Straightening a smile doesn’t happen overnight! Orthodontic treatments are designed to correct crooked teeth and fix bite issues gradually to prevent damage and ensure the results are long-lasting. But just how long can you expect your child’s orthodontic treatment to take? Unfortunately, there isn’t a simple answer to this. Some children can complete their treatment in just a few months, while others will need a few years. Here are some factors to keep in mind that will determine how long your child’s journey to a straighter smile will be.
1.) Severity of the Case
The main factor that will determine the timeline for any orthodontic treatment is the severity of the issues you want to have fixed. For instance, correcting slightly crowded teeth or mildly spaced out teeth will likely take less time to treat than severely misaligned teeth and jaws. Remember, realigning teeth requires moving the roots and reforming the jawbone as well. It’s essential that the process is slow to ensure neither of these are damaged.
2.) Type of Treatment
The severity of your child’s case will also impact which orthodontic treatments will be best for them. For instance, Invisalign can easily help address mild orthodontic issues in just a single year. On the other hand, it may take two or more years of metal braces for more complex cases. However, the “fastest” solution is not the same for everyone. For instance, it may take less time to fix moderately crooked teeth and jaw issues with traditional metal braces than it would to treat the same problems with Invisalign.
3.) Age
It’s somewhat easier to move the teeth in children and young teens because they’re still growing. Moving the teeth will meet less resistance in a developing jawbone than in a fully matured and strong jawbone. Typically, jaw growth ends at age 16 for girls and 18 for boys. If your child is within this range, it may take slightly longer to complete their treatment.
4.) Patient Compliance
Whether your child is wearing Invisalign, traditional braces, phase 1 orthodontics, ceramic braces, or any other type of orthodontic treatment, it’s absolutely essential that they follow all the instructions given by their orthodontist. Rules like avoiding certain foods and wearing aligners for at least 20-22 hours every day may seem like a drag at first, but they’re specifically designed to ensure your child’s treatment goes as smoothly and quickly as possible.
The best way to find out how long your little one’s orthodontic treatment will take is to bring them in for an orthodontic consultation. There, your orthodontist will examine your child’s oral health and development, fully explain all your treatment options, share their recommendations, and give you a personalized timeline for just how long it might take for your child to get a straighter smile.
About the Practice
At Simply Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, we’ve helped countless children in Nashua, Pelham, and the surrounding New Hampshire communities get straighter, healthier teeth. Along with our specialized pediatric services, we’re proud to offer a comprehensive menu of orthodontic treatments to fit every type of growing smile. We’re also pleased to offer AcceleDent Accelerated Orthodontics to reduce treatment length by up to 50%! To see how long your child’s orthodontic treatment may take, we encourage you to contact us online or at (603) 635-1166.