We know you can’t wait to get your braces off! We’re not even the ones wearing them, and we can’t wait to see your beautiful new smile. Patients are always asking Dr. Foley: “When will I get my braces off?” and our response is always: “That depends!”
Orthodontic treatment isn’t a one-size-fits-all process, and there are many factors that play into how long you’ll have to wear your braces. From the severity of your condition to how well you follow Dr. Foley’s instructions, orthodontic treatment times vary from person to person. We may not be able to tell you exactly when they’ll come off, but our team at Foley Orthodontics can definitely give you some idea based on the different factors that affect treatment times, so keep reading!
Your Commitment to Treatment
Orthodontic treatment is a team effort. Although Dr. Foley will develop your treatment plan, apply your braces, and adjust them at each appointment, it’s up to you to follow his instructions between appointments.
Attend Your Orthodontic Appointments: It is essential to your treatment plan that you attend every orthodontic appointment that you can. Dr. Foley needs to meet with you once every 6-8 weeks to assess your progress and your body’s reaction to braces.
Sometimes thing’s come up, and that’s okay! Just let us know as soon as you can so we can reschedule your appointment and keep your treatment plan on track.
Follow Dr. Foley’s Instructions: Sticking with your treatment plan according to Dr. Foley plays a huge factor in how long you’ll have to wear braces. Compliance keeps your teeth and gums healthy, and good oral hygiene means shorter treatment times.
Following all of these instructions can sometimes decrease your total treatment time. On the other hand, failing to follow these directions can slow treatment down.
Care for Your Appliances: Part of following Dr. Foley’s instructions means you care for your braces, Invisalign, or InBrace appliances. By avoiding crunchy or sticky foods that can weaken the bond strength of your brackets, you can decrease your treatment time overall.
Sometimes brackets come loose even when we do our best to keep them safe, but it is essential that you schedule another appointment with Dr. Foley 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.
Your Age During Treatment
You’re never too old to start your smile success journey! At Foley Orthodontics, we are proud to serve patients of all ages from age seven to 75. However, your treatment plan may change depending on your age, and your treatment time may change with it.
In general, children wear braces for a shorter amount of time than adults. Because their jaws and facial bones are still growing, they’re more reactive to treatment. It’s easier to steer their teeth in the right direction because they’re already on the move.
Once you’ve reached your early twenties, however, your jawbones stop growing, which means it may take a little more effort and time to get the results you want from orthodontic treatment. Don’t let that keep you from getting the smile you deserve, though! With a range of treatment plans, Dr. Foley will find the one that works for you and your smile.
Reasons for Treatment
Every smile is unique, and that means everyone’s reasons to get treatment are unique, too! Some patients have mild orthodontic issues that can easily be addressed in a shorter amount of time, while others have more complex orthodontic problems that require longer periods of treatment. We can make a general estimate for how long treatment might last, but it all depends on the severity of your dental issues.
When Your Braces Finally Come Off…
Be sure to wear your retainer! Orthodontic treatment doesn’t end when your braces come off. In fact, removal day is only your midway point! That’s because there are two parts to orthodontic treatment: active treatment and retention.
Retention is the phase after orthodontic treatment is complete when you wear your retainer as often as possible. Retention is just as important as active treatment, and can make or break your long-lasting smile! Without your orthodontic appliance constantly holding your teeth in place, they are likely to shift back to their original positions — and you don’t want to have to get braces to straighten them all over again, do you? Wear your retainer as directed, and you’ll be done with braces for good.
Dr. Foley Has You Covered!
Orthodontic treatment looks different for everyone, and that means treatment times vary, too. Choosing an expert for your orthodontic care is the best way to spend the shortest amount of time in braces, and Dr. Foley is the expert for you.
The longer you put it off, the longer you’ll have to wait to get the straight smile you deserve, so don’t wait! Schedule your free consultation with Foley Orthodontics in Cary today!