Before committing to orthodontic treatment, you may have what feels like 1,000 questions on your mind. The most common one? How long will my braces treatment time be? While the average answer is about 12-18 months, the specific answer depends on several important factors. Keep reading to learn a few noteworthy ones!
#1. The Severity of Your Case
Crooked and spaced-out teeth are two common orthodontic issues, but they can vary widely in severity. Naturally, this directly impacts the expected treatment timeline. After all, addressing a small gap will take significantly less time than serious overcrowding. Don’t worry – your orthodontist will review your case in-depth during your initial consultation to determine how much time is needed to safely align your teeth.
#2. The Type of Braces You Get
Previously, traditional braces were the only teeth-straightening solution that patients trusted. Today, that’s certainly not the case. Invisalign, one of the leading clear aligner brands, boasts an average 12-month treatment timeline. However, that does require a serious commitment to wearing the trays for 22 hours a day. As a result, some patients actually move through their treatment quicker with traditional braces. Ultimately, deciding which option is best for you will be up to you and your orthodontist.
#3. How Well You Follow Your Orthodontist’s Instructions
Whether you opt for traditional braces or discreet clear aligners, orthodontic treatment does come with some adjustments. Some common ones include brushing thoroughly after each meal, wearing a mouthguard when you play sports, and coming in for a check-in appointment every few weeks. Neglecting to follow these instructions can cause you to fall off-track with your original treatment timelines, requiring you to invest more time and money on braces.
#4. Your Diet
Avoiding hard, sticky, and chewy foods is always a good idea, but it’s especially important when you have braces. Even a small cavity can halt your progress, necessitating restorative treatment immediately. Therefore, it’s best to stick to mostly well-balanced meals filled with nutrient-dense foods. Afterward, brush for a full two minutes and floss to remove the food particles and prevent plaque build-up.
To ensure your teeth stay healthy, it’s crucial that each one is slowly shifted into its proper position. The good news is that staying on-track with the original treatment timeline is largely in your control – just be sure to follow all of your orthodontist’s instructions!
About the Practice
Leading our team at Sensational Smiles Orthodontics is our highly-trained, compassionate, and dedicated orthodontist, Dr. Frances Hamman. With more than 25 years of experience, she’s helped countless patients on their journies to straighter teeth and happier smiles. In fact, she’s even been recognized by Northern Virginia Magazine and the Washington Consumers Checkbook magazine as one of “Washington’s Top Orthodontists!” So, if you have a question about braces or would like to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (920) 748-7130.
