded with a beautiful smile. For whatever reason, long-term orthodontic treatments aren't a good idea, as teeth can be damaged, especially if braces aren't checked regularly. Breaking braces can affect the amount of time you need to wear them and will likely require an emergency appointment. If you're considering orthodontic treatment, it's important to talk to your orthodontist about treatment expectations and be sure to follow their advice to avoid extending the amount of time you need to wear braces.

Wearing braces for only 3 months is possible in some cases, but it's important to understand that this may not be enough time for your teeth to reach the desired position. If you want to learn more about braces treatment at Harvey and Thomas Orthodontics, don't hesitate to schedule your free consultation today.