Everyone who gets braces is looking forward to a new smile, so it can be understandably frustrating when it seems like your braces have been left on for too long. There are many reasons that your orthodontic braces may still be on, and each orthodontic patient will have their own unique treatment plan. Keep reading to find out the answers to all your questions about the length of braces treatment.
Why do I Still Have My Orthodontic Braces on?
Of course, the most common question of patients is why their orthodontist will not take off their braces even after their teeth appear to be straight. Keep in mind that your orthodontist pays more attention to minute details than you, so there may be misalignments that you are not noticing. These three reasons are the most common reasons why patients need to have their braces on longer than expected.
Your Bite Still Needs Correcting
Most patients assume that the main focus of braces is removing gapped spaces, reducing overcrowded teeth, or straightening crooked teeth. This misunderstanding leads to a lot of frustrated people asking “why do I still have my braces on even though my teeth are straight now?” Braces do create a more aesthetically pleasing smile, but their primary function is to put all of your teeth into the ideal alignment for biting and chewing correctly.
Your braces treatment goes in stages, and the last stage is correcting your bite to ensure that your teeth are meeting together properly. You may not notice any significant changes during this stage, but it is still important to wait until it is complete before removing your braces.
Your Treatment Is Progressing Slower Than Normal
It is understandably upsetting if you thought your braces would be off by a certain time, yet your orthodontist is now telling you that you will need to wear them for several extra months. Keep in mind that every case is different, so it can be tricky for your orthodontist to estimate the exact timeline for your braces. Some people’s teeth are rooted more firmly in their jaw, so they might move at a lower rate. Your treatment may also require a little extra time to complete if you are not getting your braces tightened as frequently as recommended.
If you are regularly pushing your checkup appointments to a later date, the end result can be that it takes longer for your braces to be removed. Your treatment may also take longer than normal if your mouth gets injured while you are wearing braces or if your brackets and archwires are always breaking in between appointments. You increase your risk of a longer treatment time if you do not follow all your orthodontist’s instructions about oral hygiene and rubber bands.
Your Teeth Need Time to Solidify Their Positioning
Once your teeth are in the proper position, your orthodontic braces should not be removed immediately. It takes time for the muscles, bones, and teeth in your mouth to adjust to the new position of the teeth and teeth roots. Braces help to hold the teeth in the proper position while they stabilize in their new location. Orthodontists may recommend that patients wait up to six months to remove their braces after the teeth are appropriately straightened and adjusted.
This waiting period gives your teeth time to set in their place since it takes roughly a year for all gum tissues to become completely firm. This is why you will also need to continue wearing a retainer after your braces are finally removed.
What Are the Risks If I Will Get My Braces off Early?
Patients often request to get their braces taken off early because they think their teeth look fine now and they are tired of wearing braces. Removing your braces before your orthodontist says you ready is always a risky idea. The most severe risk is that the teeth will shift drastically. If they are not given time to set in place after all the shifting, they can drift around the mouth dramatically.
Wearing a retainer can help with this slightly, but it cannot provide the precise guidance needed for each individual tooth to stay straight. These shifting teeth can lead to a variety of other answers to “what are the risks if I will get my braces off early?” When your teeth move back to misaligned positions due to early braces removal, you risk having to spend extra money on more braces, getting cavities from crowded teeth, or having trouble chewing due to a misaligned bite.
What Are the Signs That I Should Get My Braces Off?
Once all of your teeth are straight, you may think you can immediately get your orthodontic braces removed. However, your orthodontist typically will not recommend that your braces be removed until a few signs are met. First of all, your teeth will need to look even and straight, and there should not be any excessive gaps between them. Your orthodontist will then look at how your upper and lower teeth overlap to ensure that your bite is correct.
The final answer to “what are the signs that I should get my braces off?” will be the positioning of your cusps. When the outside edge of your upper cusps rest on the outer part of your lower cusps, your teeth will fit together correctly. All of these are signs that your orthodontic treatment is coming to an end, but you may still need to wait a little while once the signs are met. The extra wait time will ensure that the new positioning is solid enough to remove the braces. Watch below for a video of a famous blogger having hers removed.
Conclusion
If you have any other questions about the length of time that you have your orthodontic braces on, it is best to speak to an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Panucci. At our orthodontic office, we can provide second opinions and work with you to create a personalized braces treatment plan. Call or email our office today to set up a consultation!
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BEACH BRACES ORTHODONTICS
220 N. Aviation Blvd. Suite A
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Phone: (310) 379-0006
Why are my Orthodontic Braces Still On? | 3 Reasons
Dr Patti Panucci attended the University of Louisville School of Dentistry for four years, where she graduated with a DMD degree (May 2000) among the Top 10 in her class. Following that, she headed west to Los Angeles to complete her three-year residency at one of the top-ranked orthodontic programs in the country – the University of Southern California.
Along with her certificate in orthodontics, Dr. Panucci earned a master’s degree in craniofacial biology. During those three years, she fell in love with Southern California beach life and decided that this was where her future lay.
