I know, I know. Braces aren’t exactly known for being a quick fix. But the truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Treatment time varies from person to person depending on a number of factors.
What Impacts Treatment Time?
Here are some of the key things that influence how long you’ll need to wear braces:
Severity of Your Case
Simply put, the more complex your orthodontic issues, the longer your treatment is likely to take. A minor overbite might only require 12 months of treatment, while a severe underbite could take 24 months or more.
Your Age
While we can successfully treat patients of all ages, younger patients (especially children and adolescents) tend to respond to treatment more quickly than adults. This is because their jaws are still growing and developing.
Your Compliance
This is a big one! Following our instructions carefully, including wearing your elastics as directed and maintaining good oral hygiene, can significantly impact the efficiency of your treatment. Missed appointments or broken brackets can also cause delays.
The Type of Braces
Traditional metal braces are often the most efficient option, but we also offer clear aligners (like Invisalign) and ceramic braces, which may have slightly different treatment timelines.
The Average Timeline
While every case is unique, most patients wear braces for somewhere between 18 and 30 months.
Making the Most of Your Time in Braces
Here are a few tips to help ensure your treatment stays on track:
- Keep those appointments! Regular check-ups allow us to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments.
- Be a diligent brusher and flosser. Braces create more nooks and crannies for food to get trapped, so maintaining excellent oral hygiene is essential.
- Wear your elastics as instructed. Elastics help to correct your bite and ensure proper alignment.
- Avoid sticky and hard foods. These can damage your braces and prolong your treatment time.
Have More Questions?
We’re always happy to discuss your individual treatment plan and estimated timeline in detail during your consultation. Come see us at one of our two convenient locations:
- Westside: 5551 N Mesa, Suite A, El Paso, TX 79912. Call us at (915)-581-5476.
- Eastside: 3030 Trawood Drive, El Paso, TX 79936. Reach us at (915) 855-6616.
See you soon!
Warmly,
Dr. Teng JT Orthodontics
