If braces typically take 18-24 months, why did my friend finish in 12 months while another person took 30 months?

Treatment duration varies based on several factors unique to each person. The severity of crowding, bite problems, and misalignment directly affect how long treatment takes. A simple spacing issue takes 12-15 months, while severe crowding might take 24-30+ months. Additionally, age matters—teens’ bones are still developing, so their teeth move faster than adults. Patient compliance is critical too. If you miss appointments or don’t wear your aligners the required 20-22 hours daily, treatment extends. Finally, individual biology plays a role. Some people’s teeth naturally move faster than others due to genetics, bone density, and overall health.

I’m in month 6 of my Invisalign treatment and it’s taking longer than expected. Is there anything I can do to finish faster?

Yes! Several strategies can help accelerate treatment at Maison Dentists in Katy, TX:

For Invisalign: Wear your aligners the full 20-22 hours daily (every hour counts), change them on schedule, attend all checkup appointments, and maintain perfect oral hygiene. Some patients use orthodontic accelerators (devices that may help) with Dr. Abbasi’s approval.

For Braces: Never miss adjustment appointments, avoid foods that damage brackets, practice perfect oral hygiene to prevent decay (which delays treatment), and follow all Dr. Abbasi’s instructions exactly.

The honest truth? Patient compliance is 80% of the equation. Those who follow instructions precisely often finish on the faster end of the timeline.

I’m at month 20 and my orthodontist says I need another 6-8 months. Why is this happening, and will I have to pay more?

Treatment extension happens occasionally and isn’t unusual. Common reasons include:

• Unexpected bite problems that need additional correction
• Patient compliance issues (missed appointments, poor aligner wear)
• Tooth movement slower than anticipated (biological variation)
• Additional corrections needed (discovered during treatment)
• Unforeseen complications (decay, bone loss, etc.)

Regarding cost: At Maison Dentists, extensions are usually covered under your original treatment plan at no extra charge. However, discuss this with our office to confirm. Some offices charge for extensions—ours typically includes reasonable extensions in the initial cost. Always ask upfront about extension policies.

I keep hearing Invisalign is faster. Is it really, or is that just marketing?

Treatment extension happens occasionally and isn’t unusual. Common reasons include:

• Unexpected bite problems that need additional correction
• Patient compliance issues (missed appointments, poor aligner wear)
• Tooth movement slower than anticipated (biological variation)
• Additional corrections needed (discovered during treatment)
• Unforeseen complications (decay, bone loss, etc.)

Regarding cost: At Maison Dentists, extensions are usually covered under your original treatment plan at no extra charge. However, discuss this with our office to confirm. Some offices charge for extensions—ours typically includes reasonable extensions in the initial cost. Always ask upfront about extension policies.

Your website says braces start at $200 down and $500 off. Is that the total cost, or is there more I’ll pay?

Great question! Let’s clarify:

• $200 down payment = your initial payment
• $500 off total cost = discount applied to your overall treatment cost
• Total braces cost at Maison Dentists is typically $3,000-$5,500 (depending on complexity)

Example: If your braces cost $4,500:

• With $500 discount = $4,000 total
• You pay $200 down
• Remaining $3,800 spread over 24 months = approximately $158/month

All monthly adjustment visits are included in this cost. There are no surprise fees at Maison Dentists. We’ll provide a detailed cost breakdown during your free consultation.

I need my teeth straightened ASAP. Should I get braces because they might be faster?

Not necessarily. Timeline shouldn’t be your only deciding factor. Consider:

Choose braces if:

• Your case is complex (severity might benefit from braces’ precision)
• You want predictable monthly progress monitoring
• You’re a teen (typically faster movement)
• You can’t commit to Invisalign’s 20+ hour daily wear

Choose Invisalign if:

• Your case is mild to moderate
• You can commit to wearing them 20-22 hours daily
• Timeline and compliance are excellent
• You value discretion (invisible treatment)

The truth: A non-compliant Invisalign patient will take 24+ months. A compliant braces patient might finish in 18 months. Compliance matters more than the appliance.

During your free consultation at Maison Dentists, Dr. Abbasi will evaluate your specific case and recommend which option will likely be fastest for YOUR situation.

Once my braces come off or Invisalign treatment finishes, am I done? Or do I really have to wear a retainer forever?

You’re not done—retention is permanent. Here’s why:

After 18-24 months of braces or Invisalign moving your teeth, they naturally want to drift back toward their original positions. This is called “relapse” and it happens to everyone without retention.

Your retention schedule:

• Months 0-6 after treatment: Wear removable retainer every night
• Months 6-12: Wear 4-5 nights per week
• After 1 year: Nightly wear forever (or as Dr. Abbasi recommends)

You’ll also likely get:

• Fixed bonded retainer: Thin wire permanently bonded behind lower front teeth (can stay for years)
• Removable retainer: Worn nightly indefinitely

Cost: Retainers aren’t usually included in treatment cost. Expect $200-$500 for initial retainers. Replacements needed when they wear out or break.

The bottom line: Teeth want to move back. Retainers prevent this. Skip retainers and you’ll likely need braces again—which costs way more than wearing a retainer nightly.