The time it takes to straighten your teeth varies depending on your unique smile needs and which orthodontic option you choose. Here are our terrific orthodontic options we offer at Stroope Orthodontics and the average treatment times.
1. Braces
On average, treatment using metal or ceramic braces takes about 1-2 years.
Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are an affordable way to straighten nearly any smile! If you have extensive issues with overcrowding, gapping, and/or a misaligned bite, traditional braces may be the best option for you because this versatile treatment can deliver the force required to correct a wide variety of issues. For the duration of your treatment, brackets are bonded to the front your teeth with an archwire threaded through them. These apply pressure to gradually move your teeth into the correct position.
Ceramic Braces
For a less noticeable version of braces that are able to apply the same force and deliver the same dramatic results, we offer 3M Clarity ADVANCED Ceramic Brackets. These stain-proof ceramic brackets are translucent so they'll nearly match the color of your natural teeth.
2. Invisalign®
If you want to straighten your teeth even more inconspicuously than ceramic braces, consider Invisalign. This process utilizes a series of custom-made clear aligners to slowly move your teeth. Every 1-2 weeks you'll get a new aligner to move your smile one step closer to your dream smile. For optimal results, these aligners are to be worn for 20-22 hours a day and only removed when eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. With Invisalign, you won't need to visit us quite as often as you would with traditional braces because no wires need to be adjusted. But you'll need to pick up your new aligners every several weeks and we'll ensure that your teeth are moving as planned.
Invisalign treatment time typically lasts 12-18 months.
3. Accelerated Orthodontics
PROPEL is a neat new procedure that can significantly reduce your overall orthodontic treatment time with braces or Invisalign, sometimes even by half! Using a local anesthetic, we take a quick 20 minutes to poke micro-holes on your teeth to promote bone remodeling. This allows your teeth to move faster into their new positions.
Our PROPEL system would make your treatment for braces to be about 6-12 months, and Invisalign only 6-9 months.
Your Smile Is Within Reach!
If you are interested or have any questions about any of our orthodontic treatments, contact the Stroope Orthodontics team to schedule your consultation today.
