Our society is hyper-focused on time and always in a bit of a rush. Orthodontics can’t really be rushed, but there are ways to make the process run smoothly! Icon Orthodontics is here to talk about how long orthodontic treatment actually takes—and where delays can arise.
Your Perfect Timing
Let’s begin by explaining some of the questions you should consider ahead of treatment when you’re wondering about how long it’ll take. There are so many internal and external variables that make every case distinctly different.
- How old am I? Age is a huge factor, simply because our oral anatomy changes as we grow. For children, their teeth, bones, and tissues are all more flexible, so they might see accelerated results.
- What are my treatment goals? The next consideration is what level of work needs to be done. Do you need a minor shift, or is your treatment more complex? This will always influence the pace of your treatment.
- How well can I comply with treatment? Certain appliances require more compliance than others, but all ask for a level of hard work and commitment from patients. Our youngest patients may naturally have a little bit of trouble with compliance than teens, adults, and seniors.
A Change of Pace
Next, we can discuss the treatment options we offer in our two offices and how the duration can vary among them. Our practice is dedicated to using only the most advanced appliances on the market, which means speedier results for you or your child than those of many other offices!
Damon Metal Braces offer a major advantage over traditional metal braces due to their self-ligating system. This means fewer adjustments and smoother tooth movements, typically reducing treatment times by several months compared to conventional braces.
- Typical Duration: 12-24 months
- Ideal For: Complex corrections, bite alignment, significant crowding
Invisalign, U-Lab, Spark, and our in-house brand all use clear, removable aligners that gradually shift teeth into place. Thanks to advanced 3D digital planning, clear aligner treatments are typically aesthetically pleasing and predictable.
- Typical Duration: 6-18 months, depending on the complexity
- Ideal For: Mild to moderate alignment issues, adults and teens who prefer discreet treatment
LightForce Braces provide fully customized 3D-printed polycrystalline brackets, fitted to each tooth. This advanced customization means precise movements, often leading to an average of 37% reduced treatment time compared to standard braces.
- Typical Duration: 9-18 months
- Ideal For: Patients who still prefer braces but want the efficiency and precision of customized treatment
Adhering to Appointments
One of the most important (and underestimated) aspects of orthodontic treatment is attending your appointments as directed. Here are a few of the many ways your visits to Icon Orthodontics shape your treatment outcome:
- Timely Adjustments for Optimal Progress: Orthodontic treatment involves gradual adjustments to guide your teeth into their ideal positions. During routine appointments with Dr. Sun or Dr. Sarpotdar, our team carefully assesses your progress and makes necessary adjustments to your braces or clear aligners. Skipping appointments delays these adjustments, slowing down your treatment timeline.
- Early Detection and Correction of Issues: Frequent check-ins allow our doctors to quickly identify potential complications, such as loose brackets, broken wires, poorly fitting aligners, or stalled tooth movement. Addressing these issues early prevents minor problems from developing into greater delays or complications that prolong your treatment.
- Continuous Patient Education and Communication: Your regular visits allow you to ask questions, clarify instructions, and understand exactly what’s happening at each stage of treatment. This ongoing dialogue greatly improves your understanding and encourages active participation.
Picking Up Speed
Finally, we’ll share some of the best tips for keeping your treatment on track. You know yourself best, so we’ll leave it up to you to implement these!
- Prioritize Exceptional Oral Hygiene
- Brush thoroughly after every meal and floss daily to avoid plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease. Healthier teeth and gums respond better to orthodontic treatment, reducing potential delays.
- Follow Our Instructions Carefully
- Wear your elastics, retainers, or clear aligners exactly as we advise.
- Consistency helps maintain continuous pressure on your teeth, resulting in quicker movement.
- Maintain a Healthy Diet
- Eat nutritious, calcium-rich foods to strengthen your teeth and bones.
- Avoid too many sugary and acidic foods to prevent enamel erosion, cavities, or inflammation.
Trust The Process
Icon Orthodontics is dedicated to making sure every patient’s treatment bears fruitful, lifelong results. It takes a great deal of patience and dedication, but we know you can do it! Schedule your free consultation to see our team soon in Surprise or Glendale.