When do I get my braces off?

As ready as you may be to get your braces taken off finally, is your mouth ready for your braces to come off? For most people, the timeline for wearing braces is about 1-3 years. There are some cases that can lengthen this process, but the only way to get to the perfect smile quickly is to give your whole mouth the proper time it needs to adjust. 

While we may not be able to magically speed up your treatment timeline, the experts here at Oread Orthodontics can shed some light on what takes so much time and how to lessen the time you spend in braces. 

It’s just about straight teeth, right?

It won’t take long for your teeth to move enough for you to notice a difference. Most patients can see a change in their smile within about six months of getting their braces on. But this is only the first stage of the process to a lifetime of good oral health, so don’t get too excited just yet. So far, you have only uncrowded teeth or closed gaps on the aesthetic level. 

Next, the focus is on your bite, or how your upper teeth meet your lower teeth. This is extremely important for chewing, and having proper alignment can reduce the wear and damage on your teeth and jaw. Ideally, your teeth will also be aligned for the proper overbite during this stage, which helps keep your front teeth from wearing down over time. 

But things get even more profound. If your teeth need to be straightened, it only makes sense that the roots below will need to be straightened, too. Without ensuring that the roots become parallel with the adjustments of the teeth, the teeth are likely to return to the previous position. This is why taking the time even after your teeth appear straight is essential. So much of this final movement is not visible but is undoubtedly vital to an effective treatment.

When Do I Get My Braces Off?

What other factors affect when my braces come off?

Your perfect smile is personalized to you, so we ensure we take the time from the initial consultation through every appointment to make sure that your care is custom-tailored to your needs, lifestyle, and smile goals. 

Many factors beyond our control may contribute to the time you spend in braces. The severity of your jaw and bite when you get started, the rate your teeth move, your age, and even your participation in your dental treatment can affect your timeline. Make sure you wear your rubber bands as instructed by Dr. Wood and make it to all of your appointments to have the best chance at a timely experience. 

While there is much we may not be able to control, there is a lot that our expert team at Oread Orthodontics can handle without issue. When things break, or you have a question about any step of the process, we are here to help!

When Do I Get My Braces Off?

Trust your smile to Oread Orthodontics.

Just as unique as you are, your treatment plan will vary based on your unique situation. Working with an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Wood guarantees you’ll receive the best care for your individual needs. 
There is nothing typical about your treatment plan, so our expert team builds your individualized plan based on your specific needs, current lifestyle, and individual smile goals. Our goal is to give you a stress-free, successful experience from your first visit to your most recent. If you’re ready to see what your personalized orthodontic treatment plan looks like, give us a call to schedule your FREE consultation with our expert team in Topeka, Lawrence today.