Have you been counting down the days until you finally get to see those new pearly whites? You’re not alone. At Orthodontics of South Miami, one of the most common questions is, “when will I get my braces off?” We know everyone’s timeline for getting their braces off varies, so we have put together this blog post to give you an idea of what you can expect with treatment and what determines the timeline for getting your braces off.
What is the average timeline for braces treatment?
The average timeline for braces treatment is typically 12-24 months, but this can vary depending on the individual and the orthodontist’s care plan. During your initial consultation at Orthodontics of South Miami, Dr. Ross or Dr. Rothenberg will evaluate your teeth and jaws to determine the best orthodontic treatment plan. After examining your teeth using X-rays and digital imaging, they can provide an estimated timeline for when you can expect to get your braces off.
What factors play a role in my treatment timeline?
Orthodontic treatment is a very individualized process, and no two cases are alike. Dr. Ross and Dr. Rothenberg take into consideration the following when determining your timeline:
- Age: Generally, because of their growing bones and teeth, younger patients have easier orthodontic treatments. As you age, the bones in your mouth become more rigid, which may result in a relatively longer treatment, depending on the appliances used.
- Severity of Misalignment: Orthodontists consider the severity of the misalignment when determining a timeline for treatment. More severe cases may require a longer timeline for optimal results.
- Orthodontic Appliances: We may use different orthodontic appliances to move teeth into the desired position. Your orthodontist may use these appliances in conjunction with each other during your treatment; some may take longer to achieve the desired outcome than others.
What can I do to ensure that my treatment is on track?
The estimated timeline that your orthodontist provides you is, of course, conditional on you maintaining good habits to keep your progress moving smoothly. Some of the best practices to adopt to encourage a shorter treatment time are:
Oral Hygiene
Brushing and flossing after every meal and using additional tools such as a Waterpik and interdental floss are great ways to ensure that your appliances stay in good shape. As a bonus, this ensures that your teeth will be healthy and shiny when you remove your braces!
Being mindful of your eating habits
Orthodontic appliances can be easily damaged by sticky or hard foods, so avoiding these during your treatment is essential. Staying away from chewy and crunchy candies and snacks will help ensure that you don’t have to go in for unexpected repairs.
Following Dr. Ross and Dr. Rothenberg’s Instructions
Ensure you follow your orthodontists’ instructions regarding wearing your rubber bands and other appliances during treatment. At Orthodontics of South Miami, we recommend you visit the office every 4-6 weeks for routine checkups to ensure that your braces treatment is on track. During these visits, we will evaluate your teeth and provide any necessary adjustments to ensure that you are progressing in the right direction.
Patience is the key to the smile of your dreams!
Braces treatment can be a long-term commitment, and we understand that. Dr. Ross and Dr. Rothenberg will be with you every step of the way, ensuring that you can enjoy your beautiful new smile as soon as possible. So hang in there and stay positive- you’ll be rocking a new braces-free look in no time!