We typically receive many questions from new patients who are interested in pursuing orthodontic treatment. Some of the most frequently asked questions revolve around timing. How soon will the braces be put on? How often will you need to come in for a checkup? How long is the process from start to finish?
Everyone is different, and that includes a person’s smile. Different people require different levels of treatment, depending on the severity of the case. From minor adjustments to major corrections, braces can fix your smile with a little time and patience. How much time, exactly? We may not be able to give you a one-size-fits-all answer, but we’ll walk you through the treatment process and give you a rough estimate.
First things first, you’ll meet with your orthodontist for a preliminary appointment. At this time, the orthodontist will evaluate the current state of your smile. They may even perform x-rays to better understand how your teeth align. Once they’ve obtained all the information they need, they’ll be able to recommend a treatment. Some patients require spacers or other appliances before braces can be put in place. Other patients may be ready for braces pretty quickly. It all depends on the person, so be sure to clarify any confusion or misconceptions with your orthodontist.
After the preliminary appointment, you’ll likely be scheduled for a follow-up appointment, during which the braces will be fixed on the teeth. At this point, your treatment process officially begins. Experts estimate that the average length of treatment hovers around 2 years. But variations between patients can cause that time frame to fluctuate. For example, minor adjustments won’t require quite as much time, while major corrections may need more time to complete.
Of course, there are other variables as well. The success of your treatment is heavily dependent on how well you stick to the rules and restrictions imposed by your orthodontist. Brush your teeth after every meal, floss around the wires, and avoid food and drink that could cause damage. That means nothing hard, chewy, sticky, or gummy. Breaking a bracket or snapping a wire could set your treatment schedule back, meaning that it will take even longer to achieve the same results.
Ready to straighten your smile? Come visit us here at Noble Orthodontics! We offer our patients everything from traditional metal and ceramic braces to clear alternatives like Invisalign. So get in touch with us today to schedule your free initial consultation. We look forward to helping you perfect your smile!
