Why do they keep changing the date of when I'll get my braces off?

[emlephant]

I've had my braces on since the summer going into seventh grade (I'm a freshman now, so it's been maybe two years). Last time I visited the ortho, my orthodontist said I would have them off before school let out. Today when I visited, the ortho assistant said I wouldn't have them off until NEXT December (making it three years). I'm really upset because nobody I know has had braces on for more than a year. I'm not sure whether or not to trust the ortho assistant because she really hates me (always doing over exaggerated sighs and being really dramatic, etc). What should I do?

[Tyrantblade]

It seems pretty standard that many people need braces for 18-24 months, sometimes longer.

So I don't really know how you don't know anybody that needed braces for more than 1 year.

As for changing the date, they can't predict how fast your teeth will move and along with that if there were any challenges (teeth too far out of alignment, impacted (covered under the gums) teeth, closing gaps caused from extractions; etc) that would make it even harder for them to guess when your removal date will be

[djspeece]

My ortho refused to zero in on a date, and kept his remarks fairly vague, like "you're a little behind schedule" by which he meant it would take an extra year, for a total of 3. I would believe the ortho, not the assistant. She may be trying to get under your skin.

[lambchop]

I had my braces on for a few months short of five years. There was never an estimated debanding date until the appointment before the debanding was scheduled. At least I never got my hopes up...I was estimated to have them on for 18-24 months, btw...not 58 months!!

[emlephant]

@lambchop the pain you've gone through!!!! I'm sure you have an amazing smile though!!!!