You know braces off date??

[Jewels]

Hello all!

I noticed that some people seem to know the date when their braces will come off but are still having changes done (teeth still shifting, etc). I'm impressed and was hoping I could get some insight here as I'm approaching the finish line.

My estimated treatment time was 1 year to 18 months. At some point he threw in possibly 2 years but I didn't want to hear that! I kept all of my appointments, was a good patient and followed all instructions and my teeth look great

My ortho said the last thing we would do is elastics and I'm in them now. It's adjusting my bite and I can see and feel that we are at the end (last visit he said one side was perfect and the other side is almost there). He is careful not to tell me a de-band date because I think he can see I'm anxious to get them off and doesn't want to get my hopes up.

I'm going on a trip at the end of March and was hoping to have them off by then. I have an appointment next week - I'm trying not to get my hopes up so my question is how did you know you were ready to have the braces off? My teeth look great- I think my bite is just right. Could this be it??

Also, do retainers take a while to make? I'm worried I will get them off then wait for a retainer (or go on my trip) and my teeth will shift.

Thank you!!

[igneous]

I'll try to recall when I got braces the first time when I was younger. My orthodontist had the retainer within a week of my removal date, and since your mold is taken at the time of the removal, when you put the retainer in a week later, any minor shifts are reverted back to when you first had them taken off. Sometimes with the elastics, the Orthodontist could tack on another visit because that is usually when they get "picky" with the result. I remember I was pushed 3 months back just because my jaw wasn't where they wanted it.

[jaime]

I think a lot of people just go by their estimated treatment time as told to them by their ortho and not a firm de-bracing date.

[Woobster]

I was told 6 weeks prior that I would be getting mine off. Three weeks later I had my final check and a couple of minor adjustments. Three weeks after that (this coming Monday), mine are scheduled to come off!

[Jewels]

Yeah! Good for you!

Thanks for the replies - I understand there is no sure way of knowing. At least I won't worry about the possible time lapse in getting the retainer until after I have returned from my trip. Fingers crossed only a few more weeks!

[Woobster]

Hang in there! I have found the last few weeks to be the most difficult. Not in terms of pain or anything like that, it's just that the feeling of "I want them off NOW!!" grows stronger by the day.

Three days left for me and I swear, if someone handed me a pair of pliers, I'd probably yank these things off myself. I am SOOO ready!!

[Jewels]

Wow! Good for you! So then your ortho told you that you were done and gave you the date.... were your teeth perfect at the lar appointment and you just have to wait to make the de-band appointment or did you still have adjustments going on?

I ask this bc I think I may still have some adjusting to do at this next appointment but wondering if they could come off 4 weeks after this next appointment. Just want them off prior to my trip!