While the COVID pandemic certainly isn’t over, no matter how you look at it, it’s certainly winding down here in the US. New cases are down, vaccinations are easily available, restaurants and businesses are opening up, and people are generally starting to get back to what used to be normal. However, one thing that definitely isn’t going away for a while is masks. They are here to stay for the foreseeable future, which may actually be a good thing if you’re thinking about straightening your teeth. At Shirck Orthodontics, we can start a treatment now and have your new, beautifully straightened smile ready for when you finally don’t need a mask to leave the house!
A Silver Lining
One of the biggest reasons that many adults avoid getting orthodontic treatment, despite having noticeably crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth, is because they worry about how it will affect their appearance. This is no small concern, as someone’s confidence in their smile can make a big impact on how they act and greatly influence their personal and professional life.
But, since masks are required to go anywhere right now, it’s the perfect time to get braces or Invisalign, because no one will be able to see the appliance! Whether you’re at the store, the office, or picking up dinner, you can rest easy knowing that your treatment is completely hidden.
How Long Does Orthodontic Treatment Take?
The answer to this question is always different depending on the patient. Several factors determine the length of orthodontic treatment, with some of the most important being:
- The starting position of the teeth
- The type/degree of adjustments that need to be made
- Age (the process usually takes a little longer for adults compared to children)
- Eating habits (certain foods can easily damage orthodontic appliances)
- Oral hygiene (maintaining a healthy mouth throughout treatment is important)
On average, the orthodontic process takes about 8-12 months, though it may be significantly longer for more complicated cases. Masks can easily be expected to stick around for a majority of that time, meaning when they finally go away, you’ll emerge with a gorgeous smile you’re eager to show off.
How to Get Started
Taking the first step toward your new smile is nice and simple with Shirck Orthodontics. All you need to do is click here to schedule a FREE in-person consultation. At this appointment, one of our board-certified orthodontists will give you a brief exam, discuss your goals with you, and go over your treatment options, letting you know what you can expect throughout your orthodontic journey. You’ll also have a digital impression taken of your teeth, which we’ll use to show you what your smile will look like at the end of treatment!
We’re eager to help you come out on the other side of the pandemic looking and feeling your absolute best, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with Shirck Orthodontics in Westerville today!
About the Author
Dr. Jeffrey Shirck is an award-winning, board-certified orthodontist based in Westerville. He offers both traditional and clear ceramic braces for patients of all ages, and he has been an Elite Invisalign Provider since 2017. To find out which treatment can get your smile ready for life after masks, you can schedule a FREE consultation by clicking here.