Beginning orthodontic treatment is an exciting step towards achieving a healthy, beautiful smile, but it can also come with many questions. The Hull & Coleman Orthodontic team is here to help you through this exciting new step. This Q&A will guide you through what to expect once you start your orthodontic journey. With clear answers, you’ll feel more confident and prepared for the road ahead, ensuring a smooth and successful treatment experience.
1. How long does the “average” orthodontic patient wear braces?
That really depends on the type of treatment. If the patient is in an “early” or “Phase I” treatment like we discussed in the last article, then the treatment is usually shorter, perhaps 6-12 months. Once comprehensive treatment of all the teeth begins, most treatments average 24 months or less. Every patient is different, though, and some patients complete their treatment in a little as 12-15 months.
2. I had orthodontic treatment as a child, and I had huge metal rings around every tooth. Are today’s braces still like that?
No! That’s one of the beauties of modern braces—they are smaller than ever, and instead of large metal bands around every tooth we use small braces that are simply bonded to the front of each tooth with an orthodontic cement. This advancement also saves time—the appointment to get braces put on used to take 3-4 hours, but today it only takes about 60-90 minutes.
3. What other differences are there between modern braces and the braces I had as a child?
For one thing, the general appearance of braces has changed a lot. Today’s braces are smaller, and in addition to the traditional metal braces, there are also 3D-printed clear braces that are made of porcelain that are less noticeable. 3D printed braces have a more precise fit because they are customized for each individual tooth, and this can help lead to fewer appointments and shorter treatment times. Braces are also more comfortable than ever, because the high-tech wires we use are much more gentle than those in the past.
4. How often will my child have to come in for orthodontic adjustments once treatment starts?
That’s another huge benefit that modern braces offer. Braces have become so much more efficient—patients used to have to see their orthodontist about every 4 weeks, but today we see our patients every 6-10 weeks on average. That means you get the same beautiful smile with fewer visits to your doctor.
5. Can my child have clear braces instead of metal ones?
Absolutely. In most cases, it’s really up to the personal preference of the patient as to whether they get metal braces or clear ones. Sometimes the doctor has to make that decision based on how the patient’s bite fits together, but in most cases the patient can decide what they want.
6. I hear a lot about Invisalign? Is that an option to correct my child’s teeth?
Invisalign is the “invisible” way to straighten teeth using a series of clear aligners. It really isn’t a good option for younger children because their mouths are changing so much with growth and the loss of baby teeth. It can be a great option for older teens and adults, however, and can provide a great alternative to traditional braces in many cases.
7. My orthodontist said that my child needs to have adult teeth removed as part of her orthodontic treatment, and I’m nervous about that. Is that really necessary?
In some cases, yes, removing adult teeth is absolutely necessary, and this is a very common treatment recommendation. We explain to patients and parents that there is no point in keeping all of the adult teeth if that would prevent us from making the smile look great and the teeth fit together correctly. Every patient is different, and we make treatment recommendations based on each patient’s facial features, smile appearance, and bite. We custom-design a plan for each patient to maximize both beauty and function. Sometimes removing teeth allows the orthodontist to establish a more beautiful smile and helps make sure that the bite is healthy as well. In fact, Dr. Hull’s own daughter has had adult teeth removed as a part of her orthodontic treatment!
8. Our orthodontist said that my child may actually need jaw surgery to correct his bite. Why would something like that be necessary?
Jaw surgery is used along with orthodontic treatment in cases where there is a more significant jaw problem affecting the bite. If there is a problem with the jaw, orthodontics alone sometimes can’t fix the problem. Jaw surgery can correct the bite, and in most cases correcting the jaw problem looks great for the patient’s face as well. For example, some patients have a very small lower jaw and recessed chin; orthodontics and jaw surgery can move that small lower jaw forward, correcting the bite and giving the patient a better-looking facial profile. Also, “jaw surgery” sounds so serious, but it’s really nothing to be afraid of. In many cases it can be done as an outpatient procedure.
9. What about retainers? How long does my child need to wear them after her treatment is finished?
This is one of the most important parts of orthodontic treatment. We tell patients that the only way to make sure their teeth stay straight for life is to be committed to long-term wear of their retainers. We recommend that patients wear their retainers full-time for the first 3 months after their braces are removed, then transition to nighttime wear after that. We like to call retainers “tooth pajamas” that you should wear nightly for life! It’s so easy to keep your teeth straight if you follow that simple retainer plan. And it’s worth it to keep a great smile for life.