Here at Feil Orthodontics, we hear one question more than any other: how long will my treatment take? Every patient is excited to get started on their brand new smile and can’t wait to see the results! While our team can offer an estimate for how long we think a patient will need braces or clear aligners, there’s no “one size fits all” answer to this question since there are many factors to consider when determining the total treatment time. We’ll explore some of these factors below to help you better understand what to expect from the orthodontic process!
What is Dr. Feil treating?
While every smile is unique, some generalizations can still be made when it comes to treatment times. For example, a complex case will likely require more comprehensive care than a simpler one. If someone has a relatively healthy bite with only minor issues, their treatment will probably take less time, while severely displaced teeth or a seriously misaligned bite will need more time to correct.
How old are you?
This might seem like a strange question, but how old you are when you begin orthodontic treatment can play a part in how long the process will take! While Dr. Feil can successfully move teeth at almost any age, it can be easier to treat children and teens since they’re still growing. They have pliable bones that aren’t fully developed yet, making the treatment process faster and allowing Dr. Feil more control over the bite correction.
However, our jawbones stop growing sometime in our early twenties, and orthodontic treatment initiated after that point may require more time and effort. That doesn’t mean you can’t successfully improve your smile if you’re an adult, though! There are still many treatment options available to you that will straighten your teeth, address your bite, and improve the overall function of your mouth. You’re never too old to experience everything orthodontics has to offer!
Are you following Dr. Feil’s guidelines?
While Dr. Feil is in charge of guiding your teeth into their new positions, you also have an important role to play in how successful your treatment is. Complying with the guidelines you’re given for treatment is a key factor in completing treatment within the estimated time frame. One part of this process is maintaining a solid oral hygiene routine, as problems with your dental health can sometimes slow treatment down.
Follow-up visits are also an essential part of any treatment process. These appointments allow Dr. Feil to assess how your teeth are moving and make any necessary adjustments. While we understand that you may need to cancel or reschedule an appointment from time to time, you should stick to the schedule as closely as possible to ensure your treatment plan stays on track.
Treating your braces or aligners recklessly can also push your treatment schedule back! While this tends to be more of an issue with braces, clear aligners can also break and crack. You can do your part by avoiding crunchy or sticky foods if you’re in braces since they can weaken the bond strength of the brackets. It’s not an emergency if a bracket breaks or comes loose, but Dr. Feil will want to rebond it as soon as possible. No active tooth movement can occur when a bracket isn’t adequately bonded to the teeth, so be sure to contact our office if you experience any damage to your appliance.
How is your body responding to treatment?
Even if their cases are similar, no two patients will have an identical response to the treatment process. There are many factors that can impact how someone responds to treatment, from bone density and chewing patterns to gum tissue thickness. Oral habits such as clenching or grinding the teeth can also affect the process. This is why it’s important to work with an experienced orthodontist! Dr. Feil takes a personalized approach to every case, building custom treatment plans based on the patient’s specific needs, lifestyle, and goals. This helps ensure the best results in the shortest amount of time possible!
The wait is worth it
Whatever treatment method you choose with Dr. Feil, it’s important to remember that even if it feels like it, nothing lasts forever. Your orthodontic treatment will be complete eventually, and you’ll be saying hello to your beautiful new smile before you know it!
Here at Feil Orthodontics, we’re proud to offer a range of affordable treatment options to move your teeth comfortably, efficiently, and as quickly as possible. While you may not have an exact date for when your treatment will finish up going into your orthodontic journey, we’ll give you an estimated time before you begin. This will vary depending on the specific issues we’re treating, but in general, the average treatment time for braces can be anywhere from 12-36 months. If you’re using a clear aligner system like Invisalign, it may take slightly less time to achieve your desired results.
Get the confident smile you desire with Feil Orthodontics
Even if you aren’t sure when the active phase of your treatment will be complete, there’s one thing you can always count on—world-class care and exceptional results from our expert team! Patience may be a virtue when it comes to the treatment process, but there’s no reason to put off straightening your smile any longer. Get in touch today to schedule a FREE consultation and let’s get started!