Braces Off Early in 2020 | CAN I DO IT?

Last Updated on July 4, 2023 by Gio Greenard

Are you tired of wearing braces and eager to show off your straight teeth? While it’s important to follow your orthodontist’s treatment plan and wear your braces for the recommended amount of time, you may be wondering if there’s any way to get your braces off early. In this blog post, we’ll explore the factors that can affect the length of your orthodontic treatment and discuss whether or not it’s possible to speed up the process. We’ll also provide tips on how to take care of your braces and ensure that your treatment is as efficient as possible. So, read on to learn more about getting your braces off early and achieving a beautiful, straight smile.

Contents

Braces Off Early

When you decide to get braces, you or your child may have many questions that need answering. Is it going to hurt? How much will it cost? How will my teeth look with the brackets on them? And, last but not least: How long will I have to have them? The short answer: it depends. Treatment time ranges from between 1 to 2 ½ years, but the average patient completes their treatment in about 22 months.

People also commonly ask: Will I be able to get them off early? Typically, this not an option; however, with the many different available treatment options and properly caring for your teeth, the teeth-straightening process can be somewhat shortened.

The Options

There are several options that can give you that perfect smile you have always wanted, each utilizing a different method and providing quality results in varying amounts of time. Using their expert knowledge, your orthodontist will be able to help you select the perfect method for you.

Non-Invasive

AcceleDent® is a non-invasive, FDA-cleared medical device that we offer to braces and aligner patients to speed up tooth movement during treatment. The device is small and easy to use. You use the device by biting on the mouthpiece and gentle vibrations accelerate tooth movement. Patients also say that the vibrations massage the gums, providing relief to the discomfort felt throughout treatment. In many instances, AcceleDent can help patients complete treatment in 12 months or less.

Metal/Traditional

This is the most common option and utilizes small, metal brackets and interchangeable wires. Teeth are straightened using corrective pressure. Brackets come in metal, clear, or ceramic, the latter two being less visible than the metal. This traditional method typically aligns teeth within about 22 months.

Lingual

If you are looking for shorter treatment time and a more natural look throughout the process, the lingual style may be for you. This option focuses solely on the six upper and lower front teeth, the teeth visible when you smile. There is no need to feel self-conscious about smiling or laughing as these brackets are placed on the backs of your teeth, making them invisible to everyone around you. This option provides a beautiful smile and initial results can be seen within only 3 to 6 months!

Invisalign

Invisalign allows you to straighten your teeth without brackets or wires. It uses customized clear aligners that are replaced every week or two as your teeth move and adapt. This method is also practically invisible! Invisalign straightens your teeth using between 12 and 48 aligners, so treatment time can vary depending on the person.

What’s The Bottom Line?

Although there is no sure way of getting your braces off early, you might be able to shorten the processing time a little bit by taking care of your teeth and following the rules and guidelines provided to you.

Be Food Conscious

• Hard fruits and vegetables, such as apples and carrots, can damage your wires and cause brackets to break off. By taking small bites and chewing food carefully, you can prevent these issues from occurring.

Be Careful with Candy

• Chewy foods and sweets like chocolates, caramels, and gummies can stick to brackets or cause wires to bend and break. This will slow down the treatment process and prolong the time your teeth need to straighten.

Stay Away From Carbonated Beverages

Fix Bad Habits

• Chewing on anything besides food, such as pens and pencils, erasers, or fingernails, can damage your wires, keeping those brackets in your mouth longer than they need to be.

Want to Know the Best Part?

Carefully cleaning and taking care of your teeth will help to speed up the treatment process. One of the most important aspects of this is brushing your teeth. It is important to brush your teeth for 2 to 3 minutes a minimum of 2 times per day, but some orthodontists recommend brushing up to four times a day, after meal times and before going to sleep each night to ensure food is not stuck between your teeth.

Flossing your teeth is also critical. Even though it can be a hassle, it is important to floss daily. If plaque builds up between your teeth and gums, not only can it cause cavities, but it can also prevent your teeth from moving as quickly.

A water flosser can provide an easier alternative to flossing and is a great solution for removing food and plaque from between teeth. These devices use a water jet to reach deep between and around teeth and gums to remove lodged pieces of food. As it can be difficult to effectively brush and clean teeth with a wire and brackets, a water flosser effectively reduces decalcification, keeping teeth strong. It also helps prevent gingivitis (inflamed gums), promoting an all-around healthier mouth.

Properly wearing rubber bands (elastics) is also important to ensure a shorter treatment time. Elastics are used to adjust jaw alignment and teeth position. If you do have rubber bands, be sure not to play with them or remove them except during meals or while cleaning your teeth. Even if wearing them is uncomfortable or annoying at times, they are there for a reason and taking them out will only extend the time you must wear them.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while it’s generally not recommended to try and get your braces off early, there are certain steps you can take to ensure that your treatment is as efficient as possible. This includes maintaining good oral hygiene, following your orthodontist’s instructions, and avoiding activities that could damage your braces. By taking care of your braces and being patient, you’ll be able to achieve the straight, healthy smile you desire. Remember to consult with your orthodontist if you have any concerns about the length of your treatment or the progress of your orthodontic care. Overall, getting your braces off early is possible, but it’s important to follow your orthodontist’s guidance and prioritize the health and stability of your teeth and gums.

Dr Patricia Panucci

Dr Patti Panucci attended the University of Louisville School of Dentistry for four years, where she graduated with a DMD degree (May 2000) among the Top 10 in her class. Following that, she headed west to Los Angeles to complete her three-year residency at one of the top-ranked orthodontic programs in the country – the University of Southern California.

Along with her certificate in orthodontics, Dr. Panucci earned a master’s degree in craniofacial biology. During those three years, she fell in love with Southern California beach life and decided that this was where her future lay.