The time you have to wear braces or clear aligners depends upon your teeth and goals. Every smile is different. Orthodontic treatment can take six months or a few years.
Braces don't hurt. However, you might feel discomfort for a few days when you first get your braces. You might also experience similar sensations when your orthodontist tightens your braces.
Contact sports or playing a musical instrument might require a slight adjustment when you first get braces. Wearing braces won't stop you from participating in your favourite activities. For those who play contact sports, you might consider wearing a mouthguard to protect your mouth and braces.
Many people who had braces or clear aligners as a child or teen might wonder if they could put in their old retainer to get their teeth back in alignment. If you've been on top of wearing your retainer and your teeth have only moved a little bit, then you might be able to wear your old retainer. You don't want to have to force it in.
If your teeth have shifted a moderate or severe amount, wearing an old retainer won't help. Forcing your retainer in could damage your teeth or cause you great pain.
Before deciding to put back on an old retainer, it's best to make an appointment with a qualified orthodontist.
Some patients only have crooked bottom teeth. Whether wearing braces on the bottom will be enough to get your teeth into alignment is a question best answered by your orthodontist. Your top teeth might be out of alignment in ways you don't realize.
Patients who have severe overcrowded or impacted teeth might need extraction. Severe overcrowding can be caused by various things, such as a small mouth. Your orthodontist will let you know if they believe extraction to be necessary.
The cost of orthodontic care depends upon the treatment. Many orthodontists accept insurance and/or offer financing options. Speak with your orthodontist to find out more information.