You're definitely onto something with your thoughts about biology and genetics influencing treatment speed. Honestly, I've seen countless patients with similar appliances and totally different timelines—it's just the way our bodies respond individually. Those bite correctors can be super helpful for some people, especially if they're struggling to keep elastics in consistently, but you're right—they don't necessarily speed things up dramatically.
The main reason orthodontists sometimes recommend these bulkier appliances is exactly what you mentioned: consistency. Elastics rely heavily on patient compliance (and let's face it, life gets busy and elastics get forgotten). Appliances like bite correctors or Herbst devices are always "on," so they remove that human factor. But if you're disciplined with elastics, the results can be just as good.
Don't stress too much about your timeline feeling slow—two years might seem long now, but it's actually pretty average for correcting an underbite. You're not being impatient; braces can feel like they drag on forever. Hang in there, you're doing great...every month brings you closer to the finish line.
Totally get the frustration—my braces took nearly three years for a similar issue. I was super diligent with elastics, but my teeth had their own stubborn agenda...Patience really is key, annoying as that sounds. Hang tight, it'll be worth it.
Haha, braces definitely test your patience—I swear mine were plotting against me. But honestly, once they're off, you'll miss the weird satisfaction of snapping elastics in place...or is that just me? How long have you had yours on now?
"you'll miss the weird satisfaction of snapping elastics in place...or is that just me?"
Haha, I totally get that weird satisfaction thing—it's oddly therapeutic. Had mine for about two and a half years, and honestly, patience is key. Underbites especially take their sweet time, but trust me, it's worth it in the end. Hang in there!
Totally relate to the elastic snapping thing, haha... weirdly calming. Had braces for nearly three years myself—underbite correction definitely tests your patience. But once they're off, eating pizza without elastics is next-level satisfying. Hang tight, you're getting there.
