Braces Timeline – Cleburne, TX
Your Journey to a Straight Smile
Braces are a convenient and effective solution to correct a variety of bite and alignment issues. Unfortunately, while you’d like a straight smile, you probably don’t anticipate the process of achieving it. You’ll need to wear braces for several months, but how long will it take to accomplish your dream smile? There isn’t an easy answer because it depends on your individual needs. Don’t worry, your orthodontist, Dr. Hart, will explain your treatment plan and how long you can expect it to take. Although everyone’s situation is unique, here are somethings that can affect the duration of your treatment.
Phases of Treatment
If you’re ready to achieve a healthy smile, your treatment plan will consist of several steps, which will include:
- Initial consultation
- Potential additional procedures
- Intraoral photography and impressions
- Putting your braces on
- Checkups
- Taking your braces off
- Getting your retainer
Age Getting Braces
Believe it or not, age plays a role in the duration for orthodontic treatments. Studies show children between 7 - 12 years of age often have the quickest results. Early intervention allows issues to be addressed sooner to prevent needing a more complex or lengthy treatment down the road.
Teens and adults will take a bit longer to reach their goals. On average, older patients can expect the process to take 18 to 24 months to complete, whereas children under 13 may only need them for 12 months.
Types of Braces
The type of orthodontic system used significantly influences the duration of the treatment. Generally, more traditional options, including lingual braces, can take 1-3 years, while less noticeable solutions can offer quicker results, such as Invisalign.
Alignment Needs
One of the biggest factors to determine the length of your treatment is the complexity of your needs. On average, people who only need to make minor improvement will require less time than a patient who needs to have major adjustments to correct their concerns.
Bite Needs
Besides overcrowded, gapped, or crooked teeth, braces can be needed to fix bite issues. Minor corrections generally take less time than one that’s more severe, like an underbite or crossbite.
Compliance
Throughout your treatment, you’ll need to follow special instructions from Dr. Hart, such as coming in for adjustment appointments or switching to a new aligner weekly. Simple deviations from your plan, like skipping an adjustment, can lead to unnecessary delays in your treatment. To ensure you finish your treatment on time, it’s best to follow Dr. Hart’s instructions.
Get Started Today
New innovations in orthodontics allow treatments to be quicker and more effective than ever before. If you’re concerned about the duration of your treatment, Dr. Hart can discuss all your options to ensure you’re on the quickest course to a straight smile.
If you’re ready to take your first step toward a healthy, beautiful smile, contact our office today to schedule your consultation. Dr. Hart will explain your treatment process and answer any questions during your initial consultation. We look forward to helping you achieve your best smile.