There are a few factors to be considered in determining how long you will need to wear braces, such as severity of misalignment of the teeth and position of the jaw. Most cases can be treated in 18 months or less. As an adult, traditional braces or Invisalign treatment would only take around 12 months.

Will I need to wear a headgear?

The answer to this question is easy - NO. By using functional jaw appliances instead of a headgear, the appliance can change the structure of the bone by stimulating jaw growth and expand the arches without any need for a headgear.

At what age should my child first see an Orthodontist?

The sequence in which the baby teeth are lost is very important to your orthodontic treatment and should be monitored by around age 6. In most cases treatment at this age is not always necessary, but by seeing an orthodontist every 2-3 months the tooth loss can be watched carefully. Also, by keeping your regular check-ups with your general dentist he can determine if an orthodontic visit is needed as well.

Will I need permanent teeth extracted?

In our office, extraction of permanent teeth for orthodontics is rare. Years ago, bicuspid tooth extraction was the primary method orthodontists used for making room for teeth that were crowded or severely overlapping. With the use of functional jaw orthopedics, permanent tooth extractions can be avoided in the vast majority of cases. This gives the patient a full smile with natural facial contours, more pleasing facial aesthetics, and healthier temporomandibular joints (jaw joints).