When Do I Get My Braces Off?

There are three main phases of treatment that every patient must pass before their braces can be removed, and that is: crowding, arch alignments, and bite alignment.

1. Crowding

   One of the main concerns when a patient first gets braces is either because they have gaps in their teeth that need to be closed or have overcrowding of the teeth.  Typically, when a patient has overcrowding, teeth need to either be removed or the arches need to be expanded. The main goal is to create enough room for the teeth to move and realign into the proper position.

2. Alignment of the Teeth

   Once there is enough room for the teeth to move into their proper positions, this is when wires, elastic chains, and possibly other supplements are used. This process takes some time, depending on the patient’s case and how quickly or slowly their teeth move. It is important to note that it is common for some teeth to move quicker than others, especially when there are gaps that need to be closed due to teeth removal.

3. Correcting the Bite                                                                              To simply answer this question, it all depends on what stage you are in the treatment process.  Stay patient and your smile will be worth it in the end! It’s best to wait until your orthodontist decides whether or not your braces are ready to be removed, as they want to provide the best result.  If you have any other questions regarding braces, feel free to contact Lee Orthodontics at (510) 570-6244 and our staff will be eager to help!