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777 Corporate Dr #210 Ladera Ranch, CA 92694

949-272-8782

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949-272-8782

Opening Hours

Mon-Fri: 9-6 & Sat: 9-3

Book Appointment

Free Consultation and Exam

Opening Hours

Mon-Fri: 9-6 & Sat: 9-3

Book Appointment

Free Consultation and Exam

How Long Will My Treatment Take?

Ladera Ranch, CA – How long will orthodontic treatment take? That’s a question every orthodontist hears on a regular basis. Patients hope for an easy and exact answer – but the simple truth is there is not definite answer. The amount of time you’ll spend in orthodontic treatment depends on several factors.

“We know that patients want to hear a more precise answer to this question,” says Dr. Robert Gire of Ladera Orthodontics. “But there are many factors that play into the total treatment time, including the age when treatment begins, the type of treatment used, overall compliance, and how well the mouth responds to treatment.”

The average amount of time spent in braces is usually 18-24 months. But some patients enjoy shorter treatment times while others experience longer times. Every malocclusion is different and every person will respond differently to treatment. Just because one patient with an overbite was finished with treatment in 16 months doesn’t mean all patients with an overbite will have a similar treatment time.

The age you are at the time of treatment is an important factor to consider. The younger you are when treatment starts, the easier the treatment generally will be. The reason we recommend seven as the age to have the first orthodontic consultation is because this allows plenty of time to make adjustments while the teeth and jaws are still growing. Waiting until jaw growth is complete can make treatment more involved and in some severe cases, it may even require surgery.

The type of treatment you choose also plays a role in treatment times. Standard metal braces are still around for a reason – they are extremely effective. Other options such as clear aligner therapy (Spark, Invisalign, ClearCorrect, etc.) may be more cosmetically pleasing but they can have certain limitations if compliance isn’t 100%.

Yes, your compliance is important to keep your treatment on schedule. For example, Spark aligners must be worn a minimum of 22 hours a day to maintain your schedule. If you wear your aligners for less time each day, your treatment may take longer. Likewise, if you are instructed to wear elastics, you must wear them as your orthodontist explained. Failing to do so can extend the treatment time.

“At the beginning of your treatment we will provide an estimate for how long we expect treatment to take,” says Dr. Reza Salmassian, Dr. Gire’s partner at Ladera Orthodontics. “However, it is important to remember that this is only an estimate – there are factors that can come up during the course of your treatment that can change that overall timeframe.”

In order to keep your treatment on track, keep all scheduled follow-up appointments, take proper care of your braces, and maintain good oral care. Healthy teeth will respond better to treatment, so continue to see your dentist during your treatment as well.

If you have questions or concerns about the way your treatment is progressing, always discuss those with your orthodontist. To schedule a complimentary consultation, call Ladera Orthodontics today at 949-272-8782.

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