Coastal Orthodontics - How Long Will Treatment Last?

Braces are used to straighten your teeth gradually - not overnight - so a little patience is needed during the process. You can expect the average single phase treatment time to last 18 to 24 months depending on the severity of your or your child's correction needs. Patient cooperation with every step of the prescribed treatment plan is essential to the success of treatment. This means wearing the appliances as prescribed, keeping your scheduled appointments and keeping the teeth extra clean. Your orthodontist will use braces to produce slight pressure on each tooth and make regular adjustments to maintain this directional pressure. The teeth and jaws may be a little sore after each visit, but the discomfort will be brief. The end result of a beautiful healthy smile is well worth it!

After the braces are removed, the orthodontist will prescribe a retainer to be worn continuously for a few months to a few years to set the tissues surrounding the newly straightened teeth. Retainers are usually worn on a consistent basis until the wisdom teeth have either fully erupted or been removed. After such time, you may need to wear your retainers just at night or periodically to make sure your teeth don't move. You may also be fitted with a permanent retainer, a metal wire bonded to the back of your teeth, to insure that your teeth stay in proper position. Commitment to retention will keep that new beautiful smile perfect for a lifetime! If you lose a retainer or break a retainer be sure to call your orthodontist office immediately and have a replacement one made.

	Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Fraternity
	Southwest Society Of Orthodontics
	American Association Of Orthodontics
	American Dental Association
	Texas Dental Association
	U.T. Orthodontic Alumni Association