If my orthodontist originally said my braces treatment time was going to be 9 months, then why has he changed it to 18-24 months?

Re-evaluation: Your orthodontist has determined that it will take longer to achieve the treatment goals. The 9 months was an estimate, as is the 18 to 24 months. No one can predict EXACTLY how long your treatment will take. For further, more precise info, ask your orthodontist.

Ask the dentist: After an initial examination, records such as x-rays and models of your teeth are taken. A More detailed treatment plan is developed and many times additional findings require that every good dentist must change his initial treatment plan, which in turn may be changed as the treatment is in progress. Treatment plans are only tentative and can always change. No worries keep smiling.

Iceberg: Problems that can be visualized at an initial examination may just be the tip of the iceberg. For that reason a qualified Orthodontic Specialist will do an intensive evaluation, gathering and evaluating a full panel of diagnostic records, in order to determine the full extent of your malocclusion and it's proper treatment.

Variables: There are a myriad of variables that could be at play here. As long as they are not billing you per month, then you should just be assured they are saying this because they want the best results for you and have seen something they did not see initially as time has gone on. If they are billing you monthly- that's another story!

Ask Him/Her: Heather, it is best to ask your orthodontist that question directly. Most orthodontists can "estimate" how long it will take at the beginning of treatment. This estimate is usually depending on the complexity of the case. This difference seems to be too large. 9 month cases are very different than 18-24 month cases. It is best to address this problem with your current orthodontist.

Ask yr orthodontist: Have you discussed your treatment progress with your orthodontist lately, to see if anything has changed from his treatment plan?