How long do I have to wear braces?
That’s one of the most common questions our Align Choice Orthodontics team gets. In Everett, And guess what? You can done with it sooner than you think and get your perfect smile without braces! Dr. Sogol and our team are dedicated to getting you that stunning smile as quickly and efficiently as possible.. After all, nobody wants to be in braces forever (and don’t worry, you won’t). But, orthodontic treatment is an investment. Like any investment, it takes time. Plus, the more you stick to our team’s guidance, the more streamlined your treatment will be. We offer a variety of options, metal braces, clear braces, and Invisalign. They’re all amazing treatments. The treatment plan you choose—and any underlying conditions like TMJ or sleep apnea—can impact your timeline.
Average Duration of Braces Treatment
Most of our patients achieve their dream smiles within 1 to 2 years. That’s an average. Your specific treatment time can vary. No two bites are the same, so no two treatments will be exactly the same. Bad bites (“malocclusions”) and crowding might wrap up in about a year. However, more complicated cases could last longer if Dr. Sogol thinks that’s what’s best.
Age is another factor—teens often see quicker results because their jaws are still growing. But adults can achieve great results, too. Something else to consider: how committed are you to following our team’s instructions? Regular check-ups and following Dr. Sogol’s instructions can help keep your treatment on track.
Braces and Clear Aligners
Align Choice Orthodontics offers metal braces, clear braces, and clear aligners. What can these appliances do for you? What are their pros and cons? All three options are effective. They deliver consistent results. Their main differences are how they fit into your lifestyle and their treatment timelines.
Metal Braces
What comes to mind when you hear “braces?” Chances are, it’s metal. Metal braces are the classic choice for orthodontic treatment in Everett. Made from durable stainless steel, they’re known for their strength and efficiency. While not as subtle as clear options, they work quickly to fix even the most complex alignment issues. They work great for kids, teens, and adults. Most people wrap up metal braces treatment between one and two years.
Clear Braces
Clear braces work similar to metal braces. They also deliver the same amazing results. But they’re made from a ceramic material that blends with your teeth. They’re perfect if you want a low-profile look and a dazzling smile. Like their metal counterparts, treatment tends to last a year or two.
Invisalign Clear Aligners
Invisalign clear aligners offer flexibility and comfort. Unlike metal and clear aligners, you can take them out. These clear trays typically straighten teeth within 12 to 18 months, provided you wear them 20 to 22 hours daily. They’re ideal if you want the convenience of removing your braces when eating or brushing.
Impact of TMD/TMJ Disorder on Braces
In addition to braces, Dr. Sogol and our Align Choice Orthodontics team also help our neighbors in Everett with TMD or TMJ disorder. If you’re suffering from TMJ, braces can help. Here’s how that condition might affect your treatment.
Complex Jaw Alignment
Do you feel pain in your jaw? Is it stiff or hard to move in certain directions? Or does your jaw click and pop when eating something? You might suffer from a TMD/TMJ disorder. Sometimes, they involve misaligned jaws, so your orthodontic treatment might need extra time to correct your bite and tooth alignment. Addressing these issues can extend your braces timeline by several months. But it’s crucial for achieving lasting comfort and function.
Customized Appliances
Treating TMD/TMJ alongside braces may require special appliances like bite splints or jaw repositioners. Dr. Sogol and our team use these devices to help correct jaw alignment. While this might lengthen your time in braces, it’s a necessary step to ensure everything aligns properly.
How Sleep Apnea Affects Braces Treatment
Orthodontics involves more than your teeth. It can help with the bones, joints, and muscles in your face and jaw. Those structures impact your breathing, especially while you sleep. Sleep apnea is something else Align Choice Orthodontics can help you overcome.
Jaw Repositioning
If sleep apnea is related to how your jaw is positioned, your overall treatment might include devices like mandibular advancement splints. These appliances work to adjust your jaw forward, which can add some time to your overall braces treatment.
Complex Treatment Plans
Combining braces with sleep apnea treatment means tackling multiple issues at the same time. Our team’s comprehensive approach helps address the root causes of sleep apnea while straightening your teeth. Please note that more than often, managing these combined treatments requires a more extended, more detailed orthodontic plan.
The Importance of a Customized Treatment Plan
A customized orthodontic plan is key to achieving the best results, especially when you have unique needs like TMD, TMJ disorder, or sleep apnea. Dr. Sogol ensures that your treatment is tailored to address all aspects of your dental health.
Comprehensive Evaluation
Before starting any treatment, we need a thorough evaluation. Dr. Sogol examines your teeth and jaw alignment, bite, and underlying conditions like sleep apnea or TMD. Why is an evaluation important? It lets us know the depth of your issues, so we can create a treatment plan that deals with all of your needs.
Integration of Treatments
Integrating these treatments with braces is crucial for patients with TMD or sleep apnea. Dr. Sogol’s customized plans might combine traditional orthodontics with appliances designed to reposition your jaw or improve your airway function. While your teeth are being straightened, we’re also dealing with other health issues. Having your treatments work together reduces your likelihood of needing additional treatments in the future.
Personalized Timeline
No two orthodontic cases are identical, so personalized timelines are important. Dr. Sogol creates a timeline based on your specific needs. An individualized timeline helps set realistic expectations and allows for adjustments as your treatment progresses.
Braces at Align Choice Orthodontics
Want to know more about how braces from Dr. Sogol can help your smile? Go here to schedule a free consultation with our Align Choice Orthodontics team in Everett.