How long does it normally take for teeth to move with braces? (photo)

Doctor's Answers 1

It depends by what you mean by "move".

Generally teeth start moving within a few days of braces being placed on to the teeth. This delay is because there are physiologic changes that take time to occur within the jawbone to allow tooth movement.

Moving a tooth about 1mm over 4 weeks is generally considered safe. In a full arch case, the exact rate of each individual tooth moving will vary depending on its starting position, the movement required and the quality of the surrounding bone. This rate also varies between individuals.

If you are asking how long it would take to completely align your teeth and finish your case, there is insufficient information to say for sure. Your upper and lower teeth, bite, lip position and facial profile should be properly assessed not only with photographs but also stone models/3D scans and X-rays to give an estimation of the case duration.

Good communication is essential to get an outcome that will meet your goals. Find a practitioner you trust who can communicate with you frankly and do not be afraid to ask more questions during your consultation.

Similar Questions

Should I wait until after braces treatment to treat my nasolabial lines? (photo)

Thank you for your question. Although braces treatment would not have any impact on your nasolabial lines as the braces are bonded to the teeth and its influence is only on the teeth and its supporting bone, it may be good to assess the lip posture following removal of braces as there may be muscular adaptation following removal of braces which may change the lip posture.

Photo of Dr Priscilla Lu

Answered By

Dr Priscilla Lu

Orthodontist

What areas of oral health do I need to take note of before and after removing my braces?

Thank you for your excellent question. Braces are stuck onto your teeth and with the braces wire in place, food gets stuck more easily around the teeth. Hence good oral health is imperative for a healthy mouth during the period of braces treatment which typically takes 1- 2 years. Good oral health care has 2 arms, excellent oral hygiene and a healthy diet. During braces treatment, it is important to clean all the corners of the braces and under the braces wire with either interproximal brushes or interspace brushes. Brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day is recommended.

Photo of Dr Priscilla Lu

Answered By

Dr Priscilla Lu

Orthodontist

Ask any health question for free

I’m not so sure about a procedure...

Ask Icon Ask a Question

Join Human

Sign up now for a free Human account to get answers from specialists in Singapore.

Sign Up

Get The Pill

Be healthier with our Bite-sized health news straight in your inbox