When to Expect to Get Your Braces Off

Once you see that goal smile take shape, you start to wonder when you can expect to get your braces off. There is nothing like the anticipation of getting your braces off to put a smile on your face. After all your hard work, you’re ready to reveal your beautiful new smile, and we are just as excited as you are to see the transformation! As prepared as you may be to get your braces taken off finally, is your mouth ready for your braces to come off? 

Your teeth are quite stubborn and require an enormous amount of pressure to move them into the optimal position and allow for the gums to grow around that movement to support the changes. For most people, the timeline for wearing braces and making those stubborn movements is about 1-3 years. There are some cases that can lengthen this process closer to the 36-month mark, but the only way to get to the perfectly aligned smile that lasts a lifetime is to give your whole mouth the proper time it needs to adjust. The good news is that technology has improved both the comfort and efficiency of braces, so most patients can shed the brackets or aligners within about 18 months!

We understand that choosing to get your teeth straightened with orthodontics is a big decision. After all, your smile is the window to your personality. While we may not be able to magically speed up your treatment timeline, Dr. Daniel and Dr. Jones here at Daniel and Jones Orthodontics can shed some light on what takes so much time and how to lessen the time you spend in braces

It’s just about straight teeth, right?

It won’t take long for your teeth to move enough for you to notice a difference. Most patients can actually see a change in their smile within about six months of getting their braces placed. But this is only the first stage of the process to a lifetime of good oral health, so don’t get too excited just yet. So far, you have only uncrowded teeth or closed gaps on the aesthetic level. If your braces are removed too soon, they will just slip back into their original position.

Next, the focus is on your bite, or how your upper teeth meet your lower teeth. This is extremely important for chewing, and having proper alignment can reduce the wear and damage on your teeth and jaw. Ideally, your braces will also align your teeth for the appropriate overbite during this stage which helps keep your front teeth from wearing down over time. In some cases, correcting bite alignment can actually create a gap in your front teeth during the initial movement. This gap is standard and will be rectified before your braces come off. Removing your braces too soon after closing this gap can cause the gap to return, sometimes years after getting your braces removed.

But things get even more profound. If your teeth need to be straightened, it only makes sense that the roots below will need to be straightened, too. Without ensuring that the roots become parallel with the adjustments of the teeth, the teeth are likely to return to the previous position. This is why taking the time even after your teeth appear straight is essential. So much of this final movement is not visible but is undoubtedly vital to an effective treatment.

When to Expect to Get Your Braces Off

What other factors affect when my braces come off?

Your perfect smile is personalized to you, so we take the time from the initial consultation through every appointment to ensure that your care is custom-tailored to your needs, lifestyle, and smile goals. 

Many factors beyond our control may contribute to the time you spend in braces. The severity of your jaw and bite when you get started, the rate your teeth move, your age, and even your participation in your dental treatment can affect your timeline. Make sure you wear your rubber bands as instructed by your orthodontist and make it to all of your appointments to have the best chance at a timely experience. 

While there is much we may not be able to control, the best thing you can do to stay on track is to closely follow your orthodontist’s instructions during your braces journey. There are no magical tips for accelerating your treatment, but you can do a lot to ensure your treatment does not face any slowdowns. Here are a few tips to properly care for your braces and ensure they come off as timely as you expected:

  • Avoid carbonated drinks like soda and sticky or gooey foods like gum, caramel, and other chewy candies, as well as popcorn. Constant chewing can compromise the integrity of your braces’ hardware.
  • Chop your food into smaller pieces and take time to chew slowly. This will help you avoid pain when chewing and helps prevent brackets and wire from breaking.
  • Brush and floss meticulously. You are more likely to avoid setbacks with healthy teeth and gums. 

When to Expect to Get Your Braces Off

Don’t wait longer than you have to; trust Daniel & Jones Orthodontics

Just as unique as you are, your treatment plan will vary based on your unique situation. Working with an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Daniel or Dr. Jones guarantees you’ll receive the best care for your individual needs. A successful orthodontic treatment experience isn’t just about receiving professional and gentle care. You also need to trust that your doctor and the orthodontic team have your best interest at heart. We love getting to know you at Daniel and Jones Orthodontics and will make you feel at home at our convenient offices in Little Rock, Bryant, and Benton, AR.

There is nothing typical about your treatment plan, so our expert team builds your individualized plan based on your specific needs, current lifestyle, and individual smile goals. Our goal is to give you a stress-free, successful experience from your first visit to your final retainer checkup. We’re here to walk you through the process, step-by-step, working alongside your family through the treatment, logistics, and finances until we reach a perfect result! 

At Daniel and Jones Orthodontics, we use nothing but the latest orthodontic technology so your treatment gives you a healthier smile, improved self-confidence, and it’ll be an enjoyable and efficient experience. Reach out to schedule your FREE consultation today to get started!