How long you have to wear orthodontic steel teeth is generally based on the condition of your teeth, your age at the time of wearing them, and other factors. Steel teeth are generally metal brackets that are used for orthodontics and are bonded to the teeth. If a patient’s teeth are not severely malformed and they are in their teenage years, steel teeth for orthodontics are usually worn for about a year to see results. If the patient’s teeth are more severely malformed and they are middle-aged or older, the steel teeth will be worn for a longer period of time, about three years, or even extended to three years. Patients should be careful to avoid hard, sticky foods, such as ribs and chewing gum, during the period of orthodontic wear of steel teeth.