How Long Does Orthodontic Treatment Take?
by Dr. Amer Hussain, on Oct 31, 2019 1:15:00 PM
“Doctor? When will I be done?”
This is probably the most asked questions in our consultation rooms, waiting rooms and frankly probably the overall clinic.
Whenever we start a journey, our focus is usually the end: that’s the goal. When it comes to orthodontic treatment, one of the first things on our patient’s mind is when they will be done.
On average, how long does orthodontic treatment take?
Now this will vary between patients because no two teeth are alike. Depending on a variety of factors such as the severity of the issues, any bite issues such as crossbite, your age and the health of your teeth can all affect how long your treatment will take.
Generally speaking, orthodontic treatment can take anywhere from 12 to 36 months.
Why does orthodontic treatment take that long?
Orthodontic has lots of moving parts (get the joke?), since orthodontic is used to correct your teeth and jaw the process is detail oriented. Your orthodontist will come up with a treatment plan that will address all your orthodontic issues.
Orthodontists use devices like braces, aligners, retainers and brackets to correct misaligned teeth, bite issues and anything else that may be necessary. They have to factor things such a tooth movement, growth patterns and the alignment of your face, jaw and even lips.
What to expect with orthodontic treatment?
While in orthodontic treatment you can expect change. Your teeth and jaw will be moving and adapting to their new positions which can feel different to every individual but for the most part expect to feel some pressure.
Now what to expect in orthodontic treatment also depends on what type of orthodontic treatment you pick.
There are many options when it comes to orthodontic treatment such as:
- Metal braces
- Clear braces (also known as ceramic braces)
- Lingual Braces
- Invisalign (or clear aligners)
Depending on you lifestyle and budget, one option may be better for you than the rest. The best way to sort out which option is best for you is to book a consultation with an orthodontist. During this consultation, the orthodontist will assess your smile, take some photos and x-rays and go through all your treatment options.