Treatment FAQ

how long is a comprehensive ortho treatment ?

by Hildegard Walter V Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago
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How Long Will Comprehensive Treatment Take? Overall, orthodontic treatment could take anywhere from a few months to three years. On average, however, most patients complete comprehensive orthodontics in about two years.

Treatments like braces, metal or ceramic, “tooth-colored” braces, Invisalign or Invisalign Teen, are usually considered a comprehensive orthodontic treatment. Comprehensive orthodontic treatment is just as effective as a two-phase treatment, and often times, patients complete their treatment within 18-24 months.

Full Answer

How long does comprehensive orthodontic treatment take?

How Long Will Comprehensive Treatment Take? Overall, orthodontic treatment could take anywhere from a few months to three years. On average, however, most patients complete comprehensive orthodontics in about two years. Of course, the actual timeline depends on several factors, including: The complexity of your case; Your overall oral health

What is involved in comprehensive orthodontic treatment?

Mar 19, 2022 · You may not have an exact date for treatment to be completed going into your orthodontic journey, but we’ll give you an estimated time before you begin. As noted above, this will vary depending on the patient and the specific issues we’re treating. In general, however, the average treatment time for braces tends to be anywhere from 12-36 ...

What is the difference between comprehensive Orthodontics and regular braces?

Typical duration of comprehensive treatment is one to two years, depending on the complexity of the bite and goals desired. In our previous post we talked about the consultation appointment, check it out for more info about starting this process! Since the goal of comprehensive orthodontic treatment is to establish an ideal bite, this type of treatment may not fit the unique …

What is the objective of comprehensive treatment?

The length of Comprehensive Orthodontic Treatment typically depends on the severity of the problem to be corrected. Full treatment in correcting a protruding bite can take between 18-24 months. If the back teeth are aligned properly and the front teeth have minor crowding, treatment may only take between 9-18 months.

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What is the average length of orthodontic treatment?

The average orthodontic treatment falls somewhere between 16-18 months, but can sometimes take as long as 24 months, or even more. Be wary of promises from anyone who says you can have a straight smile in only six months.Sep 18, 2018

What does comprehensive treatment mean?

In its simplest form, limited treatment would focus a single tooth or single group of teeth, whereas comprehensive treatment would involve idealizing the bite, smile, alignment of all teeth, and soft tissue esthetics. For children, comprehensive treatment is the most common form of treatment.

What are the three major stages of comprehensive treatment?

Here is a general overview of the three major stages of treatment:
  • Stage 1 – The Planning Stage.
  • Stage 2 – The Active Stage.
  • Stage 3: The Retention Stage.

How long is limited orthodontic treatment?

Limited orthodontic treatment is often used in preparation for complex dental work like bridges or dental implants. It can be confined to the six front teeth or back teeth on the top, bottom or both. Generally the treatment time is 3 to 9 months with an average of 6 months.

What does comprehensive Ortho mean?

What Is Comprehensive Orthodontic Treatment? Comprehensive orthodontic treatment, unlike two-phase orthodontics, is completed in just one stage. Treatments like braces, metal or ceramic, “tooth-colored” braces, Invisalign or Invisalign Teen, are usually considered a comprehensive orthodontic treatment.

What is comprehensive treatment model?

comprehensive treatment model (CTM) An intervention approach for children with autism spectrum disorder, which incorporates multiple focused intervention practices to address a broad learning goal or to target more than one developmental domain; typically used for an extended period of time (e.g., one year).

What is Phase 3 therapy in orthodontics?

Phase 3: The Retention Phase

When the teeth have been correctly aligned, fixed braces and removable devices will be removed and discontinued. The most cumbersome part of the orthodontic treatment is now over. The orthodontist will next create a custom retainer.

What is settling in orthodontics?

Teeth will typically “settle” after braces are removed. Often, this settling results in a bite that is even better than when the braces were in place. Any movement from front teeth, however, is undesirable to both the patient and the orthodontist, so we want to prevent that as much as possible.Feb 1, 2015

What are the different classification of occlusion according to Edward angle?

The three classes according to Angle's classification are as follows: Normal occlusion: The mesiobuccal cusp of the upper first molar occludes with the buccal groove of the lower first molar. Class I malocclusion: Same as normal occlusion but characterized by crowding, rotations, and other positional irregularities.Apr 19, 2016

What is comprehensive treatment of adult dentition?

It is the most often sought form of orthodontics treatment received to correct many issues. In most cases, patients will receive braces for both arches of teeth to correct things like jaw function, alignment of teeth, and bite. The main objective of comprehensive ortho treatment is to rectify all alignment problems.Jan 19, 2021

What is the purpose of limited orthodontic treatment?

The goal of limited orthodontic treatment is to align the upper and lower front six teeth. Limited treatment typically does not address bite correction, posterior (back tooth) space closure, or significant horizontal, vertical, or transverse dental issues.

How do orthodontists number teeth?

We number these teeth by quadrants (upper right, upper left, lower right, lower left – or UR, UL, LL, LR). Your front tooth is number 1 and the very back tooth (your wisdom tooth) is number 8.Feb 26, 2013

Types of Braces

In many cases, we use traditional braces to achieve optimal results. At our practice, we offer both metal and clear braces, depending on your personal needs and preferences.

How Long Will Comprehensive Treatment Take?

Overall, orthodontic treatment could take anywhere from a few months to three years. On average, however, most patients complete comprehensive orthodontics in about two years. Of course, the actual timeline depends on several factors, including:

What to Expect during Treatment

We can place your braces during a single office visit. Once they are on, we will monitor your progress approximately every six weeks.

The Importance of Retention

Once the teeth are aligned and in their proper positions, treatment is complete. When your braces come off, you will need to wear a retainer to keep the teeth from moving into their old locations. It’s important to wear your retainer exactly as prescribed by Dr. Barrett.

Contact our Los Osos or San Luis Obispo Office Today

If you would like to learn more about comprehensive treatment – or schedule an appointment at our practice – reach out to a team member. You can contact us online or give us a call at (805) 541-3411 in San Luis Obispo or (805) 528-7121 in Los Osos, CA.

Severity of issues

Most often, the severity of the issues determines treatment duration. For some people with just a few teeth that need straightening, it may require a couple of months’ worth of treatment.

Patient Commitment

Compliance with the orthodontist’s instructions can have an impact on treatment times.

Everyone is different

Every patient is unique, and every person’s teeth will move at different rates.

When do you start orthodontic treatment?

Most orthodontic treatments begin between the ages of 9 and 14 when there are both baby and adult teeth present, and the facial structure is still growing.

How long does it take to get an orthodontist to do a facial exam?

Some treatments may take a few months while others may take several years. On average, typical treatment takes between 12 and 36 months. Before you begin any treatment, your orthodontist will conduct a thorough oral and facial examination, complete with x-rays, impressions, and/or a facial scan, to identify your orthodontic needs.

When do you start getting orthodontists?

Most orthodontic treatments begin between the ages of 9 and 14 when there are both baby and adult teeth present, and the facial structure is still growing. This allows the orthodontist to correct any existing problems and help guide future development.

Can you see improvement in your teeth before orthodontist?

You may begin to see dramatic improvements well before the scheduled end of your treatment. However, this does not mean that your treatment should end early. Your orthodontist’s goal is to create the proper alignment in your teeth and jaw—both where you can see it and where you cannot. Your orthodontic treatment is unique to your teeth and is designed to produce healthy, long-lasting results. While the adjustments themselves may not take much time, making them permanent requires the bones in your jaw to harden around the changes.

How important is an orthodontist appointment?

Every appointment during your treatment is important, as this is the time your orthodontist will evaluate progress and make the adjustments needed to continue. Following your orthodontist’s guidance about proper device usages—such as elastics or rubber bands—dental care, and diet is also important. Failure to do so can result in costly damages to your device or other setbacks to your treatment. Do not try to “speed up” your treatment by adjusting your devices yourself or exceeding recommendations; excessive force can cause your teeth and jaw to move where they shouldn’t.

Orthodontic Treatment Times

Treatment time can vary significantly from one patient to another. Most often the time needed is determined by the complexity of the treatment. If it’s just a few teeth that need slight straightening, then a patient might be finished within 6-12 months. A complex case with multiple issues that need attention can take two years.

Type of Treatment

Orthodontic treatment over 20 years ago involved almost routine teeth extractions which increased treatment time. Today we try to avoid extracting teeth where possible.

Breakages

Some patients eat the wrong foods and cause the archwire to break or a brace to come off the tooth. Hard, crusty and chewy foods are usually to blame. Once any part of the braces is damaged, they are no longer working.

Every Mouth is Different

Your orthodontist won’t know how your teeth will respond to braces until you have been to the first couple of appointments. Some people have teeth that move into the desired position quickly and efficiently while others don’t respond as well. Everyone is different.

Experience of the Orthodontist

The level of skill and experience of the treating orthodontist can influence treatment time. An experienced orthodontist will know the which treatment method will provide the best outcome in the least time.

Try Not to Rush Your Treatment

It’s understandable that people want their orthodontic treatment finished as soon as possible. Following your orthodontist’s advice will ensure treatment time doesn’t extend unnecessarily.

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