Addressing minor or severe cases of dental misalignment could mean a pretty major time commitment. For some, correcting uneven teeth may take up to two years. Fortunately, your Fort Worth, TX, orthodontist knows how to limit the amount of time fixing crooked, crowded, and overlapping teeth.
How Long Does Addressing Misalignment Usually Take?
That depends on a number of factors. For example, very severe cases of misalignment will likely take a longer time. In addition, children and teen patients have smiles that are still growing and developing, which impacts how long correcting the smile takes. On average, using metal braces to address poor alignment takes about two years for both teens and adults. For those receiving treatment with a series of clear aligners, the total treatment time could take about one year for adults, and up to 18 months for our teen patients. The time also depends on whether aligners were worn properly, and whether you attended periodic appointments to adjust the tension in your braces as recommended.
Propel® Accelerated Orthodontics
The reason correcting the smile takes time is that the jawbone tissue and gums must reform around the teeth at each stage of movement. Otherwise, the teeth would revert to their old positions. However, with Propel® Accelerated Orthodontics, we use a unique technology to significantly reduce the amount of time the treatment takes. We start by prescribing the Propel® VPRO5 device, a small hand-held device that is easy to use, clean, and store. The small device is worn in the mouth for about five minutes every day. The gentle vibrations given by the device will stimulate the growth of jawbone tissue. Over time, this decreases how long you need braces or clear aligners!
The Benefits of an Even Smile
Why should we consider addressing misalignment? After all, isn’t this mainly a cosmetic concern? The fact is, even minor misalignment could impact the overall health of your smile. Poor alignment makes thoroughly brushing and flossing difficult, increasing the risk of plaque buildup and elevating the chances of cavities and gum disease developing. Uneven teeth also place strain on the jaw joints and upset bite balance, both factors in the onset of painful disorders like TMJ disorder and bruxism (chronic teeth grinding), which lead to greater discomfort and even damaged teeth in some cases. If you have any questions, then contact our team today.
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT ORTHODONTIC TECHNOLOGY?
Our team is ready to help correct the alignment of your smile with aligners and braces. To learn more about correcting minor and advanced cases of misalignment, then please call Lake Country Orthodontics in Fort Worth, TX at (817) 236-7846. Our office proudly serves patients who live in White Settlement, North Fort Worth, and all surrounding communities.
