We know that our patients are eager to see their awesome braces-free smiles as soon as possible.

We’re right there with them.

But there is a lot of misinformation out there when it comes to teenagers and orthodontic care — from harmful DIY videos online instructing kids on at-home “treatments” to community boards where patients share the dangerous “tricks” they used to make their treatments go faster. (For the record, adding extra rubber bands will not shorten your treatment and, in fact, could cause problems that might require you to wear your braces longer than you would have had you not “experimented.”)

The average length of orthodontic treatment is 22 months, according to the American Association of Orthodontists, but treatments can range between 12 and 36 months depending on the patient.

The answer to the question we hear all the time — “Is there anything I can do to get these off earlier?” — is “not really, no.”

We understand the disappointment.

Maybe you have a special event coming up, a wedding or a dance, and you were hoping for a reprieve, but bone takes time to heal. In other words, if your braces come off too early then your teeth could go back to how they were.

We do have some news that might make you feel better, though: At Miler Orthodontics we closely monitor our patients’ progress so that the second your smile is ready, we’ll know.

Bottom line, though? The best thing you can do to keep things on track is to follow your orthodontist’s instructions.

Oh, and wear your retainer after the braces finally do come off.

If you have any questions about your treatment, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor or call our office at 843-815-2521.