Most children are typically ready for single-phase orthodontic treatment or phase 2 of a two-phase orthodontic treatment between the ages of 12 and 14. Dr. Carroll or Dr. Sutton will recommend the best time to begin your child’s treatment.
Actual Patient and Dr. Carroll
How long will I have to wear braces?
The amount of time it takes to treat your smile depends on three key factors:
- Treatment timing: If treatment is delayed too long, then this could increase the complexity of treatment. If started too early, then treatment time may be extended while waiting for teeth to erupt.
- What needs correction: Just like every person is different, so is every orthodontic treatment. The amount of treatment needed to correct a problem will determine how long the process takes. Some patients may only need a few months to correct minor misalignment of a few teeth, while others may require more complex treatment.
- YOU!: There are two components to this. The first is that people respond to treatment differently. One person’s teeth may move twice as fast as another’s. Orthodontists apply forces to teeth, but it is the patient’s body (bone) that actually moves their teeth. While it may take one patient only 12 months to complete treatment, it may take another patient 24 months. The second component is compliance with using elastics and aligners and keeping your teeth and gums healthy. If elastics or aligners are not worn as instructed, then your desired treatment results will either take longer or may never be achieved.
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