What to Expect
Your First VisitYour first visit to our office will include a comprehensive examination that will allow the orthodontists to recommend if and when treatment is necessary. It is also an opportunity for you to have questions answered, discuss any concerns, and meet our orthodontic team. Before the initiation of any orthodontic treatment, diagnostic records must be made so that the doctors may finalize the diagnosis and create a detailed treatment plan. The diagnostic records consist of photographs, x-rays, and plaster models of the teeth. The records are thoroughly reviewed to ensure that no details are overlooked and the treatment plan is custom designed for each patient. Treatment Conference At this appointment, your orthodontists will discuss with you exactly what is involved in treatment, what results can be expected, and how your active participation can maximize these results. We are confident that you will feel very well informed and have all of your questions answered by the end of this visit. The Bonding Appointment After the doctors develop the individualized treatment plan, you are now ready to get your braces! For most patients, this is the appointment where the doctor places the braces on the teeth and a wire is secured into the braces. This is typically the longest visit you will have with us and can range from 1-2 hours. The office will provide a comprehensive care and maintenance package to help ensure the patient's comfort, dental health, and reduce emergency visits. Some orthodontic problems require additional appliances to help achieve our goal of a beautiful smile. If the doctors plan to use an additional appliance, a separator may be placed one week prior to the placement of orthodontic bands. A separator, which is a small rubber band, will be inserted between the back teeth and will allow for easier placement of the bands. Adjustment Appointments Once the braces are in place, you will visit our office to review your treatment progress at intervals of 4-8 weeks, depending on your specific needs. At these appointments, a number of different procedures might be done in order to assure the continued progress of your treatment. This includes the placement of new wires, the use of rubber bands, and the review of home care instructions. Periodic x-rays will be taken to assess proper tooth movement and monitor tooth and bone health. Debanding Upon completion of treatment, the braces will be removed and you will be provided with retainers to hold the teeth in place. A set of post-treatment models, x-rays, and pictures are always completed to document the improvements made. |
