This is another braces FAQs in which the answer is “it depends”. It depends on what type of braces you get and it depends on how serious your misalignment is. That said, the average patient who needs fixed braces will need to wear them for between 18 and 24 months, but more serious misalignment and other jaw issues may require patients to wear dental braces for upwards of three years. Those with less serious issues and who are investing in non-fixed products like Invisalign, Clear Braces, and nighttime aligners may only need to wear them for six to twelve months. 

Installing braces won’t hurt and most users of nighttime aligners and more casual products won’t experience much discomfort. However, wearers of fixed braces may experience some pain and discomfort over time. This pain and discomfort are caused by the pressure of dental braces slowly pulling one’s teeth into alignment. The good news is that most people will only experience this in the first week following an orthodontist tightening adjustment and generally that pain and discomfort will become more and more unnoticeable the longer the person’s body adjusts to their braces. Tightening is generally done once a month for fixed braces. 

The most straightforward answer to this braces FAQs is “carefully!” Before you begin brushing, rinse your mouth with water and aim to remove any food lodged between teeth and around the braces. Next, using a toothbrush designed for fixed braces, brush at a 45-degree starting at the gum line and slowly, but directly continue brushing your teeth in this angled manner. 

If you choose nonfixed braces, such as Invisalign and Clear Braces, then brushing with braces will be less of an issue as these types of braces allow one to remove them for limited periods of time. Brushing your teeth is one such time. 

Have more braces FAQs? Contact our team today.