If you’ve had your braces on for a while and haven’t seen your orthodontist in months, you might be wondering—what happens if you leave braces on too long?
While braces are meant to help straighten your teeth and improve your smile, wearing them longer than necessary or skipping adjustments can actually lead to problems.
How Long Do Braces Stay On?
The average braces treatment lasts between 18 to 24 months. However, every smile is different. Some people finish earlier, while others may need a little more time.
Your treatment time depends on several factors, like:
- Age (younger patients often respond faster to treatment)
- Severity of your case (how crooked or misaligned your teeth are)
- Type of braces used (metal, clear, Invisalign, etc.)
- How well you follow instructions (like wearing rubber bands or retainers)
- Consistency with appointments (missing adjustments can delay progress)
- Oral hygiene (poor hygiene can lead to issues that slow treatment)
Why do braces take so long?
Braces work by gently shifting your teeth into the right position. This process takes time so that your teeth and bones adjust safely. That’s why small adjustments are needed every few weeks.
If you skip appointments or don’t follow care instructions, your treatment may slow down or stop working altogether. This can lead to having your braces on for longer than planned.
Can you keep braces on forever?
NO! YOU SHOULD NOT KEEP BRACES ON FOREVER.
Braces aren’t meant to stay on forever. Without regular check-ups, your treatment can stall or reverse, and serious issues like tooth damage or shifting can happen.
Side Effects of Wearing Braces Too Long
Leaving braces on too long—especially without adjustments—can cause unwanted side effects, including:
- Tooth damage: Brackets and wires put pressure on your teeth. Without regular monitoring, this pressure can wear down enamel or cause tooth root damage.
- Gum disease: Braces make cleaning harder. Without check-ups and cleanings, plaque can build up, leading to swollen gums, tooth decay, and even infections.
- Shifting teeth: Believe it or not, teeth can start to shift back out of alignment if braces are left on too long with no progress.
- Discomfort and pain: Wires and brackets may become loose or poke your cheeks and gums, causing irritation or injury.
Wearing braces too long without proper care can lead to more problems than progress. Staying consistent with check-ups and adjustments is key to keeping your teeth healthy and your treatment on track.
Common Questions
What happens if you stop goin to the orthodontist?
Skipping appointments can stall your progress, cause discomfort, and extend your treatment time significantly
Will my teeth still move if I stop getting adjustments?
They may stop moving properly—or shift in the wrong direction—without regular adjustments from your orthodontist.
Is it ever too late to continue my braces treatment?
It’s never too late to get back on track, but the longer you wait, the more risk you take for complications or delays.
How do I know if I’ve had my braces on too long?
If it’s been over 2 years or you haven’t had an adjustment in months, it’s time to visit your orthodontist.
Can braces damage my teeth if I wear them too long?
Yes, prolonged pressure without proper adjustments can lead to enamel wear, root shortening, or gum problems.
1 Year Without a Braces Check-Up?
At Somos Dental, we understand life gets busy. But staying on track with your braces treatment is important for your health and your wallet. We offer the most affordable braces with flexible payment plans that don’t require insurance.
Stop by one of our many clinics:
Phoenix:
Get back on track for the smile you deserve.
Call 623-869-1091 or schedule your FREE CONSULTATION online today. Reach out via WhatsApp, Messenger, or SMS—we’re ready when you are!
Don’t wait any longer,
Your smile awaits!
