1: Schedule Your Orthodontics Consultation
Most orthodontics will agree that children should be seen by an orthodontist by age 7. This may sound a bit young to those of us who remember braces when we were in our teens, but things have changed significantly since then. Orthodontists are able to detect subtle issues in tooth and jaw development even while baby teeth are still present. These brief checkups, typically on an annual basis while your child is young, will help plan for orthodontic treatment before issues arise.
It generally takes about an hour for your orthodontist to evaluate your child’s needs and answer all questions you may have. Special orthodontic x-ray and photographs may be needed to be taken in order to help figure out which orthodontic treatment is best for your situation.
2: Explanation of Recommended Treatment Options
At the orthodontic consultation, your Treatment Coordinator will go over all of your taken orthodontic records and show you examples of braces, Invisalign aligners, and any appliances that may be involved in your treatment to achieve that perfect smile. Once you’ve decided to move forward with the recommended treatment, your appointment to get your braces on can usually be scheduled the same day or within a few days of your consultation appointment.
3: Getting Your Braces
The appointment to get your braces placed takes about two hours at most. It doesn’t hurt, it’s just a little long to get everything placed. The assistant will prep the teeth for the brackets and then your orthodontist will carefully position each bracket on each tooth specifically needed. Because this is such a critical step in the entire process, your orthodontist gives every attention to the smallest details to achieve the best results.
If getting Invisalign, the process will be different as they will be taking molds of your teeth for your clear aligners.
4: Adjustment Visits
Throughout your orthodontic treatment, you’ll schedule routine checks which are super quick appointments to adjust your brackets, answer questions and help check progress to make sure that smile is right on track.
5: You Get Your Braces Off and Start With Retainers
Once your orthodontist has said that it is time to get your braces off, you’ll be scheduled for what’s called a “debanding” appointment. You’ll also make arrangements with your Dentist to have a good cleaning, check-up, and fluoride treatment following the removal of your braces.
Removing your braces will only take us about 80 minutes or so and you will be pleased with how easy and comfortable the process can be. At your “debanding” appointment, you will be provided with a photo of your teeth before you had braces, so you can compare how your beautiful smile turned out! Your orthodontist will then decide which retainer is best for you and will prescribe a protocol for wearing your retainers.
