How Long Does Orthodontic Treatment Take?
How long does orthodontic treatment last?
Proper alignment of your jaws and teeth is important for healthy oral functioning, such as chewing, speech, and breathing. It can reduce tension and pressure on your jaws, reduce the chances of cavities and periodontal disease, and improve your confidence.
Orthodontic treatment addresses improper alignment—or malocclusion—and it varies widely from patient to patient. Some treatments may take a few months while others may take several years. On average, typical treatment takes between 12 and 36 months.
Before you begin any treatment, your orthodontist will conduct a thorough oral and facial examination, complete with x-rays, impressions, and/or a facial scan, to identify your orthodontic needs. Your individualized treatment plan will then be developed based on the current shape, placement, and structure of your teeth, jaw, and facial bones.
Proper and Lasting Alignment Takes Patience
You may begin to see dramatic improvements well before the scheduled end of your treatment. However, this does not mean that your treatment should end early. Your orthodontist’s goal is to create the proper alignment in your teeth and jaw—both where you can see it and where you cannot. Your orthodontic treatment is unique to your teeth and is designed to produce healthy, long-lasting results. While the adjustments themselves may not take much time, making them permanent requires the bones in your jaw to harden around the changes.
Regardless of how long your specific treatment takes, your orthodontist will most likely prescribe either a permanent or removable retainer—or both—to help keep your teeth from shifting back. Proper retainer wear and care will be imperative to help maintain the results you just invested so much time and money in.
When choosing an orthodontist, be sure you choose one certified by the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). In addition to completing traditional dental school, these specialists have also completed two to three years of residency in an accredited orthodontic program. This gives them the added medical expertise they need to accurately evaluate your orthodontic needs and apply the necessary treatment safely and effectively.
Schedule an Appointment Today!
For more information on your orthodontic treatment options, or to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our orthodontists, visit our website at dentaldepot.net/find-location to find an office near you.
