If you’ve considered getting braces, chances are you’re curious about how long you will need to wear your braces when you begin orthodontic treatment. The answer can vary, but most patients at Botsford Family Orthodontics in Medford work through their plan within 18 to 24 months. However, depending on several factors, some cases may require less or more time. Dr. Botsford makes sure to create every plan to suit each patient’s needs, helping you understand your personalized timeline right from the start. The process is designed to give you the best possible outcome while ensuring your comfort along the way.
What Affects the Time You’ll Wear Braces?
Several factors influence how long you’ll need to wear braces. Your specific dental situation, type of braces, and how well you adhere to the treatment plan all contribute to the overall timeline. The more complex the issue, the longer it may take to achieve the desired result. Here’s a closer look at what impacts your treatment duration:
Severity of Misalignment
If your teeth need a lot of adjustment or you have a more complex bite issue, you may need to wear braces longer. Patients with crowded teeth, severe overbites, underbites, or crossbites may require extra time to achieve proper alignment.
Type of Braces
There are various types of braces, including traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, and clear aligners like Angel Aligners and Invisalign®. Each option works at a different pace, with some offering faster results depending on your case. Dr. Botsford will help you choose the best type for your needs.
Consistency in Care
To stay on track, it’s important to follow Dr. Botsford’s recommendations. This includes keeping up with your appointments at Botsford Family Orthodontics in Medford, practicing good oral hygiene, and avoiding foods that can damage your braces. Proper braces care can prevent delays in treatment and keep everything progressing smoothly.
Can You Shorten the Treatment Time?
While some aspects of your treatment are beyond your control, there are things you can do to help keep the process on schedule—or even shorten it. Being diligent about following Dr. Botsford’s instructions is important. For example, if you’re given elastics to wear, it’s important to wear them as directed to help move your teeth into the correct positions more efficiently. Skipping elastics or not wearing them as often as prescribed can add weeks or even months to your treatment. Similarly, avoiding hard or sticky foods that could break your braces will save you from needing extra visits for repairs, which could slow down your progress.
Keeping up with your regular orthodontic check-ups at Botsford Family Orthodontics is essential. Each visit allows Dr. Botsford to make necessary adjustments to your braces, making sure that your treatment stays on track. Missing appointments or delaying these adjustments can prolong the treatment.
What Happens When Your Braces Come Off?
When the day comes to remove your braces, you can expect a significant change in your smile. However, your orthodontic treatment doesn’t end there. After your braces are removed, Dr. Botsford will guide you through the next phase, which is retention. This phase involves wearing a retainer to maintain the position of your teeth and prevent them from shifting back to their original places. Retainers are typically worn full-time for a certain period and then gradually reduced to nighttime use.
Wearing a retainer, as recommended by Dr. Botsford, is necessary for keeping your smile in place. If retainers are not worn consistently, teeth can start moving back, undoing your progress. This is especially common in the first few months after braces are removed, as the teeth are more likely to shift during this time.
What to Expect at the End of Treatment
Once your braces are removed, the process is relatively quick and painless. Dr. Botsford and his team will carefully take off the braces, polish your teeth, and remove any residue left behind from the brackets. You’ll also receive customized instructions for retainer care and maintaining your new smile. It’s a rewarding moment for patients, as they can finally see the results of their hard work and dedication.
Dr. Botsford will also provide guidance on post-treatment care, including how to clean your teeth and retainer properly. Regular dental check-ups will still be important to ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy, even after braces are removed.
Moving Forward with Confidence
Your orthodontic treatment may take some time, but the results are well worth the wait. The experience at Botsford Family Orthodontics is designed to be as smooth and comfortable as possible, with a focus on creating lasting and cheerful smiles. Whether your treatment takes 12 months or 24, the final outcome is a smile that will serve you well for years to come. Our team in Medford, led by Dr. Botsford, is dedicated to helping each patient achieve the best possible result while providing personalized care along the way. Reach out to us with any questions or to set up your appointment.