Why Have My Braces Been on So Long?

LANGLEY, British Columbia - Aug. 29, 2015 - PRLog -- Langley, BC – When you hear the words “you need braces” it’s common to jump to wondering how long you’ll be wearing them. And while you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment, it can be easy to try to compare yourself to all of those around you wearing braces. But Aly Kanani, a top orthodontist, advises against that.

Dr. Kanani explains that every person’s treatment will be different from another’s, even if those patients have the same malocclusion. That’s because no two mouths are the same, even if both people have an overbite.

It’s important that every orthodontist create a custom treatment plan for each patient he or she treats. The length of time you’ll be in braces depends on the severity of your issue, and how well your mouth responds to treatment. It also will depend on your age when the braces are placed, as this can have an effect on how well your teeth respond to treatment.

The earlier you visit an orthodontist, the better, as your orthodontist can begin evaluating your mouth and determine the precise time treatment should begin to guarantee the best results. You should visit an orthodontist by the age of seven to begin orthodontic observation.

If treatment begins while your jaw is still forming, it will be better and prevent the need for additional treatment down the road. For some patients who begin treatment later in adulthood, treatment can take longer and be more complicated, even requiring surgery to get the best results.

The average time in braces is typically between 18 and 24 months. This, however, is only an average – you may wear your braces a bit longer, or a bit shorter.

One of the biggest factors in how long you’ll wear your braces is actually you. It’s essential that you maintain good hygiene and follow all care instructions given by your orthodontist. If you are told to wear elastics, it’s important that you wear them as prescribed by your orthodontist. The same goes for headgear, or any other appliance your orthodontist deems necessary.

You’ll need to maintain all of your follow-up appointments so your orthodontist can be sure your teeth are moving as predicted. At these appointments, he can check to see if any adjustments need to be made to ensure your treatment stays on track.

If anything happens to your braces and they become damaged in any way, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your dentist right away. Damaged braces can’t effectively move teeth, and even a few days can set you back in treatment time.

How long you have to wear braces may also depend on the type of braces you choose. Metal braces are the most effective, and while, they might not be as pretty, they will move your teeth the fastest.

Invisalign is a wonderful option, but isn’t right for everyone. Consult with your orthodontist on whether Invisalign is an option to treat your specific malocclusion.

It’s important that patients not try to compare their treatment to anyone else’s. Your mouth may respond really well to treatment, and your teeth will move quickly to their ideal locations. Or, you may have underlying issues that have you in braces(http://www.vancouverorthodontics.com/traditional-metal-br...) longer than your best friend. But the important thing to remember is that your orthodontist has chosen a treatment plan that has you in mind – not your best friend, or your cousin, or your neighbor. Your teeth are unique to you, and how quickly they move will depend on your genetics, the work you put into your braces, and the skill of your orthodontist(http://www.vancouverorthodontics.com/meet-our-specialists...).

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To learn more about BC Orthodontics Group please call 604-533-6696 for Langley, 604-629-0452 for Vancouver or 604-589-2212 for Guildford.

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BC Orthodontics Group and Dr. Aly Kanani provide excellent orthodontic care at a fair price and pride themselves on their exceptional patient care. To learn more, visit our website.

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