Anyone been told an estimated time to have braces on for ie 18months to 2years & had them off before that time

Question

I was told 18 months to 2 years, I’ve had my braces on for 5 months, I’m fine with them but still want my dream of straight teeth to happen sooner rather then later. I don’t ask my orth each time I go for an appointment how long now because I don’t want to hear 18 months to 2 years when my teeth are so straight and looking great, that’s all I wanted and I just want them off now. I was also told at the start I would need teeth out and I’m assuming that would make the process longer getting that gap to move and fill and recently been told I wont need teeth out, surely that would have reduced the time. I’m not sooking, I’m happy to wait as I know they have to sit straight with my braces on for a period of time for my mouth to adjust, just after a bit of hope.

Answer 1

I've been told that I'd have them for about a year and a half and got them off 6 months sooner.  

Basically what you'd need to do to reduce the time is follow the orthodontist's instructions.  I know it sounds too common, and you probably hear it each time you go to your orthodontist.  However, that is how you are able to get them off sooner.

For example, don't chew gum or drink soda.  Avoid chewing on ice and dice hard foods like apples or cook carrots so that they're softer.  Don't chew on the tip of your pen/pencil and if your orthodontist says that it's time that you start wearing the rubber bands that bring your upper and lower jaw together to align better, then you should wear it each night as recommended.  If something happens to your braces like the wire is bent, call your orthodontist immediately or the bent in the wire will mess up the process.  That's all you can do.  However, it is possible, by following instructions precisely, that you could get braces off sooner than planned.  

For the gaps issue, removing teeth is if your jaw does not have enough space for all the teeth to be in perfect alignment, and the orthodontist thinks in order to achieve the best possible result is to remove a few teeth.  I used to have a small gap between two of my teeth, and that closes up in about a month.

Good luck!!

I hope this helped a bit.  

Answer 2

This sounds almost exactly like me and I had mine for 19 months I believe.

oh and wear your retainer... I didn't. oops...

Answer 3

umm my friends were off earlier i dont hav braces myself,, i believ like all things they are cautious and tell u it will b longer than it actually will be just to make suree

Answer 4

Yep!

I was told 24-36 months and had them off at 18 months. Keep in mind that even though your teeth may look really straight, that doesn't mean that they are orthodontically correct. Also, as you said, they have to stay in the same spot for a while before your braces come off so that they will stay in place after they are removed (if you wear retainers as instructed).

So there is your little bit of hope!