How Long Do Braces Take in Westfield, IN?
If you're considering braces in Westfield, IN, one of your first questions is likely: "How long will I need to wear them?" The answer depends on several factors, including your age, dental needs, and smile goals. Understanding “How Long Do Braces Take in Westfield, IN, “ and these variables helps set clear expectations and ensures you're fully informed before beginning treatment.
At our Westfield orthodontic practice, we specialize in high-touch, artistic, personal, and intentional patient care. Our team is here to guide you toward not just a healthy bite, but a smile you’ll absolutely love.
Average Duration of Braces Treatment
The typical treatment time for orthodontic braces ranges between 12 to 24 months. However, some cases may finish in as little as 3-6 months, while others may extend to 36 months. The timeline varies largely based on the complexity of your specific case and your individual treatment plan.
These estimates are aligned with what orthodontic professionals across the country see. For example, Dr. Alex Levine, a respected colleague and experienced orthodontist in Cape Coral, FL, also notes that treatment can be significantly shorter for patients who begin care early and follow their plan closely.
What Affects How Long Braces Take?
Several key factors determine the overall treatment length. Here’s what to consider:
1. Severity of Your Orthodontic Issues
Cases involving minor crowding or spacing can often be corrected quickly—we’re talking months, not years… More complex issues like crossbites, severe crowding, or jaw misalignments may require 12 to 30 months or more.
2. Your Age and Development
Teens and younger patients can sometimes experience faster results because their jaws are still developing, making teeth more responsive to movement. But not to worry!—Adults can still achieve the excellent results we expect within efficient timeframes. Sometimes, though, other factors such as habits (i.e. smoking), medications, complex dental history or dental work, and differing biology (higher bone density and differing chemistry) can affect tooth movement.
3. Type of Braces You Choose
Different types of braces can impact both comfort and treatment speed:
● Traditional Metal Braces: The standard option, treats a wide variety of casesfastest and most efficient option for complex cases. Typically worn anywhere between 18 and 24 months.
● Pitts21 Braces: These self-ligating braces are the latest technology in the bracket world—they have geometries and interactions with the wire that allow the teeth to move more gently, more quickly, and with lighter forces than traditional braces. This is the solution that we use here at Titus Orthodontics, and believe strongly that this is the tool that helps us deliver our “wow” results in the most efficient timeframe. Typically worn anywhere between 12 and 20 months
● Clear Aligners (i.e., Invisalign): Aesthetic and removable, truly an excellent, efficient option for patients who are willing to commit. BUT, the results are only as good as the compliance of the patient…if the aligners are worn part time or less-than-ideally, the teeth simply won’t move where we want them to. *The better the aligners are worn, the more efficient the result!
TEAM EFFORT: Your Role in Treatment Time
While we’ll provide a customized plan tailored to your needs, your commitment and consistency play a big role in how long your treatment takes.
Here’s how you can keep things on track:
● Attend all scheduled appointments (it’s hard to advance your treatment if we don’t see you at regularly scheduled intervals)
● Follow appliance care instructions (the teeth will only move if the appliances are intact and working properly)
● Avoid hard or sticky foods that could damage braces
● Maintain excellent oral hygiene (poor hygiene actually CAN have a negative impact on tooth movement, not just on their overall cleanliness/health)
● Wear your rubber bands or aligners as prescribed (not wearing your rubber bands as directed is one of the top 3 reasons for being in treatment longer than your estimated treatment time)
Delays often result from broken brackets, skipped appointments, or inconsistent use of appliances like elastics or aligners.
The Westfield Difference: Personalized, Artistic Care
At our Westfield orthodontic office, we believe that orthodontic treatment is both a science and an art. We're not just straightening teeth—we're designing smiles! A true privilege to participate in something as personal as a patient’s smile that they’ll wear the rest of their lives! In our Titus Orthodontics family, we promise to have:
● Individualized, intentional service: No cookie-cutter approaches, no assembly lines. You’re not getting a one-size-fits-all solution, but instead a smile that is uniquely you.
● Results-driven focus: We’re smile fanatics. We study and obsess over it all, from the big picture to the smallest details. We want to show you a result in the end that you didn’t even know was possible! Our vision for you is your best smile, both functionally and aesthetically. And we believe that our results speak for themselves!
● Family-friendly environment: We’re not a library, you won’t have to whisper for fear that your toddler is too loud at your (or your teen’s) appointment, we love to get to meet the whole family! Dr. T has plenty of kiddos himself, so you don’t have to worry about overwhelming the team, the more the merrier. ;) We treat our patients like family, we want to get to know the person behind the smile!
● Community: Dr. Titus lives where he practices, he and his family are active members of the community. You may bump into him at the grocery, at his kids’ sporting events, or school functions. We’re proud to serve families across Westfield and surrounding areas with care that’s rooted in trust and expertise.
What to Expect From Your Braces Journey
Initial Consultation
Absolutely free. No cost. (Schedule here!) We'll evaluate your smile, bite, and your goals—we’ll come up with a plan together with a realistic timeline based on your goals and needs.Getting Braces On
We get this question often, but No! Getting braces/aligners on doesn’t hurt! The process to get started is easy and painless. No surprises here, we’ll walk you through every step and make sure you’re comfortable.Routine Adjustments
You’ll return at regular intervals (somewhere between 6–12 weeks, depending on the stage of treatment) for adjustments to keep treatment progressing smoothly.Completion & Retainers
Once your braces come off, we’ll fit you with a custom retainer to maintain your results. It’s one thing to CREATE the smile of your dreams, but we also want you to KEEP the smile of your dreams for life!
Final Thoughts
The question “How long do braces take?” doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer—but that’s a good thing. It means your treatment is as unique as your smile.
If you’re in Westfield, IN, and ready to begin your smile transformation, we’re here to help. From your first consultation to the day your braces come off, we’ll guide you with care, precision, and artistry. Whether you’re a busy parent with a teen in need of braces, or an adult finally ready to invest in your smile, you’ll feel the difference from your very first visit.
📅 Ready to Get Started?
Call our office today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward the confident smile you deserve. We look forward to welcoming you—and your smile—into our family.
About the Authors:
Dr. Sam Titus, DDS, MS: Orthodontist in Westfield, IN
Dr. Alex Levine, DDS, MS Orthodontist in Cape Coral, FL and Ft. Myers, FL
