When will my braces come off, Dr. Boschken?

The question we are asked most commonly as an orthodontist is “When do I get my braces off?” Although treatment is different for every single patient, there are some basic objectives and steps of treatment that are similar for the majority of patients. If you currently wear braces and want to know how you are progressing, read on…

In my offices there are three distinct phases of treatment through which every patient must pass. Although their order may be switched or there may be some overlap between them, the three phases include resolving the crowding/spacing, aligning the teeth, and correcting the bite.

First, crowding is corrected by expanding the arches or by removing teeth. Teeth cannot be correctly aligned if there is not enough room. The decision to expand or extract is determined by a number of variables including the size of the teeth and jaws, the amount of bone and gum tissue supporting the roots, and the profile. The first objective is to create room so that the teeth can be aligned. If a patient has extra space at the beginning of treatment, that space must be closed during this step.

Once there is room, the second step is to properly align or straighten the teeth. Aligning the arches is accomplished using wires, elastics, power-chains, springs, and other auxiliaries (“gadgets”) that rotate, tip, and torque the teeth into their desired positions. Another common step in the alignment process is “repositioning” individual brackets. Sometimes brackets cannot be put in the right place on the first day because of the bite, the alignment, or the shape of the teeth. However, after the teeth have been partially aligned, brackets can then be moved to better positions.

The third goal of treatment is correcting the bite or making certain that the upper teeth fit with the lower ones. This must be accomplished in all three planes of space, front to back (overbite or under-bite), side to side (cross-bites), as well as top to bottom (open bite or deep bite). Making the upper match the lower is accomplished with wires, rubber bands, springs, or very rarely, surgery. When the bite is right, the backs of the top teeth rest lightly on the fronts of the bottom ones. (There are also some specific functional relationships that must be “just so” at the end of treatment, but the specifics are beyond the scope of this article.)

The “When do I get my braces off?” question usually arises during the third or “bite phase” of treatment. By that time the crowded, crooked teeth are gone and the patient is generally happy with how things look. Admittedly, the first half of treatment is more exciting than the last half. It is during the final phase however where the bite is corrected so that the results will be healthy and stable.

If you are wondering if you’re getting close to getting your braces off, compare what you see in your mouth with this list:

1. Are the teeth straight?
2. Are the spaces between the teeth closed completely?
3. Do the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth appropriately (not too deep, but no visible space between them)?
4. Are the outer cusps of the upper teeth resting on the outside of the corresponding ones in the lower?
5. Is the overbite or under-bite corrected?

If it is obvious that your teeth are still crooked, have spaces between them, or you still have a deep bite or overbite, you probably still have some time remaining. If your treatment time is longer that was originally estimated, ask yourself if you have everything you can to achieve your orthodontic goals. If you have specific questions about your smile, ask Dr. Boschken to explain what objectives remain in your treatment. Dr. Boschken is hoping for the most perfect results and your braces will come off when the best result is achieved and not before. Good luck, and keep smiling!

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