LENGTH OF TREATMENT
“How long will treatment be?” is one of the first questions we often hear. There is no one good answer to this.
Because each person is evaluated and treated as an individual, we provide an ESTIMATE OF TREATMENT TIME based on what needs to be done in each case, how far the teeth may need to move, and the tools required to accomplish the task.

Unfortunately, insurance companies have placed a stigma on how long orthodontic treatment should take. Again, this is related to a cookie-cutter approach, which is not the best way to approach any treatment since each patient is an individual. We can’t just slap braces on teeth and expect to be done in X amount of time because it should work the same for everybody. This is one of the biggest misconceptions when patients seek orthodontic treatment.
The many factors that influence the length of treatment can be broken into uncontrollable factors and controllable factors as shown below.
FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE LENGTH OF TIME IN TREATMENT
Uncontrollable Factors Controllable Factors
Genetics
Biology Keeping recommended appointments
Cooperation wearing adjuncts
Breakage

Uncontrollable factors are directly related to genetics and biology. For instance, in the case of growth modification with a facemask, expander, or headgear, our goal is to encourage growth and give it every opportunity to happen. As much as we would like to direct treatment, we cannot control the rate of growth or the final amount. Genetics will control how fast and how far. What we CAN do is improve the rate and the amount in successful cases but cannot exceed biologic limits except in cases coordinated with jaw surgery.

The second category which affects length in treatment is the controllable factors. These can influence treatment time in either positive or negative manners. The patient often has the ability to directly affect their treatment time.




Part of our job is to encourage our patients to help us make sure their orthodontic experience is the best it can be to achieve our goals of a beautiful, functional smile. We will provide you the tools to make this happen as well as guidelines to ensure that treatment progresses as it should.
To schedule an appointment with our orthodontist in Sunbury, Ohio, and learn more about your treatment and length of treatment time, call Renick Orthodontics today at 740-936-5003.
What Our Patients Are Saying!

I have been really happy with Renick Orthodontics. Dr. Renick, Kate, Sierra, etc... Very professional yet very personable. Everyone has been so great with my oldest daughter and now my youngest is starting on braces. They have made them feel comfortable the entire time they are there. My daughters actually look forward to their appointments. What a great staff Dr. Renick has and she is 100% hands on with her staff and the patients. We will miss this place next year!
- Joyce J.

Amazing job with my son’s teeth. You cant go wrong with Dr. Renick and her staff!
- Paula J.

Our dentist recommended my 9 year old daughter to go see an orthodontist due to over crowding. Dr. Renick was very knowledgeable and thorough in our consult. She explained everything to me during the exam showing me X-rays and photos of my daughters teeth to understand the treatment plan. My daughter was very engaged in the consult and even asked her own questions that were welcomed by Dr. Renick and her staff. We were offered a no interest payment plan which was extremely helpful on our budget. The office is very bright and cheery. The staff is very friendly. My favorite part, as a busy parent, is that we have never had to wait. You are seen at your appointment time. I would highly recommend Renick Orthodontics.
- Gretchen C.