Wondering how you can finish your orthodontic treatment on time? You’re not alone – it’s one of the most common questions I get from patients. With braces, they ask “When do I get these things off my teeth?” and with Invisalign it’s “When can I stop wearing these aligners?”
Unlike many medical treatments, with orthodontics, you’re closely involved in your treatment as a patient for many months. It takes some work on your part every day to maintain and finish your orthodontic treatment on time.
The average orthodontic case today is about one year. Simple cases can be finished much quicker, more complicated cases will take longer. Remember too that only a specialist can determine how complex your case is – things that look simple can be harder than they seem, and cases that may look complicated can be surprisingly straightforward.
There are two important components to finishing your orthodontic treatment on time: technology and compliance.
Technology and Orthodontic Treatment Time
Another of my favorite parts of new orthodontic technology is how it’s allowing patients to finish their orthodontic treatment faster! While I love straightening teeth, I know that most patients enjoy being finished with treatment rather than being active in treatment.
For my braces patients, I have long embraced the Damon System self-ligating technology. What does this mean to you as a patient? It means that these braces will be gentler on your teeth and work faster than many other types of braces.
For my Invisalign patients, we are finishing their treatment faster than ever thanks to advances in the Invisalign system technology. With my extensive treatment planning knowledge having been one of the earliest adopters of Invisalign clear aligners, I am advanced in my skills of how to plan the most efficient and effective treatment possible.
A new class of products to add onto your orthodontic treatment is accelerator technologies. I was also an early adopter of Propel, which offers both in-office and at-home treatment options to speed up your orthodontic treatment by as much as 50%! Learn more about Propel here.
Patient Cooperation and Orthodontic Treatment Time
Another critical component to finishing your Invisalign or braces treatment on time is your diligence in sticking to the treatment. If you’re in Invisalign clear aligners, it’s extremely important that you wear them all the time! If you’re in braces, or early childhood treatment, it’s essential that you wear things like your rubber bands, expanders or other appliances that are prescribed for you.
Cleaning your teeth properly while you’re in your orthodontic treatment is also important to finishing on time. If you don’t take care of your teeth, it can cause other complications that may delay your treatment.
I can’t emphasize enough how what you do at home is critical to having a successful on-time finish to your treatment! When you are committed to taking care of your teeth and being compliant with your orthodontic appliances, you’ll have a much smoother and timelier finish.
Finishing Your Treatment On Time
At Boschken Orthodontics, we establish a partnership with our patients to ensure they have a successful finish with a perfect smile. We help and coach you throughout your Invisalign, braces or early childhood orthodontic treatment so that you have the best outcome.
We pride ourselves on using the latest technology in our office that can speed up your orthodontic treatment. The combination of excellent technology, patient diligence about treatment, and home care will produce a winning smile finished on time.
Have questions about how long your orthodontic treatment will take? Contact us today to have all your questions answered and schedule a complimentary consultation.
