The third and final phase of orthodontic treatment is the retention phase. This phase occurs once the teeth have moved into the desired position and the use of the dental appliance ceases.
Just like the spacing issue, your teeth need to be fully aligned and straight in order to have your braces removed. If you are noticing that your teeth are aligned and free from spaces, it's likely closer to the end of your treatment.
This can be the last phase, so if you are wondering, “are elastics the last stage of braces,” the answer is “yes” if your braces are there to also help with bite correction. Now, if your bands are there to help move your teeth, you may need to start using them during the earlier phases of this treatment.
There are three general stages of braces and Invisalign treatment: the planning stage, the active stage, and the retention stage. All three phases are super important.
Phase 3: The Retention Phase
When the teeth have been correctly aligned, fixed braces and removable devices will be removed and discontinued. The most cumbersome part of the orthodontic treatment is now over. The orthodontist will next create a custom retainer.
There is no age limit for braces for teeth. Those who have orthodontic issues can benefit from treatment at nearly any age; there is no braces age limit.
If your upper and lower teeth line up and there is proper overlap of the top and bottom teeth in the front of the mouth, it may be time to remove the braces. If not, even a straight smile may need a little more time with the braces.
It will not help your teeth move faster. It can stagnate the tooth's movement and even damage your roots. Overstretch them. When you stretch the elastic more than its actual strength, it can lose its power; therefore rendering it ineffective.
It may be tempting to double up on elastics with the idea that twice the pressure will move the teeth twice as fast – but that doesn't work. In fact, too much pressure can slow down tooth movement and damage roots.
Patients are concerned about the amount of time they need to wear braces. On average, it takes about 2 years to complete an orthodontic treatment. A few patients require under a year, yet there are additionally patients expecting as long as 3 years of treatment before their teeth arrive at the ideal position.
While every patient is different, you should generally have your braces adjusted or tightened every 4-10 weeks. Keep in mind, though – your orthodontist will personalise your braces treatment to your individual needs, so there's no exact adjustment time that will suit everyone.
On average, it takes about 24 months to complete an orthodontic treatment. Some patients require less than 12 months, but there are also patients requiring up to 3 years of treatment before their teeth reach the desired position. Orthodontics is not a one-size-fits-all solution and each patient's mouth is unique.
Your Last Braces Appointment
At your second to last appointment, you'll be given a notice of when to come in to get your braces off. It will take about an hour to take your braces off, but it will be painless. You may experience some pressure because we will use pliers to remove each bracket.
After Your Braces
You will need to wear your retainers full time for at least three months while your teeth and gums settle down. After three months, you will see your orthodontist and you will either start wearing the retainers for 12 hours at night or continue wearing them full-time for a little longer.
DON'T – Double up on elastics as this will cause too much pressure on the tooth or teeth and can actually harm the root of the tooth.
Their effectiveness is completely based on compliance. If you don't wear them for the prescribed amount of time and change them as directed, your teeth will relapse and you could make your orthodontic treatment last longer.
You should change your elastics 3-4 times a day, at the very least every 12 hours, even if they are not broken, because after a while they lose their strength and elasticity.
The pointed ends of the top teeth should fit perfectly between two teeth in the bottom. The backs of the upper front teeth should rest in gentle contact with the fronts of the lower ones. Essentially, your bite should “close”. If your front upper teeth stick out past your lower teeth, this is called an overbite.
Teeth Can Shift After Braces
Teeth aren't permanently attached to your mouth with braces. They are simply guided in a way to make them straight. When braces are removed, the teeth no longer have that barrier. This can lead to shifting.
Orthodontic treatment is available on the NHS for young people under the age of 18 at no cost, if a dentist feels they need it. NHS orthodontic treatment isn't usually available for adults, but may be approved on a case-by-case basis if needed for health reasons.
After tightening your braces, it is common for your teeth to feel slightly loose for the first two to three days after the adjustment. This does not imply that your tooth will become permanently loose as a result of the situation. It is not anything that ought to cause any cause for alarm.
Phase-Two typically begins around the age of 11 or 12. This phase of orthodontic treatment usually lasts an average of 12-20 months, but, as always, each case is different, depending on the individual.
The average orthodontic treatment plan is anywhere from 18 months to three years. It's different for everyone, but anything beyond a four-year treatment plan warrants getting second, third and fourth opinions.