How long does orthodontic treatment usually take? Is it painful or uncomfortable?

Dec 23, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Chao

Introduction

In general, orthodontic treatment takes 1 to 3 years and may cause some discomfort. Orthodontics works by applying appropriate force to the teeth through orthodontic appliances, allowing the teeth to move in the alveolar bone in a predetermined direction, thereby adjusting the alignment and occlusion of the teeth. Shortly after treatment, it is advisable to avoid eating hard or sticky foods, and it is also important to maintain good oral hygiene.

Generally, orthodontic treatment takes 1 to 3 years and may cause some discomfort. Orthodontics involves applying appropriate force through orthodontic appliances to move teeth in the alveolar bone in a predetermined direction, thereby adjusting the alignment and occlusion of the teeth. The general reference price for orthodontic treatment is 8,000–15,000 yuan per session, and improvement is usually noticeable within 3–6 months after treatment, although symptoms such as redness, swelling, and pain may occur. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Orthodontic treatment for adolescents generally takes 1 to 2 years. This is because the teeth and jawbones of adolescents are still growing and developing, making them relatively easier to guide into the correct position. In contrast, adults' teeth have already fully developed and set, making the orthodontic process more complex and often requiring 2–3 years, or even longer.

When orthodontic appliances are initially worn, there may be noticeable discomfort. For example, wearing traditional metal braces may cause soreness and pressure in the teeth, as the appliances exert force to move the teeth. This discomfort generally subsides gradually within 1–2 weeks. During the orthodontic process, the braces may rub against the oral mucosa, causing ulcers. Additionally, after each follow-up adjustment of the orthodontic appliance, the teeth may experience temporary soreness.

It is recommended to visit a reputable hospital and undergo the above procedures under the guidance of a qualified physician to ensure the safety and stability of the treatment. For a short period after treatment, hard and sticky foods should be avoided, and good oral hygiene must be maintained.

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How long after periodontitis treatment can orthodontic treatment begin?

In general, orthodontic treatment can begin 1 to 3 months after periodontitis therapy, but the exact timing should be determined based on the severity of periodontitis and the individual's recovery progress. If periodontitis is mild, with only symptoms such as gingival redness and swelling and minimal dental calculus, and if gingival inflammation resolves quickly after basic treatment and the oral environment becomes stable, orthodontic suitability can typically be evaluated around one month after treatment.

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Can gum recession be corrected by straightening teeth?

In general, whether orthodontic treatment is possible with gingival recession depends on the severity and control of the condition. Orthodontic treatment may proceed if the gum recession is mild and inflammation is under control. However, if the recession is severe or the inflammation remains unstable, orthodontics should be postponed until the gum problems are properly treated. Daily oral hygiene practices, including brushing teeth morning and evening, using dental floss to clean between teeth, and regular periodontal checkups and maintenance, are essential.

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Can protruding teeth be corrected at age 45?

Whether 45-year-old individuals with protruding teeth can undergo orthodontic treatment depends on their oral health condition. Orthodontic correction is possible for those with good oral health and no severe periodontal issues. However, if serious periodontal disease, alveolar bone loss, or loose teeth are present, orthodontic treatment is not advisable until underlying oral conditions are properly treated. During orthodontic treatment, special attention must be paid to oral hygiene, and tools such as water flossers and dental floss should be used to clean between teeth thoroughly.

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Can orthodontic treatment improve an asymmetrical face (uneven facial sides)?

In general, whether orthodontic treatment can improve facial asymmetry (uneven face size) depends on the underlying cause. If the asymmetry is caused by abnormal tooth occlusion, orthodontics can usually help improve it. However, if the asymmetry results from uneven skeletal development or facial muscle imbalance, orthodontic treatment is unlikely to produce significant improvement. During orthodontic treatment, it's important to consistently use both sides of the teeth for chewing and avoid favoring one side, which could worsen facial asymmetry.