Probably the most common question we get as an orthodontic practice is about how long treatment will take. And this is a very valid question—your time is precious. Rio Grande Orthodontics is going to break down the science of treatment duration and hopefully offer some clarity!
What Affects Treatment Time?
The answer is, just about everything! No two custom treatment plans are identical across our nine offices and hundreds of patients. However, we can consider some common factors in every patient when estimating treatment time.
- Your Age and Growth Stage
Orthodontic treatment can be effective at any age, but our younger patients often see faster results because their jaws and tissues are more malleable, and therefore more receptive to treatment.
- Children & Teens: Braces or aligners may work more quickly as their bones are still developing, not always, but often.
- Adults: While treatment may take slightly longer due to different anatomy, advances in orthodontic technology have helped adult treatment catch up.
- The Complexity of Your Case
Some smiles will require only minor adjustments, while others need more significant, multi-stepped corrections. Here’s a breakdown:
- Mild Cases: Small gaps or minor misalignment can be corrected in as little as 6 to 12 months.
- Moderate Cases: More noticeable crowding or bite issues may take 12 to 24 months.
- Severe Cases: Complex misalignment, severe crowding, or jaw issues can require 24 to 36 months or more.
3. Type of Treatment You Choose
Your treatment method you’ll select with Dr. Gardiner, Dr. Vest, Dr. Klinger, or Dr. Kellam, also plays a considerable role in duration, since some methods work differently:
- Metal Braces: Typically take 18-24 months, but advancements have made them more efficient.
- Clear Braces: These work similarly to metal braces but may take slightly longer due to the more fragile polycrystalline ceramic material..
- Invisalign: Treatment usually lasts 12-24 months, but touch-up cases can be completed in as little as 6 months.
- Early Orthodontics (Phase 1 Treatment): For children, early intervention treatments can last 6-12 months, helping to guide jaw growth and create space for permanent teeth.
- Compliance with Treatment Guidelines
Your orthodontist will provide specific instructions to help speed up your treatment. Following these guidelines will keep your progress on track:
- Wear Your Aligners as Instructed: If using clear aligners, wearing them for at least 20 hours a day is important.
- Use Rubber Bands & Other Appliances Correctly: If your orthodontist prescribes elastics, retainers, or expanders, following their instructions can prevent unnecessary delays.
Common Reasons for Delay
There are some practices to avoid when you have an orthodontic appliance, since they can keep your treatment from progressing as it’s supposed to. Other issues aren’t necessarily in your control, but your response to them is!
- Broken Braces or Damaged Aligners: Brackets, wires, and aligners are designed to move teeth gradually. Breaking a bracket or wire—or cracking aligners—can interrupt progress and require emergency repairs.
- How to Avoid Damage: Avoid hard, sticky, and crunchy foods that can break brackets; if a wire or bracket breaks, call your orthodontist immediately instead of waiting for your next visit! And keep aligners in their case when not in use to prevent loss or damage.
- Severe Bite or Jaw Issues: More complex cases, such as severe overbites, underbites, or jaw misalignment, naturally take longer to correct. If additional appliances (such as expanders or rubber bands) are needed, the treatment process may take extra time.
- Minimizing Delays: Follow your orthodontist’s full treatment plan, even if it includes extra steps or additional components for your orthodontic appliance.
- Frequently Missing or Rescheduling Appointments: Regular visits to your respective Rio Grande Orthodontics office give your doctor the time to make adjustments, check progress, and fix issues early.
- Staying on Time: Schedule appointments in advance and set reminders. If you need to reschedule, do it as soon as possible to avoid long gaps.
- Not Wearing a Retainer After Treatment: After braces or aligners, teeth can shift back to their original positions if a retainer is not worn properly. This can undo months or years of progress and may require additional treatment.
- Consistent and Compliant: Your rules regarding retainer use are similar to those of clear aligners—always wear your retainer as prescribed, and store it safely when it isn’t in your mouth.
One Day at a Time
Orthodontic treatment is an investment of time, money, and hard work. But remember that you’re investing in your smile, and that it’s always a worthy effort in the end. Even better, our team of experts at Rio Grande Orthodontics provides you with unwavering support along the way. Come see us at your nearest location in Albuquerque, Edgewood, Espanola, Las Vegas, Los Alamos, Cerillos, Harkle, Socorro, or Taos.