You've made it through your first year in braces. At first, you could see the changes being made. Your canines are no longer above your other teeth. Your bottom teeth are no longer sideways. But after a year in braces, it seems as if things have slowed down.
Can you speed up your braces treatment? Is anything still happening, even though it doesn't seem like it?
Your orthodontist will tell you that consistency is more important than speed. That's because braces treatment is a precise science. Each tooth must be moved a certain way at a certain time so they all fall into place.
Applying too much pressure and moving your teeth too quickly can damage your teeth and jaws. That's why slow, gentle pressure is the key to orthodontic treatment, whether it's with braces or Invisalign.
Zombek Orthodontics creates a plan customized to your teeth and jaws. We know what to move and at what speed to give you the best smile possible. It may seem like things aren't moving after a while, but trust us, they are.
Your teeth move because of two natural processes in your bones: resorption and remodeling.
Gentle pressure applied to the bone causes it to break down and resorb itself. This allows the tooth to move into the space left by the breakdown. The cells that activate this process are called osteoclasts.
Remodeling is when the bone rebuilds itself behind the tooth as it moves. This process uses osteoblasts to rebuild the bone.
Without these two processes, we would not be able to correct your smile. For a deeper look at the biology behind why orthodontic treatment takes time and why some teeth move faster than others, our full breakdown on treatment timelines covers it in detail.
Moving your teeth too quickly would prevent your bones from remodeling as they move. It could also cause the tooth's root to resorb. This would cause the teeth to become too loose and risk falling out. It could also damage your jaw.
This is why we can't move the teeth too fast. It's also why progress with braces may seem slow after a while, even though treatment is still happening.
There are two phases of orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign. The first phase in the first 12 months produces the most obvious changes. Crowded teeth move apart, gapped teeth move together, impacted teeth move up or down to sit in line with the rest of the teeth. Basically, the teeth are lining up to move into their final positions.
The second phase is less obvious. This is when all of the teeth move into their proper dental arches. Overbites and underbites disappear. Crossbites in the back are resolved. Your teeth make their final journey into their proper places.
Consistency is vital in the second phase because this is when the teeth need to move into the correct position so we can remove your braces on time.
Braces patients need to wear their rubber bands as prescribed so that your jaws can be aligned properly. Invisalign patients need to wear their trays for that full 20-22 hours a day. When you wear aligners consistently and follow your prescribed plan, you give your teeth the best chance of finishing on schedule and with the best possible result.
You may not see the difference in this last phase, but you may start to feel the difference.
You may find it easier to bite and chew. You may bite your cheek or tongue less often. You may be breathing easier. Your jaw may be less fatigued after chewing, or you may have fewer headaches and neck aches because the causes of these issues are nearly resolved.
We'll do a checkup toward the end to review X-rays and see if your tooth roots are at the correct angle and healthy. We'll confirm that your teeth are where they should be. We'll probably stop the rubber band use if we haven't already.
We'll also set a debonding date, when the braces will come off. The good news is, debonding doesn't take as long as bonding. You'll probably only be in the chair for an hour or so as we remove your braces and clean off your teeth. Then, of course, we'll want to get some "after" photos to go along with the "before" shots we took the first day! THEN you'll be able to see the difference!
This will all happen in the last month or two of your treatment. That's when you know you're getting close!
Treatment times vary from patient to patient, and several factors are involved, including age, the severity of dental issues, and the number of issues being corrected. The average treatment time for braces is 12-24 months, while Invisalign patients usually wear their trays for 9-15 months. We will give you a set treatment time when we create your custom treatment plan.
Not wearing your appliances or Invisalign consistently can delay your treatment and extend your treatment time. It can also keep you from achieving the best possible results for your smile.
Treatment doesn't actually slow down. It just shifts from the most obvious movements, usually at the front of the mouth, to the less obvious ones, such as movement of the molars, alignment of the tooth roots, and bite alignment with the jaws. It's not as obvious, but it is just as important to your smile.
Not at all. We may just need to shift the way that tooth is moving to realign the tooth root. It's not a sign that something has gone wrong. Rather, it's a sign that your doctor is paying attention to detail and ensuring your teeth and jaws are healthy once treatment is complete.
Treatment with braces and Invisalign is a precise science that requires detailed, custom planning. Once your braces come off, retainers are what lock your results in place while the bone finishes setting. Zombek Orthodontics in Weston, FL, can provide the precision and expertise you need to get the smile you deserve.
Schedule an appointment with Zombek Orthodontics for Invisalign or braces treatment in Weston, FL, or Hollywood, FL.
Did you know that 50-60% of kids under 5 have a gap between their front teeth? In most cases, a gap between teeth will close on its own by age 8 or 9. If you are a parent or patient with gap teeth that do not close naturally, you may be wondering what causes this gap. Can it be fixed? Does it need to be fixed? At Zombek Orthodontics, we’re here to tell you that it is not medically necessary to correct gap teeth with braces in many cases. Many celebrities with gap teeth choose not to change their smiles – and regular people too! So if you love your beautiful gap teeth and there are no other problems present, great! As orthodontists, we can help you determine whether the gap between your front teeth is a cause for concern and, if so, what kind of treatment will be most helpful.
The technical term for a tooth gap is “diastema.” While it can happen anywhere in the mouth, most people think of the gap between the upper two front teeth when they use the phrase “gap teeth.” Gap teeth can result from several different causes. Some of the most common are:
While it’s not always necessary to “fix” gapped teeth, many patients do ask us how to close a gap in teeth. At Zombek Orthodontics, we offer several treatment options to close a gap between front teeth.
At Zombek Orthodontics, we provide self-ligating braces that don’t use elastics, so they’re more comfortable than traditional metal braces. We also recommend LightForce braces (a brand of clear braces) to our patients. LightForce braces are custom-designed based on the unique shape of your tooth, jawline, and facial structure, which creates the perfect fit throughout treatment. Traditional braces typically take 12-24 months, but LightForce braces are designed to provide maximum efficiency. So your treatment may take even less time.
Invisalign clear aligners are another great way to close a gap in your teeth. Invisalign is a popular choice for gapped teeth and other dental issues, such as overbite, crossbite, or underbite. Invisalign treatment can happen in as little as six months, but an average case takes 9-15 months.
Are you wondering if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign? We can help you find out.
Other treatments are available for gap teeth, including veneers. Veneers are shells of material that fit over the front of your teeth to provide a more perfect smile. Because they tend to be slightly larger than your teeth, they can fix small gaps in teeth. But veneers aren’t for everyone, and they do have to be replaced after several years of use.
Dental bonding is sometimes used to fix gapped teeth and get a quick result compared to other methods. With dental bonding, your dentist applies a resin to your teeth to fill the gap and uses a special light to harden the resin. The downside of dental bonding is that it isn’t as stain-resistant as your natural teeth or crowns, so you must be careful what you eat and drink.
Dental implants might be a good solution if your gap teeth are the result of missing teeth. A dental implant can replace a missing tooth and keep your front teeth from getting a gap.
In a few cases, particularly those with an enlarged frenulum, dental surgery may be necessary to remove a gap between front teeth and keep the gap from returning. Patients may sometimes need a frenectomy to remove the excess frenulum.
While there are many potential causes for a gap between your teeth, these gaps (like other tooth alignment issues) are genetic in some cases. Gaps can certainly be hereditary. If both parents had a gap between their front teeth, there is a strong chance the child will have one too.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder — and cultural norms can have a lot to do with what we see as beautiful. In some cultures, gapped teeth are actually preferred and seen as a sign of beauty. While it’s not necessarily the traditional standard in the United States, there are many celebrities who have embraced the gap between their teeth. If no other dental issues are present, gapped teeth may not need treatment. Absent other issues, it’s purely a cosmetic choice.
Do gap teeth close on their own?
Sometimes, yes. A gap between the front teeth is very common in young children and often closes naturally by age 8 or 9 as the permanent teeth come in. If the gap doesn't close on its own after the adult teeth are in, it's unlikely to resolve without treatment.
Is a gap in your teeth bad for your health?
Not always. A small gap between the front teeth, with no other dental issues, is generally a cosmetic concern, not a medical one. However, gaps caused by gum disease, missing teeth, or habits like thumb sucking can come with real dental health implications that are worth addressing.
Can Invisalign fix gap teeth?
Yes. Invisalign is one of the most common treatments for closing gaps between teeth. It works well for diastema, and treatment can take as little as six months for straightforward cases. An exam will tell us whether Invisalign is the right fit for the size and cause of your gap.
How long does it take to fix gap teeth with braces?
It depends on the size of the gap and whether other alignment issues need to be addressed at the same time. A small gap with no other concerns can sometimes be closed relatively quickly. More complex cases involving bite correction or multiple gaps may take 12 to 24 months. LightForce custom braces, which we offer at Zombek Orthodontics, are designed for efficiency and may shorten treatment time.
What is the fastest way to fix a gap between front teeth?
Dental bonding is typically the fastest option — it can often be completed in a single visit with your dentist. However, bonding is a cosmetic fix and doesn't address any underlying bite issues. For a more comprehensive and long-lasting result, braces or Invisalign are usually the better choice.
Gap teeth don't always need treatment, but when they do, there are more options than most people realize. At Zombek Orthodontics, we'll look at the full picture — the cause of the gap, your bite, and your goals — and give you an honest recommendation. If you're in the Weston or Hollywood, FL area and want to find out what's right for you or your child, schedule a consultation with Dr. Zombek.
Getting braces is supposed to be the start of a better smile. So when you look in the mirror a few weeks in and things look worse than when you started, it's understandable to wonder if something went wrong.
It didn't. What you're seeing is a normal part of orthodontic treatment, and at Zombek Orthodontics, it means the process is moving forward exactly as planned. Here's a look at what's actually going on.
Most patients notice pretty quickly that the brackets don't sit in a neat line across their teeth. Some are higher, some lower, and the wire connecting them follows the same uneven path. It looks strange, especially when you were hoping to see improvement right away.
Each bracket has to be placed at a very specific spot on its tooth — the position that applies the most effective pressure to move that particular tooth in the right direction. If a tooth sits too high, too low, or at an angle, its bracket will reflect that. When the archwire connects everything, it maps out exactly where each tooth is and where it needs to go.
That uneven line isn't a mistake. It's the starting point.
A few weeks into treatment, some patients notice new spacing between teeth that wasn't there before. That can feel alarming when the whole point of treatment is to close gaps and straighten things out.
What's happening is that teeth usually need room to move before they can move correctly. A tooth that's twisted or crowded can't simply rotate into place without first having some space to work with. Creating that space is intentional, even when it looks like things are getting worse. Think of it like a marching band before a parade — before anyone can march in formation, everyone has to spread out, find their position, and get ready. The gaps are part of the setup, not a sign that something is off.
How Braces Treatment Works in Phases
Orthodontic treatment doesn't go from crooked to straight in one continuous motion. It happens in phases, with each one setting up the conditions for the next. Skipping or rushing any phase would compromise what comes after it.
The early phase of treatment is focused on making room. Teeth may spread apart, shift in directions that seem counterproductive, or move away from where they eventually need to land. All of that is intentional. For some patients, spacers are placed even before the braces are put on to begin creating the necessary space.
Once there's enough space to work with, treatment shifts toward leveling teeth that sit too high or too low and aligning them along the arch. Teeth that looked fine at the start may begin moving during this phase, sometimes in ways that seem odd. That's often because a tooth has to be temporarily moved out of the way to allow a neighboring tooth to reach its correct position. Depending on the treatment plan, Dr. Zombek may use tools such as power chains at this stage to promote more efficient movement along the arch.
This is when patients start to see the smile taking shape. Teeth are moving into their final positions, the arch is forming properly, and bite correction is progressing. For patients who came in with an overbite, this is typically when the relationship between the upper and lower teeth begins to visibly improve. Every treatment plan is different, and Dr. Zombek will keep you updated on what to expect at each stage of your treatment.
Bite correction is one of the most clinically significant parts of orthodontic treatment, and also one of the least understood by patients going through it.
The goal is for the upper and lower teeth to come together comfortably and function properly. For most patients, that means the upper back teeth fit just over the lower back teeth to allow normal chewing, and the front teeth have a healthy overlap rather than sitting edge-to-edge or with a deep overbite. Patients who came in with a crossbite, in which certain upper teeth sit behind the lower teeth, will have it corrected as part of their treatment.
What a finished bite looks like varies from patient to patient. Dr. Zombek will go over your individual bite goals during your consultation and revisit them with you as treatment progresses.
Invisalign works through the same sequence of phases as traditional braces. The first several sets of aligners may appear to move teeth in directions that don't seem obvious, and that's intentional. Space first, leveling second, final positioning third. Invisalign treatment also uses small attachments bonded to certain teeth that help the trays generate more precise pressure for movements that aligners alone can't accomplish as effectively.
If the early trays look off, that's the process working, not a sign that something went wrong.
There's no single answer because it depends on how much space needs to be created, the complexity of the movements involved, and how a particular patient's teeth respond. Some teeth move faster than others based on factors like root length, bone density, and position — things that vary from person to person and tooth to tooth.
For some patients, noticeable improvement comes within the first couple of months. For others, it takes longer. Timelines can also shift during treatment — a tooth moves faster than expected, a cavity needs attention, or an adjustment to the plan is needed. Dr. Zombek will give you a realistic sense of timing upfront and keep you in the loop as things progress.
What you're seeing in those first weeks is the foundation of the result, not the result itself.
Why do my teeth look more crooked right after getting braces?
Brackets are placed at precise positions that reflect where each tooth currently sits, not where it's going. When the archwire ties everything together, it makes those positional differences more visible. It's normal, and it's expected in the early phase of treatment.
Should I be worried if one or more teeth look off during treatment?
Not necessarily. Teeth often pass through intermediate positions on the way to their final placement. If something feels sharp or uncomfortable between appointments, orthodontic wax can cover the spot until we can take a look. If you're having pain beyond normal adjustment soreness, give our office a call.
How long before my teeth start looking better?
It depends on the patient and the complexity of the case. Some people notice visible improvement within a few weeks. For others, the bigger changes come later. Dr. Zombek will give you a realistic timeline based on your specific plan.
Does this happen with Invisalign?
Yes. The same phased movement principles apply to clear aligner treatment. Early trays are designed to begin the space-creation process, which means they may not look like they're moving teeth toward the final result yet. That's intentional.
What if my teeth are moving faster or slower than expected?
Timelines shift. Teeth respond differently based on individual biology, and adjustments to the plan are a normal part of treatment. If things are moving faster, that's good news. If a tooth is slower than expected, Dr. Zombek will adapt the approach and let you know what that means for your overall timeline.
The early weeks of treatment can be hard to look at. Brackets that don't line up, gaps that weren't there before, teeth that seem to be moving the wrong way — it's a lot to take in when you were expecting to see progress. But every part of what you're seeing is grounded in clinical reasoning, and Dr. Zombek plans each phase carefully to get you where you need to go.
If you're considering braces or Invisalign in Weston or Hollywood, FL, or have questions about your treatment progress, reach out to Zombek Orthodontics. We'd love to walk you through what your treatment would look like from start to finish.
Orthodontic treatment takes time. For many people, braces or Invisalign treatment lasts anywhere from a year to several years. During that time, life can change. Families move, jobs relocate, students change schools, or schedules shift. When that happens, a common question comes up: Can you switch orthodontists if you already have braces?
The answer is yes. It is absolutely possible to switch orthodontists during treatment. Orthodontists regularly work with transfer patients and understand that circumstances can change during treatment.
If you move to a new city or need care closer to home, a new orthodontist can review your treatment progress and help you continue working toward your finished smile.
When you transfer orthodontic care, the new orthodontist will first need to evaluate your current treatment. This step helps them understand what progress has already been made and what adjustments may be needed moving forward.
During a transfer consultation, your orthodontist may:
In many situations, treatment can continue using the appliances you already have. In other cases, the orthodontist may recommend adjusting or replacing certain components so treatment can continue using their preferred system or technology.
This doesn’t mean anything was wrong with your previous treatment. Orthodontists may simply use different techniques, and updating appliances can sometimes make it easier to continue treatment efficiently.
Many people assume that changing orthodontists only happens when there is a problem, but in reality, most transfers happen because of everyday life changes.
Some of the most common reasons patients switch orthodontists include:
Relocation is one of the most common reasons people transfer orthodontic treatment.
A new schedule or commute may make it easier to visit a different orthodontic office.
Families sometimes move before treatment is finished.
In some cases, patients choose to continue with the new provider or transfer to another office.
Orthodontists are accustomed to coordinating care in these situations, and most offices collaborate to help patients continue treatment smoothly.
If you need to switch orthodontists while wearing braces or using Invisalign, the process is usually straightforward. A few simple steps can help make the transition easier.
Start by researching orthodontists in your new area. Online reviews, recommendations from friends or family, and referrals from your dentist can all help you narrow down your options.
Your current orthodontist can provide records that help the new office understand your treatment progress. These records may include X-rays, scans, treatment notes, and information about the appliances you are currently using.
Having these records ready can help your new orthodontist evaluate your case more quickly.
In some situations, orthodontic offices may use a transfer form from the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) to help organize information when a patient changes providers during treatment.
An orthodontic transfer form can document important details about your care, including:
Not every orthodontic transfer requires this form, but it can sometimes make communication between offices easier and help ensure your new orthodontist has a clear understanding of your treatment.
If a transfer form is needed, your orthodontic team can help guide you through the process.
Once you have chosen an orthodontist, schedule a consultation so they can evaluate your treatment and discuss the next steps. Let the office know you are transferring orthodontic care so they can prepare in advance.
After reviewing your records and examining your teeth, your new orthodontist will create a plan to continue treatment and maintain your progress.
One of the biggest concerns patients have when transferring orthodontic care is whether they will have to start treatment from the beginning.
In most cases, the answer is no. Your new orthodontist will evaluate the progress made so far and determine the best way to continue treatment.
Sometimes small adjustments are needed, but the goal is always to build on the progress you’ve already achieved rather than starting over.
Every orthodontic case is different, so your orthodontist will explain what to expect based on your specific situation.
Finances are often a common question when transferring orthodontic treatment. Because every orthodontic office has its own policies and treatment agreements, the financial details of a transfer can vary from case to case.
If you are considering switching orthodontists during treatment, it is important to review your current treatment agreement and speak directly with your current orthodontic office about how your account may be handled. In some situations, patients may have paid in full at the beginning of treatment, while others may be on a monthly payment plan. Each practice may handle these situations differently depending on the stage of treatment and the terms of the original agreement.
When transferring care, your new orthodontist will also review your treatment and discuss any financial arrangements related to continuing treatment at their office. Insurance benefits, if used, may also vary depending on how they were applied during the earlier portion of treatment.
Because policies, insurance coverage, and treatment progress can all differ, the best approach is to speak with both orthodontic offices so you clearly understand the details of your specific situation before continuing treatment.
Most orthodontic teams are happy to answer questions and help guide patients through the process.
How do I transfer my orthodontic records to a new office?
If you decide to change orthodontists during treatment, your new orthodontic office will usually ask for records from your previous provider. These may include X-rays, scans, photos, and notes about your treatment plan. In many cases, the new office can help coordinate this process so your records are sent directly between offices.
Will switching orthodontists delay my treatment?
A transfer does not always delay orthodontic treatment, but there may be a short transition period while records are reviewed and a new treatment plan is evaluated. Your new orthodontist will review your progress and determine the best way to continue treatment.
Can a general dentist adjust braces if I move?
General dentists typically do not manage orthodontic treatment such as braces or Invisalign adjustments. If you move while wearing braces or aligners, it is usually best to find another orthodontist who can continue guiding your treatment.
What should I look for when choosing a new orthodontist?
If you are transferring orthodontic treatment, it can be helpful to choose an orthodontist with experience treating transfer patients. You may also want to consider factors such as location, office hours, treatment options, and patient reviews when selecting a new provider.
Is it harder to switch orthodontists toward the end of treatment?
Transferring care can happen at any stage of treatment, including near the end. Your new orthodontist will evaluate your progress and determine the steps needed to complete treatment safely and effectively.
Should I wait until my braces come off before switching orthodontists?
If you are moving or need to change providers, it is usually best to continue treatment with an orthodontist rather than waiting until the end of treatment. Regular adjustments and monitoring help ensure your teeth continue moving as planned.
Can my new orthodontist see my original treatment plan?
Yes. Orthodontic records and treatment notes can help your new orthodontist understand the original goals of your treatment. They will review this information along with your current progress before recommending how to move forward.
If you are moving to South Florida and need to continue orthodontic treatment, Zombek Orthodontics welcomes transfer patients.
Our team frequently works with patients who already have braces or Invisalign and need to continue treatment after relocating. We review your orthodontic records, evaluate your progress, and determine the best way to keep your treatment moving forward.
The goal is always the same: help you continue working toward a healthy, confident smile without unnecessary delays.
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