orthodontics is necessary for improving the health and appearance of your smile. However, many adults feel hesitant to begin orthodontics when they learn that braces may take anywhere from 18 months to three or more years to treat severe misalignment.

Although age can have an impact on treatment duration, so do other factors, including dietary restrictions, adherence to appliances such as rubber bands and clear aligner trays, and avoiding dental emergencies like broken brackets. Additionally, some patients are simply unable to finish treatment in the estimated time due to poor compliance or unavoidable circumstances, such as missed appointments and a habit of picking at and removing aligners too frequently.

Straighten Your Smile with Invisalign Braces

Fortunately, there are ways that you can speed up your orthodontic treatment timeline without compromising safety or results. Known as accelerated orthodontics, these techniques leverage physical stimulation and surgical procedures to enhance tooth movement and accelerate the esthetic results of your new smile.

The most effective way to shorten your treatment is to follow all instructions from your orthodontist and to attend appointments as scheduled. Avoiding dietary restrictions, skipping appointments, or failing to wear rubber bands and other orthodontic appliances as prescribed will prolong your treatment time. In addition, if you wear clear aligners, be sure to leave them in for the recommended number of hours per day to prevent misalignment and premature shifting of your teeth. Finally, a habit of brushing and flossing your teeth consistently is also important to maintain optimal oral health and reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease, which can delay or derail your orthodontic treatment.