How Soon Do You See Results from Braces?

To orthodontia wearers, it seems treatment takes eons. But your orthodontist is, in reality, following a carefully designed treatment plan to shift your teeth as quickly as possible, but slow enough to protect the integrity of the tooth structure. Attempting to shift teeth too quickly can result in damaged roots; going too slow can result in shortening of the roots, known as root resorption.

As braces move your teeth, bone is broken down on the side of the tooth receiving pressure. On the other side, bone is being deposited so that there is bone to support the tooth in its new position.

Braces begin working the moment they are affixed to your teeth; it just takes a while to see a change because it’s so gradual. You should notice results between one to three months after application. If you don’t see changes by the fourth month, you can consult your orthodontist to see if there’s any outside factor affecting the treatment.

The average total treatment for braces is around 18 to 24 months, but there are many factors that affect treatment length, like your genetics or a habit you are doing or not doing that is slowing the process. For example, if your orthodontist has instructed you to wear rubber bands, you may need to recommit to that habit.

If you want to personally keep track of the shifting of your teeth and see proof of results, try taking a photo of your teeth once a week or once a month and look back on the photos each time to see how their alignment is improving.

Got more questions about orthodontia? Oasis Kids and Orthodontics is here to help; call or stop by!