How Accurate are Orthodontist's on Treatment Time?

[Acklay]

I'm in spacers now and will be getting braces next Thursday. My orthodontist told me that my treatment time would be "24 months +". It's the "plus" on the end of the 24 months that scares me! Several of my friends who have had braces said that their treatment took months longer than anticipated. My question is: Should I expect my treatment to take 24 months, or will it be more like 2.5 or 3 years that I'll end up with braces?

[kennyandrew85]

It really does vary, most adults I see on here are estimated 24months. Especially if you've had extractions like i have.
I asked my orthodontist 1 year in what he thought of the estimated date so far and he still maintains 24-26 months was correct.

It's quite scary that it could go on longer but I guess at the end of the day, what is a few months for a lifetime of happiness?

[ArchWired28]

Acklay
this is no way to tell, at least not right now. The treatment time estimates provided at the beginning of treatment are only averages. I don't know what type of issues you have, but most adults do finish within the 24 months mark. I would say, the odds are on your side, at least until your orthodontist tells you otherwise

[Acklay]

Thanks for the replies. It's good to know that it's usually done within the two years. I guess I'm just stressed out about getting all of this started.

[trisportgirl]

My orthodontist initially estimated 18-24 months, and now he's saying I'll likely finish early. No word yet on exactly how early, but I'll be asking at my next adjustment on Monday!

[Bracer215]

My ortho said 18 months and so far it looks like I will be getting them off in exactly that amount of time. Will let you know if he holds to that. On the other hand my co-worker was supposed to have hers off in 2 years and she is now going on 3 years. Amazingly I have met two other people who had braces on for 8 years and 9 years respectively.

[Acklay]

I can tell you one thing... I will not have braces for 8 or 9 years!

[Sita]

My orthodontist told me at my first appointment that it is impossible for him to say how long it will be, that it is an estimate only. He said mine would be 24 months, possible less. He said at around the 12 to 14 month mark he would be able to give me a more accurate timeframe.

[trisportgirl]

My orthodontist initially estimated 18-24 months, and now he's saying I'll likely finish early. No word yet on exactly how early, but I'll be asking at my next adjustment on Monday!

I asked today and he said maybe, maybe, maaaaybe by Christmas I can get them off. So the new best case estimate is a total of 14 months!!

[ArchWired28]

I can tell you one thing... I will not have braces for 8 or 9 years!

Oh what a nightmare! I have read that being braced longer than 3 or max 4 years is no good because may lead to bone loss, root resorption, gum recession and all that 'wonderful' stuff. The authors recommended, ideally, keeping it under 3 years for the kids and under 2 years for adults.

By the way, my ortho informed me today that after we finish with a few minor issues that will hopefully be resolved within the 2 months (he thinks), I will be ready for finishing. So let's say another 3 months for that, gives me a total of about 16 months. My original estimate was 17-21, sounds pretty accurate.

[jamsmak04]

I was told 24 mths but chances are they will be off early. My ortho was shocked to see how much my teeth have changed. I wear my elastic constantly and listen and do everything I am told. I am okay with the 24 mths even a few months longer but early would be fantastic.

[kellyb]

My ortho said 18 months and so far it looks like I will be getting them off in exactly that amount of time. Will let you know if he holds to that. On the other hand my co-worker was supposed to have hers off in 2 years and she is now going on 3 years. Amazingly I have met two other people who had braces on for 8 years and 9 years respectively.

flipping heck!! 8 and 9 years wow

[kellyb]

my ortho estimated a treatment time of 18 months and so far i am 4 months in. the first ortho i had a consultation with whom i decided not to use for various reasons estimated 12 - 14 months. i am hoping this ortho was more accurate on the time frame. i intend to ask my current ortho for an updated estimate when i reach about the 8th or 9th month mark.

[nifer237]

My treatment was set at 18 months as well, and a while back my ortho said my teeth were moving quickly and they may come off early, but alas...we're still set for August, which is 18 months.

Home stretch! But it goes soooo slow the last few months.

[methoddan]

I was told 15-18 months. I am almost at my 9 month mark and my ortho told me recently that it will be 15 months total, which is right around my birthday, so happy birthday to me!