Treatment duration is a common concern for braces and Line-M-Up™ patients, so here’s what you need to know!
It’s always an exciting day when you or your child begin orthodontic treatment at the JK Orthodontics office in Dublin, and we understand how patients dream about the end of their journey when they can check out their new smile in the mirror!
Whether you choose braces or Line-M-Up™, it’s important to remember that your treatment duration is going to vary based upon your unique needs and commitment.
It’s normal to ask yourself questions like “how long will I have to wear braces or Line-M-Up™?”, so let’s talk about what’ll differentiate your treatment journey and how long you can expect to wear your new orthodontic appliances!
How Long Will I Wear Braces?
The unfortunate truth is that no one can provide a definite answer to this very common question! This is because everyone’s orthodontic needs are 100% unique, and braces treatment is always customized on an individual basis.
One thing to keep in mind is that the average braces patient requires around 18 to 24 months of treatment. There are many factors that parents and braces patients need to keep in mind when it comes to treatment duration, including:
- Unique Orthodontic Conditions: It’s likely that you have one or several common orthodontic conditions that are impacting your smile and overall oral health. This can include issues like gapped or crowded teeth; however, there are more severe orthodontic conditions like overbites and underbites that require more complex (and longer) treatment cycles.
- Patient Compliance: Braces patients have to remember that their treatment’s overall duration also depends on them! This means that it’s very important to attend adjustment and tightening appointments with Dr. Karpac, wear rubber bands as instructed, and avoid foods that are unfriendly for braces. By doing your part, you can help make sure that your treatment timeline remains on track!
- Age: Although teeth can move well regardless of a patient’s age, there are some advantages associated with early orthodontic treatment. This is because it’s easier to work with a patient’s teeth and jaws as they’re naturally developing, and our specialists help young patients guide their teeth into a healthy alignment every day!
How Long Will I Wear Line-M-Up™ Invisible Aligners?
Invisible aligners are known throughout the entire world for their incredible convenience and discreet appearance, and Line-M-Up™ is Dr. Karpac’s trademarked technology that has revolutionized the invisible aligner experience for countless patients throughout the Columbus metro area.
If you’re looking for a treatment option that’s more subtle and requires less food restrictions, then you’ll also be happy to know that Line-M-Up™ has a faster average treatment duration compared to traditional braces and other invisible aligner counterparts.
One very important thing for Line-M-Up™ patients to keep in mind is that they need to wear their aligners for at least 20-22 hours per day. This can sometimes be easier said than done for some patients, but this amount of daily usage helps ensure that the aligners are doing their job correctly.
Because you have to wear your aligners for so long each day, you should only remove them for eating meals/snacks and when you’re drinking anything other than water.
What Is The Braces Removal Process Like?
A lot of braces patients are relieved to find out that the removal process doesn’t take as long as initial exams and placement appointments. In most situations, it takes less than an hour to remove a patient’s braces.
Here’s what you can expect from your braces removal appointment:
- Karpac will use a state-of-the-art orthodontic plier tool to gently squeeze and separate each bracket from its adjacent tooth.
- The next step includes removing the metal bands that anchored your braces to your back molars.
- Once we’ve detached your brackets and molar bands, Dr. Karpac will remove your braces from your teeth.
- We’ll then thoroughly clean the dental cement off your teeth by using a special tool that also carefully polishes your teeth.
- Once the braces glue is removed, we’ll fit you for your custom retainer. Your teeth will be particularly susceptible to reverting back to their original positions shortly after you get your braces removed, so it’ll be very important to wear your retainer in accordance with Dr. Karpac’s instructions to prevent inadvertent movement!
How Can I Speed Up My Braces Treatment?
Although there are no miracle cures or tools that can substantially speed up the orthodontic treatment process, it’s understandable how patients want to do their part when it comes to speeding up treatment timelines.
Here are some tips to help you speed up your braces treatment in a safe way:
- Stick To Your Treatment Plan: It’s essential for braces patients to attend checkup and adjustment appointments with Dr. Karpac on a regular basis, and it’s equally important to follow all of Dr. Karpac’s instructions when it comes to things like wearing rubber bands and staying consistent with your invisible aligner daily usage.
- Keep Your Teeth Clean: Not sticking with a solid oral hygiene routine can cause all sorts of issues, including gum disease and tooth decay. It’s particularly important for braces and Line-M-Up™ patients to take good care of their gums and teeth throughout the treatment process, because it’s more likely for plaque and food to build up in tough-to-reach places in and around brackets and wires.
- Eat Braces-Friendly Foods: We’ll be sure to provide you with a comprehensive list of foods that are best to be avoided while wearing braces, and these food products are on this list because they can damage wires and brackets—and ultimately extend your treatment timeline. By maintaining a braces-friendly diet, you can avoid repairs to your appliances and ensure a more efficient treatment timeline.
- Wear Rubber Bands As Instructed: It’s likely that Dr. Karpac will prescribe rubber bands to wear with your braces as your treatment progresses. Being diligent with wearing and changing out your rubber bands will go a very long way to ensure your treatment’s momentum as you continue to straighten your teeth to perfection!
Still Have Questions About How Long You’ll Wear Line-M-Up™ Or Braces? Reach Out To Us Today!
Every patient’s smile journey is 100% unique, but there’s also no denying how proper care, compliance and maintenance can get you to your dream smile much faster.
All of us at JK Orthodontics are happy to answer your questions and point you or your child in the right direction toward effective and affordable orthodontic solutions.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us online or call us at 614-766-0330 to schedule your next consultation appointment with Dr. Karpac today!