When I first started orthodontic treatment, it was supposed to be about 2 years, but as I kept going it gradually stretched out and I ended up completing 3 full years. I had both protruding front teeth and protruding gums, and the protruding front teeth have been corrected now, but the protruding gums are still there. If the protruding gums are what stress you out the most, consider protrusion surgery. With braces alone, it really isn’t possible. Surgery for a protruding mouth is much riskier than orthodontics, but if I could go back, I think I would still think it over more.
I had 4 teeth extracted, excluding the wisdom teeth, and because the tooth movement was so large, interdental brushes and floss became essential even after the braces came off. Food gets stuck in these gaps really easilyㅠ It was unbearable while I was in treatment.
If it’s orthodontics done purely for cosmetic reasons with no major functional problem, I recommend not doing it. I recommend it only for people who are confident they can manage the retainer for life. It takes very diligent care during treatment and after treatment too.... If you don’t keep up with it, you’ll need retreatment, and then it’s all gone to waste, so if my teeth were only a little uneven, I think I wouldn’t have done orthodontics.