You finally got your braces – let’s go! You’re well on your way to getting the smile you’ve been waiting for, and our team at Dillehay Orthodontics is proud to be a part of the journey. Even though you may be excited to start the process, we know that you’re even more excited about the day your braces come off. If you’re sitting around asking yourself, “When do I get my braces off?” you’re not alone!
This question is so common that we decided to put together our tips and tricks for speeding up the process, as well as the different factors that affect how long you’ll be in braces. Keep reading to learn more!
Speed Up Your Treatment
Let’s be honest – everyone wants to spend as little time as possible undergoing orthodontic treatment so they can get out there and enjoy their smile! Treatment times depend on a variety of factors, but we can offer you a few quick tips that may help you speed up the process.
Follow Instructions:
There are a few rules that you’ll need to follow while wearing braces. You should avoid sticky or crunchy foods like popcorn or gum. These foods can weaken the bond strength of your brackets, and if your brackets are weak, you could be in braces longer than you expected.
Sometimes brackets come loose even when we do our best to keep them safe, but you must schedule another appointment with Dr. Ken or Dr. J.K. as soon as possible to fix the issue. Your braces won’t work while the brackets aren’t glued down, so a broken bracket or wire could increase treatment time.
Maintain Your Oral Hygiene: Maintaining your oral hygiene throughout treatment can speed up your treatment time, while failing to do so can make the treatment take longer. Plaque buildup can harm your appliance, so make sure you see the dentist regularly for cleanings. You’ll want to brush and floss your teeth twice a day to keep your teeth bright and shining.
Keep Up With Your Appointments at Dillehay Orthodontics:
It’s essential to your treatment plan to attend every orthodontic appointment you can. Dr. Ken or Dr. J.K. need to meet with you once every 6-8 weeks to assess your progress and your body’s reaction to treatment.
Sometimes things come up, and that’s okay! Just let us know as soon as possible so we can reschedule your appointment and keep your treatment plan on track.
What Causes Shorter or Longer Treatment Times?
The Severity of Your Case
Your treatment goals and orthodontic conditions play a role in how long you’ll wear braces, whether you’re treating your smile for an aesthetic touch-up or a severe malocclusion. More complex orthodontic issues require longer treatment periods, while milder conditions decrease your time spent in braces.
Ask Dr. Ken or Dr. J.K. about your orthodontic condition. This may give you a better idea of how long treatment might take.
Your Ability To Care for Your Braces
Taking care of your braces is a huge responsibility and can affect your treatment time in the long run. If you stay compliant with Dr. Ken or Dr. J.K.’s instructions, you may shorten your time spent in braces! If you don’t follow all instructions, you could extend it by accident.
Your Treatment Method
At Dillehay Orthodontics, braces aren’t your only option! With metal braces, clear braces, lingual braces, and Invisalign clear aligners, you have choices when it comes to treating your smile – and they may affect how long you’ll be in treatment. Depending on your orthodontic condition at your free consultation, Dr. Ken or Dr. J.K. may recommend one of these options:
Lingual Braces: Our MTM No-Trace lingual braces use low-profile brackets that rest on the back of your teeth to achieve minor tooth movement. They’re so comfortable that you may even forget you’re wearing them! With lingual braces, you can expect treatment time to last between 12 and 24 weeks. That’s fast!
Invisalign: Invisalign is a system of custom-made, clear acrylic aligners designed to straighten your teeth and align your bite. Each aligner is personalized to fit your unique smile. You’ll get a new set of custom-made aligners every couple of weeks, so you can expect treatment to take between nine and 15 months.
Metal Braces: Metal braces use a system of brackets and wires to align your smile over time. By meeting with Dr. Ken or Dr. J.K. every six to eight weeks, you’ll get the smile you love. Some patients spend as little as six months in treatment, while others can spend up to two years.
Clear Braces: Ceramic braces work the same way metal braces do. Designed for aesthetics, our clear braces are smaller than ever and are made of nearly invisible, tooth-colored polycrystalline ceramic material that blends in with your smile. Depending on your orthodontic condition, you can expect to wear clear braces between six months and two years.
Age During Treatment
Our Dillehay Orthodontics team believes that everyone deserves a beautiful smile, no matter how old they are. We offer treatment plans for kids, teens, and adults alike! However, depending on your age, the time you spend in braces could change.
Adults: If you’re over the age of 18, your treatment might take longer than average. That’s because your jaw is more permanent than your child or teen’s jaw, so treatment requires extra effort to correct misalignment.
Kids: According to the American Association of Orthodontics, children should visit an orthodontist as early as age seven for their first checkup. Early intervention allows Dr. Ken or Dr. J.K. to determine whether your child needs two-phase treatment, which requires two rounds of braces over a longer period of time – but don’t worry! The results are worth it.
Teens: The most common age for braces falls in the teenage years. That’s because your teen has all of their adult teeth, and their jaw is still flexible enough for orthodontic treatment to take effect. Teens usually require the least amount of time in braces.
Love Your Smile at Dillehay Orthodontics
At Dillehay Orthodontics, you know you’ll get a smile you can’t wait to show off. We’re dedicated to providing excellent orthodontic care in an upbeat, caring office. With two locations in Wichita and one in Derby, you’re always right around the corner from a beautiful smile. Follow us on Instagram or Facebook to keep up with all things braces!
If you’re ready to get this show on the road, schedule your free consultation today!