When's the best time to start treatment?

The best time to see an orthodontist is as soon as you see any problem with your bite. Only a specialist orthodontist can advise you on what treatment is best and when is best to start.

How long can treatment take?

Orthodontic treatment can last anywhere from 6 months to over 2 years, depending on your case. For example, rotating a single tooth may be achieved in a few short months, but guiding a tooth down and pushing it into alignment with the rest of your teeth may take longer. Correcting jaw alignment and fixing your bite may also take longer to correct.

A number of companies out there claim to be able to treat all orthodontic cases in as little as 6 months. But they tend to only straighten the front teeth without correcting underlying bite issues, making them an incomplete and sometimes unsafe form of treatment.

No matter the length of your treatment, a successfully completed treatment will generally be far better than one that is rushed.

How many appointments are needed?

Your orthodontist will be able to advise you of how frequently you should be booking in for an adjustment or assessment throughout your treatment. That will help you work out your budget for the course of your treatment.

It might be tempting to skip an appointment here or there, but these regular check-ins and adjustments are crucial to ensure that your treatment progresses smoothly, and your smile is the best it can be.