How Long Does Orthodontic Treatment Take?

Philadelphia orthodontist Kellyn W. Hodges offers the most comprehensive range of orthodontic treatment options available in order to serve the wide-ranging needs of her valued patients. Before patients decide upon their preferred course of orthodontic treatment, Dr. Hodges takes the time to explain their options and educate them about what each option entails. Establishing appropriate expectations is one of the most important elements of a satisfactory outcome.

Most patients enter their initial consultation full of questions about various treatments, including cost, likely results, and timeline. The answers to these questions depend on many factors that are unique to the individual patient; however, there are general points regarding each that are somewhat universal. This is particularly true of the timeline for various orthodontic treatments.

At our practice in Philadelphia, orthodontic treatment is never treated as a one-size-fits-all procedure. Each patient receives completely customized treatment, with equal emphasis placed on both oral health and the appearance of the smile. How long it will take to achieve the best possible results depends on the extent of the treatment and the needs and goals of the patient. To find out which of our orthodontic treatment options might be best suited to you, as well as how long it will take to achieve the results you desire, please contact our Philadelphia orthodontics practice today.

How Long Does Orthodontic Treatment Take?

At the orthodontic practice of Dr. Kellyn W. Hodges, our goal is to match each patient with the method of treatment that will produce optimal results in the least amount of time. Because we offer the most advanced orthodontic treatments available, we are often able to shave a patient’s treatment time by weeks or even months compared to practices that offer only traditional metal braces. Even patients who do opt for those traditional appliances, we are often able to shorten the treatment time through meticulous planning.

Indeed, the planning stage is essential to the success - and the efficiency - of any treatment. While severe orthodontic problems could take as long as two to three years to correct, most patients are able to achieve excellent results in a matter of months. At our practice in Philadelphia, braces, Invisalign®, fast acting adult braces (FAAB), Wilckodontics®, and “retainers only” treatment are each associated with their own unique timelines.

• Traditional braces - Treatment with traditional braces usually requires between 12 and 24 months, but could take as little as eight months or as long as three years depending on the case. Routine check-ups after treatment is complete will also be necessary.
• Invisalign® - Treatment with Invisalign® invisible aligners generally involves a timeline similar to that associated with traditional braces. If it would take 12 months to produce optimal results with traditional braces, it would take about that to achieve the same results with Invisalign®.
• Fast acting adult braces (FAAB) - Patients who are suitable candidates for fast acting adult braces may be able to achieve outstanding results in six to ten months, even in cases that would require two to three times as long with traditional braces.
• Wilckodontics® - The revolutionary Wilckodontics® system reduces the treatment time of even complex orthodontic problems to approximately three to eight months.
• “Retainers only” treatment - The length of treatment with retainers depends entirely on the needs of the individual patient.

To learn more about the orthodontic treatments we offer or to schedule your initial free consultation with Dr. Hodges, contact us today!