How Orthodontic Treatment Works
Orthodontic appliances are made of metal, ceramic, or plastic. They may be removable or they may be brackets bonded to the teeth. By placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, braces slowly move teeth to the proper position.
Gone are the days when a metal band with a bracket was placed around each tooth. You can now choose clear or metal brackets and, in some cases, the color of your appliance. Wires are far less noticeable, and the latest materials are designed to move teeth faster with more comfort. Today, any age is a great time to wear braces!
Scheduling Appointments
Visiting the orthodontist every four to eight weeks is an essential part of your orthodontic treatment. Regular checkups last between 20 and 40 minutes. Our practice will work with you to make sure your appointments are scheduled around your busy schedule; so you will spend less time in the dental chair, and more time enjoying the things you love to do.
We understand that “life happens,” so if you’re running late or need to reschedule, please let us know, and we will do everything we can to accommodate you.
Visiting the dentist during orthodontic treatment
It is vital that you continue to visit your family dentist once every six months for teeth cleanings and routine dental checkups, even during your orthodontic treatment. If extra dental care is needed, we will be happy to coordinate with your family dentist to make sure you receive the best possible care.
Duration of Treatment
Treatment time varies and can last between one and three years, depending on several factors, including age, treatment method, and how minor or severe your case is. A big factor in a successful treatment is you! The more involved and diligent you are, the more efficient your treatment will be. This includes maintaining proper oral hygiene, avoiding certain foods, and wearing elastics or other orthodontic appliances as instructed by your Orthodontist.
Before beginning your orthodontic care, your doctor will discuss all your options and provide an estimate for how long your full treatment may take. Please contact our practice to schedule an appointment and learn more about orthodontics and the treatments we provide.
Office Visits
Our greatest goal is to give you the healthy, straight, and beautiful smile you’ve always wanted. We understand that choosing to receive orthodontic care is a big decision, and we respect your reasons for wanting to improve the way you look and feel.
Our practice will work with you every step of the way to make sure your orthodontic care is as comfortable, convenient, and rewarding as possible. We’ll use the latest technology, and offer a variety of safe and gentle treatment options to give you the customized, individual care you deserve.
Every smile starts with a complimentary consultation!
Your complimentary consultation will give you the opportunity to meet our team, as well as learn more about orthodontics, receive a complete initial exam, and find out which treatment options will best meet your needs. During your complimentary consultation, one of our orthodontists will:
• Review your dental and medical history forms
• Perform a complete oral exam, taking and reviewing X-rays as appropriate, to determine whether treatment is necessary
• Discuss your orthodontic problems and review treatment options to correct them
• Discuss all financial information, insurance options, and payment plans
Should you decide to pursue orthodontic treatment, the next step is scheduling an orthodontic records appointment. This is an hour-long appointment to gather the necessary information for the orthodontist to create your treatment plan. Photos will be taken of your teeth, smile, and facial profile, as well as two different x-rays, and digital scans to fabricate digital models of your teeth. The doctor will conduct a detailed analysis of these records and develop a treatment plan that is customized to you.
The doctor will review this treatment plan with you in a third appointment, which we call the treatment conference. During your treatment conference, which can be conducted in person or virtually, we will explain everything you will need to know about your orthodontic treatment, so you can choose what’s best for you!
What to expect during your child’s first complimentary orthodontic consultation:
· Medical history – we will review your child’s dental and medical history forms.
· Complete oral exam – we will perform a complete oral exam, taking new X-rays or reviewing existing, to determine whether treatment is necessary.
· Preliminary plan – the doctor will determine whether treatment is recommended and if it is the right time to begin. We will discuss initial impressions and treatment options. A more detailed treatment plan will be formulated following a subsequent orthodontic records appointment (photos, x-rays, digital scans) and discussed in a later treatment conference. A fee quote will be provided at the consultation and you will have the opportunity to discuss insurance and payment options with our practice management team.
