Why is it taking so long to get my braces off?
Q: Why is it taking so long to get my braces off?
When will I get my braces off? Why is this taking so long? This is a common question among orthodontic patients. While we understand having braces for longer than you expected can be frustrating, orthodontic treatment can vary depending on many factors.
Orthodontic treatment can be prolonged if a patient is not compliant with my instructions for rubber bands or appliances, damaging or breaking appliance and braces, not maintaining good oral health, not on time for appointments and avoiding oral surgery.
1. Not following my instructions or being compliant with maintenance of braces or appliances can prolong your treatment time. Avoiding wearing rubber bands properly can cause your teeth to not move in the direction they need to in order for your braces to come off. Although rubber bands are not ideal and can be a painful at times, they are an important part of your orthodontic treatment. Also not following my instructions for appliances such as a palatal expanders can also prolong treatment. The use of a palatal expander is to do what it's name is, to expand. Not activating your expander properly or enough will not allow for that space to develop, thus cause for longer wear time of the expander and braces.
2. Damaging your appliances or braces is also a major factor in prolonged treatment time. Although accidents happen you should avoid damaging foods, protect your mouth during sports and not chew on improper items. Food or candy is the number one culprit in breaking or damaging appliances. Hard candies, ice, corn on the cob and whole apples are just a few foods that can break, loosen, or damage your braces and appliances. Damaging or breaking these takes extra time to be put back on, since an appointment needs to be made and can reverse any progress you have made so far. We know it may seem unfair to not be able to eat candy or tough foods, but remember that sacrificing a few foods will result in a beautiful straight smile that will last a lifetime. For a complete list of foods you should avoid along with suggestions of foods to eat visit our Life with Braces section.
3. Not maintaining good oral health is also a big factor in prolonged treatment time. Unhealthy teeth do not move as fast as healthy teeth. Braces trap food very easily which can contribute to plaque formation. If this plaque is not removed properly and often, you can develop bad breath, gum disease, dental decay and gingivitis. If these problems become severe it may result in your braces being removed while waiting for your gums or mouth to heal and then reapply them. This could take anywhere from weeks to months depending on the severity of your case and will definitely make treatment time longer. Although it can be a challenge to keep braces thoroughly clean, making a conscience effort daily and using tools to make cleaning easier will result in a beautiful healthy smile. To learn more about proper brushing and flossing of braces visit our Brushing and Flossing section.
4. Keeping and being on time for appointments can also determine the length of your treatment. Having to reschedule an appointment or two is not going to affect your treatment time dramatically, but multiple missed appointments can cause longer treatment time. We understand life happens, but it's important to make your best effort to make every appointment, as well as being on time. Each time you visit our office, an adjustment is made to your braces or appliance to ensure you are on the proper track to straight teeth. Missing an appointment means missing out on that adjustment, in turn causing your treatment time to be longer. Although we make every effort we can to accommodate everyone, missing your appointment will not guarantee we can fit you in right away.
5. Avoiding oral surgery is also one reason your treatment time can be prolonged. Oral surgery is performed for those whose jaw is not wide enough or for those who need teeth extracted. Avoiding having either of these procedures done if necessary can prolong treatment since space is accomplished from surgery.
So in conclusion remember to follow my instructions for rubber bands or appliances, avoid damaging or breaking appliance and braces, maintain good oral health, be on time for appointments and have oral surgery performed when necessary.
Albert Ellender, D.D.S.