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Orthodontic Treatment Time

How often will I have to see the orthodontist while I’m in treatment?

While orthodontics has evolved greatly over the last several decades into a reliable, standardized practice, each patient’s orthodontic treatment plan is customized to his or her unique orthodontic needs. Every smile is different, and yours requires individualized treatment to perfect. Your experience with braces, invisible aligners, or other types of orthodontic devices should be tailored to you.

How long does orthodontic treatment take?

Orthodontic treatment can last anywhere from a few months to several years. The average length of treatment is between 12 and 36 months, but this varies with every patient. All treatment begins with one or two initial consultations with an orthodontist, during which the orthodontist will take x-rays and photographs of your teeth, discuss your treatment options, and provide a detailed plan—including the estimated time, cost, and appointment schedule—of your treatment.

Before you start treatment, be sure to visit an orthodontist certified by the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). These professionals specialize in orthodontic treatment and have the skill and experience you need for a beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime.

How often you visit your orthodontist depends on a host of factors, such as the type of treatment you have been recommended.

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Traditional Braces

Traditional braces consist of metal brackets, which are adhered to the teeth; wires; and other adjustment components like elastics or rubber bands. The first appointment for adhering the braces will take about 2 hours, but subsequent appointments usually take between 15-20 minutes. Patients with traditional braces should expect scheduled visits every four to eight weeks. This is when the orthodontist will evaluate progress and the appliance will be adjusted to maintain progress, such as tightening or replacing wires, or replacing elastics.

Invisalign® and Clear Aligners

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses a series of clear plastic trays to improve alignment. Invisalign technically requires just two visits—the initial consultation, during which the orthodontist evaluates your teeth, develops a plan, and makes impressions or digital scans of your teeth; and the second appointment, when you will pick up your aligners and receive guidance on their wear. However, to properly monitor your progress, discuss any issues, and answer any questions, Invisalign patients should expect to see the orthodontist every four to six weeks.

Other Contributing Factors

The longer you are in treatment, the more visits you will have to the orthodontist, the duration of your treatment itself depends on several things as well. These include:

Your Age

While adult teeth and jaws are dense and permanent, the jaws and teeth of children and teenagers are less dense and still moving and developing. In general, this means that corrections in children and teenagers take a little less time than alignments in adults because the treatment requires less pressure and less degree of adjustment.

The Severity of Your Condition

Straightening a few teeth takes substantially less time than expanding the mouth for teeth to erupt, correcting an overbite, or realigning a jaw. Making changes to the facial structure or several teeth at a time takes gradual, gentle pressure over a long period, so the time you are in dental appliances depends heavily on the degree of your correction.

Compliance

How well you adhere to your orthodontist’s guidance about wear and care of your appliance or device can have a big impact on how long you are in treatment. Taking care of your appliances, practicing good oral hygiene, and visiting your regular dentist every six months for routine cleanings can help keep your appliance functioning properly and avoid costly dental conditions such as cavities that can set back your treatment timeline.

Keep Your Appointments

Keeping your scheduled appointments is also paramount to completing your treatment on time. Your individualized treatment plan is developed according to the amount of time necessary to address your orthodontic needs with care and precision.  Delays in adjustments can affect progress and may even result in undesirable movement that needs correction.

You will continue to see your orthodontist even after your treatment is over and the braces are off. Your orthodontist will likely recommend a retainer—either permanent or removable—to help maintain the results of your treatment and make sure your teeth don’t move back. If you have a removable retainer—a clear plastic tray molded to your teeth—a follow-up appointment in one to two months will determine if any changes need to be made to your wear schedule. Permanent retainers are usually a small wire bonded to the back of the teeth to prevent movement. Further visits for a permanent retainer will only be necessary if it comes loose, needs repair, or if your orthodontist determines you no longer need it.

Schedule an Appointment Today!

Dental Depot makes caring for your family’s oral health easy and convenient. With a dedicated AAO-certified orthodontist at every orthodontic location, Dental Depot can provide exceptional continuity and quality of care from routine cleanings to orthodontic treatment and everything in between. Visit our website at dentaldepot.net/orthodontics to find the location nearest you and schedule a free consultation to discuss your orthodontic treatment options.

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