Getting braces is an exciting step toward a straighter, healthier smile. And if you’re like most patients, there’s one question that keeps coming up: “When do I get these things off?” The truth is that any orthodontist in Coral Springs gives an estimated timeline. Sometimes, that end date can stretch out a little longer than expected.
Here’s the good news: most delays are avoidable. With the right habits and a little know-how, you can stay on track and even speed things up.
Let’s talk about six common reasons your braces might stay on longer — and what you can do to prevent it.
If your orthodontist has given you elastics to wear, it’s for a reason. They help correct your bite by moving your jaw and teeth into the right position. Not wearing them, or only wearing them when you remember, slows that process way down.
Skipping your elastics, even for just a few hours a day, can disrupt the constant pressure needed for your bite to shift properly. And unlike wires or brackets, elastics rely 100% on you to do the work. Think of them as your responsibility in this team effort. The more consistent you are, the faster things move.
Wear your rubber bands as part of your daily routine. Keep extras in your bag, car, or locker so you’re never without them. And if they snap or get lost, don’t wait—call your ortho office for replacements ASAP.
Life happens, and we get that. But every time you miss or push back an appointment, it creates a gap in your treatment. Those regular check-ins are where your orthodontist makes the necessary adjustments to keep your teeth moving along the right path.
Delaying those adjustments means your braces or aligners are no longer working as effectively as they could be. Each visit is carefully timed to maintain the right pressure on your teeth. Even a two-week delay can have a ripple effect on your whole treatment plan.
Try to schedule your appointments in advance and stick to them. If something comes up, reschedule as soon as possible (not weeks later). Even being a few days off can delay your progress.
Every time a bracket pops off or a wire comes loose, it stops the pressure on that tooth. That means the tooth isn’t moving like it should, and it may take longer to catch up. Even small breaks that don’t seem urgent can affect your timeline.
Plus, a broken bracket isn’t just a delay; it can shift your teeth in the wrong direction if left too long. That means your orthodontist in Coral Springs might need to reverse some movement before continuing with your progress. It’s frustrating but avoidable with a bit of care.
Watch what you eat. Hard, crunchy, or sticky foods are usually the culprits. Also, avoid using your teeth as tools (like biting off tags or opening packaging). If something breaks, call your ortho immediately to get it fixed before it stalls your progress.
It might not seem connected, but brushing and flossing play a significant role in how fast your teeth move. When your gums are inflamed or teeth are covered in plaque, tooth movement can slow down. In serious cases, your orthodontist might even pause your treatment to let things heal.
Gum inflammation makes it harder for your teeth to shift comfortably and safely. Poor hygiene can also lead to white spots, decay, or even infection — none of which are fun to deal with, especially in the middle of braces treatment.
Brush after every meal (or at least twice a day), floss daily, and use a fluoride rinse if recommended. Investing in a water flosser or electric toothbrush can make a big difference, especially with all those brackets and wires in the way.
Some teeth just don’t like to move. Whether it’s genetics, bone density, or the position of the tooth, some are more resistant than others. It doesn’t mean anything is wrong; it just means your treatment might need a little more time (or a tweak in your plan).
You can’t change how your teeth are built, but you can stay consistent with your elastics, hygiene, and appointments. If your orthodontist needs to change the plan slightly, such as repositioning the brackets or using another type of wire, trust the process. It’s all part of getting the best result.
After each adjustment, your orthodontist might give you specific instructions, like avoiding certain foods, wearing a new appliance, or even doing jaw exercises. Ignoring these small things can lead to bigger delays down the line.
Those instructions are often based on how your teeth react in real time. Even if they seem minor, they’re designed to keep your treatment progressing as planned. Missing just a few days of a new habit can undo progress and drag things out.
Always ask questions if you're unsure about your instructions. Make a habit of writing them down or setting reminders on your phone. The little things can make a big difference in your timeline.
It’s tempting to ask your friends, siblings, or even Reddit strangers how long their braces took. But everyone’s smile is different. Some people only need minor tweaks, while others are correcting complex bite issues. Comparing your timeline to someone else's is like comparing marathon runners to sprinters — it just doesn’t work.
If you want to avoid delays and get your braces off on time (or maybe even early), here’s the cheat sheet:
Your braces journey is a team effort, and you’re a huge part of that team. By sticking to the plan and communicating with your orthodontist, you're setting yourself up for success.
Ready to stay on track with your treatment or finally get started on your dream smile? TLC Dental is here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you're due for a check-up or considering braces or clear aligners, we make the process smooth, comfortable, and totally personalized.
Book your appointment today, and let’s get you closer to that confident, healthy smile you deserve!
