So you’re finally getting braces — that’s huge! Braces are your first step towards a happier, healthier, straighter smile, and you’re going to love what you see at the end of this journey.
Our team at Kottemann Orthodontics has been around for three generations, and that means we know what you’re thinking: starting treatment is cool, but when will I get my braces off? Most patients begin their treatment with the end in mind, and that’s natural! This burning question does have an answer, but it may not be the answer you expect. Let’s take a look at the different factors that determine how long you will be wearing braces before we can take them off.
Reasons for Treatment
Do you know how there are no two fingerprints that are the same? The same goes with smiles. Every smile is unique, and that means that the duration of your treatment plan is unique as well. We can make a general estimate for how long treatment might last, but it all depends on the severity of your dental issues.
For example, someone with a more severe condition, like severely displaced teeth or an extreme malocclusion, may experience a longer treatment time than someone with milder symptoms like crowding or spacing.
Your Body’s Response to Treatment
Your body is different from anyone else’s. Things like bone density, gum tissue thickness, and chewing patterns can vary widely from person to person. Oral habits such as clenching or grinding the teeth can impact your treatment.
Because of the physical factors that vary from person to person, working with a highly-experienced orthodontist like Drs. William, Kraig, and Scott Kottemann or Dr. Alisha Holt is essential. Our doctors are trained orthodontists with knowledge in facial bone structure, so they’ll know precisely how to adapt your treatment plan to your specific needs. Our team’s personalized approach with your smile will give you the best results in the shortest amount of time!
Your Commitment to Treatment
Our doctors will handle the hard work of straightening your teeth with braces or clear aligners, but you also have a role in your treatment’s success. Complying with the guidelines we give you is a key factor in completing treatment within the estimated time frame! Keeping your teeth and gums healthy throughout the treatment process is part of this—maintaining a solid oral hygiene routine and following our recommendations can sometimes decrease the total treatment time, while failing to do so can slow treatment down.
The same goes for keeping your routine follow-up visits at any of our four offices. These appointments are an essential part of the treatment plan, allowing us to assess how your teeth move and make any necessary adjustments. While we understand that you may need to cancel or reschedule an appointment from time to time, you should stick to the schedule as closely as possible to ensure your treatment plan stays on track.
Treating your braces or aligners recklessly can also push your treatment schedule back. This is more of an issue with braces, although clear aligners can break and crack, too. You can do your part by avoiding any crunchy or sticky foods if you’re in braces, as these can weaken the bond strength of the brackets. Although we don’t consider it an emergency if a bracket breaks or comes loose, we will want to rebond it as soon as possible. No active tooth movement can occur when a bracket isn’t properly bonded to the teeth, adding time to the treatment process. Be sure to contact our office if you experience any damage to your appliance.
Your Age During Treatment
Age might not matter in every life scenario, but it is incredibly relevant when it comes to determining when you’ll get your braces off. Although our team of experts at Kottemann Orthodontics can adjust your smile regardless of age, treatment times are generally shorter for patients in their teens. The main reason is that children’s jaws are still growing, making them more flexible and adaptable during treatment.
Our jawbones stop growing by our early twenties, and orthodontic treatment after that point may require more time and effort. That doesn’t mean you should give up on improving your smile if you’re an adult, though! We still have plenty of treatment options available to straighten your teeth and boost your oral health. You’re never too old to explore everything orthodontics has to offer!
Good Things Come to Those Who Wait
Whatever treatment method you choose, it’s important to remember that nothing lasts forever. When you’re an orthodontic patient, It might feel like treatment will never end. But eventually, your treatment will be complete, and you’ll be saying hello to your beautiful new smile!
Kottemann Orthodontics offers a range of affordable treatment options to move your teeth comfortably, efficiently, and as quickly as possible. Going into your treatment journey, you may not have an exact date that treatment will be completed, but we’ll give you an estimated time before you begin.
In general, treatment usually lasts between 12 and 36 months, but this estimate depends on the factors listed above. If you’re using a transparent aligner system like Invisalign, it may take slightly less time to achieve your desired results.
We’ve Got You Covered at Kottemann Orthodontics.
In general, treatment times may vary from person to person, but there is one thing you can count on — the personalized care of your expert team at Kottemann Orthodontics!
Why wait any longer for orthodontic treatment? Come to one of our Kottemann Orthodontic offices for your free consultation!