When we see you during your first consultation with us, you’ll probably have a lot of questions—a major one being about the duration of your future treatment. This answer depends on so many factors, but Central Massachusetts Orthodontic Associates is here to give you a rundown on how long orthodontic treatment will take.
What Affects Treatment Duration?
Dr. Giarusso, Dr. Livanos, or Dr. Kotin will work closely with you to discuss all of the following variables, and it’s important to bear in mind that no two orthodontic cases are alike. Some factors are in your control, while others aren’t. Let’s take a closer look:
1. The Type of Treatment You Choose: At Central Massachusetts Orthodontic Associates, we offer multiple orthodontic solutions, each with its own estimated treatment timeline:
- Modern Metal Braces: Typically the most effective for complex cases, ranging from 18-36 months.
- Ceramic Braces: Function similarly to metal braces but may take slightly longer due to their delicate structure.
- Invisalign: Treatment length varies, often between 12 to 24 months, depending on patient compliance.
2. The Complexity of Your Case
- Mild Alignment Issues: Minor crowding or spacing concerns may only require 6-12 months of treatment.
- Moderate Cases: Most patients fall into this category, requiring around 18-24 months.
- Severe Cases: Significant bite misalignments or jaw discrepancies can take up to 36 months to fully correct.
3. Patient Compliance & Habits: Your role in treatment plays a significant part in determining how quickly you’ll see results. Here’s what you can do to help shorten your treatment time:
- Wear your Invisalign trays for 20-22 hours per day.
- Follow all orthodontic guidelines, including attending scheduled checkups and wearing prescribed rubber bands.
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene to prevent delays caused by cavities or gum issues.
Potential Delays for Treatment
Of course, sometimes treatment will take longer. There are internal and external causes for this, some of which are influenced by your own habits.
- Follow Instructions Closely: Wear your aligners, elastics, retainers, or other additional components exactly as prescribed. Consistency is key – the more faithfully you use your appliances, the more smoothly your teeth will move.
- Watch Your Diet: Always avoid foods that can damage your braces. A little dietary discipline will save you from broken brackets and lost time with braces. For Invisalign users, never eat with your trays in—this could cause them to crack.
- Keep Your Appointments: Treat adjustment visits as critical. Mark your calendar and set reminders. If you have to miss an appointment, call to reschedule as soon as possible. The regular rhythm of check-ups is what keeps your treatment moving forward steadily.
- Use Protective Gear: If you play sports or engage in activities with a risk of facial injury, use an orthodontic mouthguard. This can prevent trauma that might break your braces or even damage teeth (which would definitely delay treatment).
- Keep Kids on Track: If you’re a parent of a young child with orthodontic treatment, try to help support them in consistent, high-quality maintenance practices. Our team can help offer additional tips and support.
Caring for Your Braces
A huge aspect of treatment time is linked to how well you care for your appliance. We want to offer some tips to help you maintain the best possible oral hygiene:
When to Clean
- Brush thoroughly after every meal or snack.
- If you can’t brush immediately, rinse your mouth with water.
- Carry a travel toothbrush for on-the-go cleaning.
- Floss at least once a day, preferably before bedtime.
How to Brush with Braces
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to strengthen your teeth.
- Brush all surfaces of your teeth, including around brackets and wires.
- Pay attention to your gum line and brush gently to prevent irritation there.
- Inspect your teeth and braces in a well-lit mirror to ensure thorough cleaning.
Flossing with Braces
- Use a floss threader to maneuver floss under the archwire.
- Clean along and under your gum lines to prevent plaque buildup.
- Flossing may take longer with braces, but with practice, it will become easier!
Other Hygiene Helpers
- Interproximal Brushes: Help clean hard-to-reach areas around brackets.
- Fluoride Rinse: Strengthens enamel and helps prevent cavities.
- Waterpik: Makes flossing easier by using a pulsating water stream to remove plaque and food particles.
Putting the Effort In
When you begin orthodontic treatment, you’re never expected to have all the answers. You can always anticipate some trial and error, but if you follow guidelines, the results will always be worth it. Just remember that your treatment experience will likely be different from that of a friend or loved one—this is the nature of orthodontics! But you’re in exceptional hands with our team. We’ll see you in Worcester, Auburn, or Spencer very soon.