28 Sep When Can I Get My Braces Off?
Our Medford, NJ orthodontist Dr. Sarkis Euksuzian is routinely asked by his patients how long they can expect to wear braces. The answer to this question is that treatment time really depends on each individual’s specific orthodontic problem being addressed. Generally speaking, treatment times can range from 12 to 30 months with the average time spent in braces being approximately 24 months.
The criteria that Dr. E. uses to gauge whether a patient’s treatment is complete includes:
1 – The Severity of the Problem(s) Being Treated
The main factor in determining how long treatment will take is the degree of severity of the oral problem(s) being treated. Treatment time may be longer when teeth are impacted or when the upper and lower jaws fail to develop at the same time. Obviously, the amount of correction a patient needs determines how long braces must be worn. In short, the more teeth need to be moved, the longer treatment takes.
2 – The Patient’s Age
In most cases, children and teenagers respond faster to orthodontic treatment because they are still growing. Adults on the other hand often have to wear braces longer. The specific type of orthodontic appliances being worn also influences the length of treatment as some types of braces provide faster results than others.
3 – Oral Hygiene and Patient Cooperation
Another factor that helps determine how long a patient must wear braces is how well the patient maintains good oral hygiene. If the patient does a good job of brushing and flossing their teeth while in treatment and sees their family dentist regularly, treatment will move along as planned. But if a patient does not brush or floss well and develops dental decay or gum disease, treatment time can take longer as the tooth decay and gum disease will need to be treated.
Speak to Our Medford Orthodontist
Since every patient is unique, it is important to talk to Dr. Sarkis Euksuzian regarding the estimated time you can expect to wear braces.
We are always available to speak with you! If you have any questions about orthodontic treatment, please call us at our office or contact us online. We are conveniently located in Medford, NJ and serve patients from throughout the greater South Jersey area including Mt. Laurel, Marlton, Mt. Holly, and Voorhees, NJ.