Realistically, how long should I expect to be in braces?

[DapperFellow]

I have an overbite and an overjet. I'm going to be needing 8 extractions prior to surgery: 4 premolars, and the 4 wisdom teeth. My orthodontist says the full treatment will probably be one and a half to two years. My oral surgeon seems be optimistic and thinks it will be less than that. My question for you all is, what is a realistic estimate of when I'll be completely done with the full process (braces, extractions, surgery and all!)? I know it's a case by case basis, but is one and a half years realistic? More? Less?

Let me know what you all think!

[Tobilei]

As you said, every case is different and I think that sometimes they just don't know how well your teeth will move. Some people's teeth move surprisingly fast, others have stubborn teeth and end up in braces longer than expected.

Generally they like you to have at least a week before you get braces on after extractions. I doubt they'll do all 8 at once, but only your ortho or dentist can tell you how long they'll leave between extractions and how many they'll do at a single time.

My daughter had quite a large overjet and has been in braces for 11 months. They're expecting to take them off around September which will take her right up to the 18 months they estimated for her.

I have no jaw problems, no overjet or overbite etc, just needed some teeth moved and tilted and my expected treatment time is 14 months.

I'd say you'd need at least 18 months in braces, but I'm only guessing.

[DapperFellow]

Thanks for your thoughts! 18 months would actually be a relief for me. I'm really worried that I'll end up having these for 3 years or more.

I've been in braces for a month now, and will probably have some extractions by the end of March, and the rest in the Summer. I know that I can't have the surgery until all of the extractions are done and the gaps have been filled in and whatnot. I'm *hoping* to have the surgery in January of 2014, but I'm guessing it will be more like Summer 2014.

They said 3/4 of the time in braces will be pre-surgery, and then a few months with them post-surgery.

[DapperFellow]

I forgot to mention, I actually had braces when I was younger, from about 3rd grade to 6th grade. I'm 20 years old now. Not sure if that will make a difference in terms of the time I spend in them this time around. I sure hope so.

[Tobilei]

Some people are in them for up to 3 years It all depends on how well your teeth move I guess and the issues they are trying to fix with them. Don't hold me to the 18 months! It really was just a guess. Your orthodontist is the one most likely to give you a more accurate time frame

[DapperFellow]

My orthodontist said 1 and 1/2 to 2 years, so I'm going to go with your guess to make myself feel better!

[Tobilei]

Well.......18 months is 1 1/2 years so fingers crossed that's how long it'll take (at age 20, in the long run an extra 6 months will go quickly in hindsight).

[DapperFellow]

That's true. This past month alone has flown by!

[Dolphinbite]

It will be about 18 months for me

[DapperFellow]

What are you getting done?

[HelenUK]

I was given an estimate of 18months to 2 years aswell, as you can see from my ticker i'm coming upto 3 years now.

[DapperFellow]

well that makes me pessimistic.

[oldfart]

Be sure you visit more than one orthodontist also. Each one may have a different idea on your treatment. Especially when it comes to extractions.

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