Amidst the excitement of starting your orthodontic treatment, one big question has probably come up for you: “When do I get my braces off?” At Sawgrass Orthodontics, we understand that all our patients are eager to show their new smiles to the world. While we can’t provide a standard answer for all our patients, Dr. Kristen and Dr. Penny consider many factors when estimating how long your treatment will take. So let’s look at what influences your treatment’s duration and what to expect on your orthodontic journey with us.
The Age at Which You Start Treatment
The younger a patient is when they start their orthodontic treatment, the faster it typically progresses. Children and teenagers may require shorter treatments than adults as the malleable teeth and jaws are generally more responsive to orthodontics during those years.
Don’t worry—just because you’re older doesn’t necessarily mean your treatment will take forever. Several other factors come into play when determining your total treatment length.
Compliance & Patience
One surefire way to speed up your treatment time is to stay calm and carry on (with your doctor’s orders!). Wearing your braces as instructed, keeping up with dental hygiene, and attending all your scheduled appointments can improve your chances of a speedy treatment plan!
Another great way to encourage a shorter alignment process is by following your orthodontist’s guidelines around food and proper care of your braces. On the other hand, dabbling in sticky and hard foods that damage your appliance may require adjustments and extend your treatment time.
Frequency of Appointments
Follow-up appointments are usually scheduled every four to six weeks, depending on the orthodontic issue being addressed; however, the frequency may vary. During these appointments, Dr. Kristen or Dr. Penny will check if your treatment is progressing as planned and make any necessary adjustments.
Severity of Misalignment
We all have different starting points, and yours is a big factor in determining the length of your orthodontic journey. At Sawgrass Orthodontics, treatment times vary depending on how severe your misalignment is and how much work is needed to achieve your desired result. For example, we’ve treated milder misalignments that require as little as 12 months of braces and more severe cases that take up to 24-36 months.
Your Body’s Response to Treatment
No two jaws are alike, so everybody’s response to treatment will be unique to their composition. Many physiological factors can play a part in determining how your body responds to treatment, including your unique jaw structure, bone density, and gum tissue. In some cases, Dr. Kristen and Dr. Penny may extend your treatment plan if your body’s response is slower than expected; other times, it may be much faster than you thought!
Take it One Day at a Time with Sawgrass Orthodontics
At Sawgrass Orthodontics, we aim to achieve beautiful and healthy smiles for all our patients. We understand that the length of treatment can be concerning, but rest assured that our team will provide professional advice to help you get your dream smile in no time! So, don’t let anxiousness discourage you—your beautiful smile awaits!
If you’re considering starting orthodontic treatment at Sawgrass Orthodontics, book a free consultation today! Dr. Kristen and Dr. Penny will walk you through the entire process and provide an expert opinion on how long you might expect to wear your braces.
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