How Long Does Orthodontic Treatment Usually Take?

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If you are searching for a dentist near you in Cambie, then you are likely looking into orthodontic treatment to enhance your smile and dental health. Orthodontic treatment can address teeth alignment, biting process, and spacing issues; one of the most common questions that patients have when they begin is: How long does orthodontic treatment usually take?  This varies in many ways, but understanding these differences can help you navigate your treatment with confidence.

What Impacts the Length of Your Orthodontic Treatment?

Orthodontic treatment can come in many forms and is not as unique as each individual. The time frame it will take varies based on the severity of the issue, your age, and which type of orthodontic treatment you choose, along with following your dentist’s recommendations.

1. Severity of Dental Issues

Mild dental issues, like just a little bit of misalignment or small gaps, could take as little as 6 months to a year of treatment time. Moderate to severely misaligned teeth and bite issues may take 18 to 36 months or more. Your dentist in Vancouver will assess your dental health and give you an estimate of how long treatment would take for your specific case.

2. Type of Orthodontic Treatment

  • Traditional braces – Traditional braces are metal or ceramic brackets and wires. Braces are the most well-known option for orthodontic treatment; they are very effective for all areas of the teeth and can handle more severe cases. Usually, treatment time ranges from 1.5 to 3 years.
  • Clear alignersClear aligners are removable trays that are clear and more discreet. They can be in use for anywhere from 6 months to two years, depending on each case.
  • Lingual bracesLingual braces are brackets that are placed on the back side of the teeth and function the same way as traditional braces, but may take longer to adjust to.

3. Age and Bone Development

Young people tend to have shorter treatment times because their jaws are still growing, which means that teeth can move to the correct position more easily. Adult patients typically take a longer time to get the same end result because adults have denser bone and are slower to remodel the bone.

4. Compliance

Like any dental treatment, compliance is important. Wearing the retainer as directed, practicing good oral hygiene, and showing up for follow-up exams all play a role in achieving the desired outcome in a reasonable time frame.

What happens during orthodontic treatment?

If you visit a Vancouver dentist or search for orthodontics near you, the process will begin with a consultation, including X-rays and a 3-D scan of your teeth. The orthodontist will then develop a treatment plan for you, specific to your situation, by mapping out how and when your teeth will be moved into the desired position over time.

Adjustments will then be made every few weeks or months to keep moving the teeth. Most people will feel discomfort after an adjustment. It’s manageable, temporary, and part of the treatment. Most of the time, you can minimize discomfort with an over-the-counter pain reliever and sticky foods.

Tips to Speed Up Your Orthodontic Journey

  • Don’t forget to keep your regular appointments.
  • Keep adjustment appointments on time.
  • Good oral hygiene to avoid plaque and other issues is still important and can delay treatment times.
  • Wear appliances consistently, elastics and retainers, as instructed by your orthodontist.

When Can You Expect to See Results?

You can sometimes see changes in your teeth and in the way your smile looks after just a few months, especially if you are using alien-type addresses. However, the full course of orthodontic care is necessary to achieve lasting results and to gain some benefits for your oral health.

Conclusion: Sit up and smile big — you’re getting orthodontic treatment with us!

If you are thinking about orthodontic treatment, it matters which orthodontic clinic you choose! At Cambie Broadway Dental, we provide orthodontic treatment solutions suited to your lifestyle and dental needs. If you are looking for a dentist near you in Cambie or service for orthodontics near you, you can be confident in our staff who can help you through the treatment process.

Call to schedule a consultation today and start on the path to improving your smile and oral health.

FAQ’s

  1. What is the typical duration for orthodontics treatment? 

The answer will vary for each individual based on severity, but the average time frame is anywhere from 6 months to 3 years

  1. Can I be treated as an adult? 

Yes! Adults can benefit from orthodontics through braces or aligners, although the duration of treatment for adults can be longer than that of children or younger people. 

  1. What influences the duration of orthodontics? 

The severity of tooth problems, the type of braces or aligners, the age of the client and the compliance of the client with the orthodontist’s recommendations, all have some bearing.

  1. Is there pain associated with orthodontics?

You will feel some discomfort or pressure from the teeth needing to adjust after the adjustment of braces, but the pain is manageable and generally temporary.

  1. How can my treatment time be shorter?

Follow your dentist’s recommendations exactly and go to appointments as scheduled, and maintain good oral hygiene at home.

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