ALIGNERS: HOW LONG DOES THE TREATMENT TAKE?
ALIGNERS: HOW LONG DOES THE TREATMENT TAKE?
TIME From DIGITAL ORTHODONTICS - Solo Edition by Dr. Bak Nguyen
This is a very hard question. It depends on each unique case. Even if the process is standardized as much as possible, and the advance in technology has allowed better and predictable results, it is still a matter of the starting point and the finishing point.
Where each case starts is unique to each patient, that, add on top of the cooperation of that patient throughout the treatment. So there are many factors that could change drastically the duration of an orthodontics treatment utilizing aligners.
Cases can take as little as a few months (less than 5) to a few years. In most advanced cases, it can take up to 4 years. I also have easier technical cases that took longer because of compliance issues. This is a unique treatment plan with standardized treatment protocols and custom-made aligners. This is what it is, a teamwork between the patient, the attending doctor, and his or her support team.
That said, within 17 years plus of experience I can tell you that most cases will fit within a 12-30 months treatment plan. Less than 12 is possible, but most of the time, the active retention phase will bring it close to that 12 months line. 18 to 30 months will cover most of the average mild cases that I see in consultation. Of course, in the more severe cases, the patients knew, even before I told them, the longer treatment time. These cases can go up to 4 years, even a little more.
In the consultation, once I have asserted the desires of the patients and have acknowledged the mouth, the bones, the muscles, and the teeth, I will give an estimate of time based on one of my previous similar cases.
Over 17 years plus of experience, I have the chance to come across most variances and have a good idea of the case in front of me. That is only 50%, the mechanical part. I still have to deal with the human part, motivation, compliance, and discipline.
I am pretty straightforward with my patient on that issue. I am depending on their collaboration to reach these goals. The time of treatment is a goal, not a promise. One on which all parties will focus on.
Within 17 years of experience, I can tell you that most of the time, my average of treatment time estimated at the beginning is pretty accurate, within 2-4 months, unless we had a breach in treatment, which is usually out of my control. For each case that will finish a little earlier, one will take a little longer. The average stays the same.
So the time of treatment will differ from a patient to the next, because of the unique position of the teeth and also the cooperation of that patient throughout the treatment. That said, if you consult a qualified and experienced attending, he or she will usually have a pretty good educated guess on how long your treatment should last. That is one of the 3 answers you are looking to have within your initial consultation.
For those in a hurry, there are several ways to speed up the procedure with micro or gum surgery and the use of additional appliances. These will come at an additional cost and will have to be discussed specifically with your attending.