When it comes to straightening teeth, a variety of factors come into play that could ultimately prolong your treatment. Fortunately, most of these factors are completely under your control, whereas others simply can’t be avoided. For the most part, if you properly maintain your braces and follow the direction of your orthodontist, you can expect to have your braces removed right on time! However, if you neglect your braces, you may need to wear them longer than originally planned.
At Kraus Orthodontics, Dr. Kraus and his team do their best to keep patients on track with their treatment plans and estimated timing, but Dr. Kraus can’t ensure you are following directions while at home. This means it’s up to you to stay true to your plan and stay on track. Straightening teeth is a process, and many factors can affect it. Let’s take a look at some common reasons as to why treatment is often prolonged for many patients.
Why Your Braces are Still On
As mentioned, a variety of factors can impact your overall treatment time in braces, some of which you can control, and some you can’t. First, we’ll take a look at the ways the patient, or you, can prolong treatment time. As long as you avoid these common mistakes and properly maintain your braces, you could get your braces off right on time. See below:
- Missing Appointments: In straightening teeth, braces need to be adjusted at certain times throughout treatment. If you miss appointments and constantly change the scheduled dates, Dr. Kraus can’t make the necessary adjustments to keep your teeth moving into place.
- Eating the Wrong Foods: A variety of foods can damage your brackets and wires. If you continue to eat them and harm your braces, you’ll need to schedule an appointment for a repair. In the meantime, the braces aren’t all connected and can’t do their job.
- Failing to Follow Instructions: Similar to that above, not following the instructions given by Dr. Kraus or his staff is a common cause of proleonged treatment. Whether it’s failing to wear your rubber bands or eating the wrong foods, both result in extended treatment.
Straightening Teeth: Factors Out of Your Control
Unfortunately, the process of straightening teeth isn’t always in your control. Despite your efforts to follow guidelines, make appointments, and avoid harmful foods, and wear your rubber bands, issues can still arise beyond the control of you and Dr. Kraus. Somewhat often, a patient’s mouth simply won’t respond as well to the braces. Though treatment is well-planned prior to starting, some patient’s teeth just move slower than others, while some can move faster.
Issues with your teeth can also alter your overall treatment time. For instance, it’s not uncommon for patients with braces to get cavities and require dental treatment which halts all orthodontic movement occurring at the time. In some cases, braces even have to be removed and put back on to address an issue with the tooth. Fortunately, this isn’t common.
Stay on Track with Kraus Orthodontics!
While some factors are out of your hands, you can still expect to get your braces off on time by following Dr. Kraus’ directions, avoiding harmful foods, and making as many scheduled appointments as possible. No one wants to hear they have to wear their braces for longer than necessary, so do what you can to stay on track!
If you ever have any issues with your braces, or are interested in straightening your teeth, give us a call at 469.619.9959 or contact us here.
