Most patients begin orthodontic treatment between the ages of  9 and 14, depending on growth and dental development. By age 12, most, if not all of the permanent teeth have erupted, and crooked teeth, spacing and bad bites can easily be detected. These problems rarely correct themselves, and the teen years are an ideal time for orthodontic correction because we are able to take advantage of the patients growth during this time.

HOW LONG WILL ADOLESCENT TREATMENT TAKE?

The amount of time it will take to treat your smile and your bite depends on several factors:

• The severity of your orthodontic problems and the amount of treatment required to correct these problems will influence the length of treatment time.
• Different patients react to treatments differently. While it may take one patient only one year to complete treatment, it may take another patient two years. Treatment times can vary depending on how quickly your body responds to treatment.
• You also can influence your treatment time. Here are some things you can do to help speed up the process: keep your teeth and orthodontic appliances clean, follow directions for rubber band wear, avoid foods that cause your appliances to break, and come to your regularly scheduled appointments.