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"When Do I Get My Braces Off?"
WHEN DO I GET MY BRACES OFF? is the most frequently asked question from all patients and parents. Unfortunately, it is the most difficult question the orthodontist has to answer. Most of the time he just does not know. The length of treatment is determined by:
1) the difficulty of the orthodontic problem
2) patient cooperation (how well the patient follows directions with regard to wearing elastics, Frankels, bionators,rubber bands, etc.)
3) the number of broken and missed appointments and broken appliances
4) the correct diagnosis and treatment plan
5) growth pattern of the patient
6) upper airway patency (ability of the patient to breathe well through the nose both night and day)
7) the rate at which all permanent teeth erupt
8) habits that interfere with treatment (tongue habits, lip biting, etc.)
WHEN DO I GET MY BRACES OFF? is a normal and natural question but not easily answered in a precise manner. So please keep asking the question. Just don't expect an answer you can depend on.
Please know this -- we are just as anxious to remove your braces as you are. The shorter your treatment time, the better for us. Keeping your braces on is very expensive for us.
You can depend on us to give you our very best effort all the time. If you give your very best effort throughout the course of your treatment, then braces time will be shorter and the results better.
You are in charge of both the length of treatment and the quality of results. Keep asking and keep on working hard to finish your treatment.
THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE!