When you’ve invested the time and the money into your new smile, it makes sense to get excited. We all want to waste no time in showing off those pearly whites to the world as soon as possible!

While experienced orthodontists can provide the best estimate as to how quickly you’ll be able to take those braces off, at the end of the day, the timeframe remains an estimate. This is because the average length of orthodontic treatment depends on so many different factors. Everything from the skill of the orthodontist, to the existing health of a smile before treatment affects the final result.

So, what do you need for the fastest braces treatment time?

When comparing braces treatment options and planning your journey to a healthier, happier smile, keep these factors in mind:

1. The health and condition of your smile

FACT: Everyone is unique! While this is something to celebrate, it’s also important to factor in. Different people’s teeth and gums will react to the orthodontic process in different ways, thereby allowing you to either speed up the orthodontic treatment or delay it. Healthy gums, strong teeth and ideal jaw structures make tooth movement much faster, more predictable and less uncomfortable for the patient.

Age is also an important factor. The older you are, the harder your jaw bone is and the stronger your jaw muscles become. This often means more care (and potentially more time) is required to move teeth into the correct position. Though many orthodontists prefer treating younger patients for this reason, braces are an effective solution for people of all ages.

2. The simplicity and suitability of treatment types

There are so many solutions out there, for almost every budget and preference. However, not every solution is right for you! The priority should be to use simple and effective treatments that:

• Are comfortable in the mouth
• Are easy to tolerate and clean
• Achieve excellent results

While some solutions might advertise faster and better results, watch out for “appliances” that are bulky, difficult to wear, affect your speech and impede your ability to eat. These side effects negatively impact your lifestyle and often render the results ineffective.

3. The consistency of patient self care

There’s little point investing your time, energy and hard earned money, if you choose to skip out on the basics of dental care. The routine of regular brushing, flossing and general hygiene is important to maintain while you’re settling into your new smile. In addition, avoiding hard and sticky foods is helpful for reducing any potential damage to your braces and ensuring your treatment goes smoothly.

Thankfully, there are so many resources out there for the health conscious and smile savvy. Everything from nutritious, braces-friendly recipes, to simple self care guides will help you along the way. Despite the extensive measures that many orthodontics take to minimise pain, minor discomfort is often unavoidable, especially in the initial stages.

4. The skill and experience of the orthodontist

Ultimately, choosing the right orthodontist is just as important as choosing the right treatment type. An experienced orthodontist, especially specialising in your specific needs, will be able to advise you on the best solution and make the whole process as enjoyable and efficient as possible.

While these 4 factors might seem like simple ingredients in the recipe for a perfect smile, it can be difficult to get the combination just right. Invest time into researching all of your options, while also allowing enough time for your braces to produce the desired results. If you’re straightening your smile for a big event, such as a wedding, planning your time well is even more crucial! Here’s our handy guide on what to expect when you’re expecting braces, to get you kickstarted on the path to your perfect smile. Just download your copy by clicking the button below: