What To Expect From Orthodontic Care
An orthodontist can help patients who need their teeth or jaw alignment corrected. Individuals or those who are taking someone seeking treatment should prepare for this process. Here is more on what an orthodontist can do for you:
Initial Consultation
Consultation begins with a checkup and assessment by an orthodontist or through an examination and referral from a dentist. This visit helps the orthodontist determine if you need care after evaluating your teeth, jaws, and facial structure. An examination may involve taking X-rays, photographs, and dental impressions.
Treatment Planning
After the initial appointment, you and the orthodontist create a treatment plan appropriate for the recommended care. This plan outlines the details of the process to meet your dental needs, such as which correctional devices are best to use, how long the treatment will need to be, and what goals you have for your desired outcome.
Some individuals may need conventional metal braces, while others may need to get ceramic braces or removable clear appliances. The orthodontist will explain the pros and cons of the various options available, helping you make the right decisions.
Application of Braces
After the treatment plan has been agreed on, the orthodontist can apply the braces or aligners to your teeth. In the case of conventional braces, the orthodontist may glue the brackets onto the teeth and then link the separate wires to interconnect all the brackets. The process of applying conventional braces or aligners is non-invasive.
Regular Adjustments
Orthodontic treatment includes several return visits to monitor and adjust the appliances. For those with brackets and wires, adjustments will happen at appointments made every 4 to 6 weeks. On these occasions, the orthodontist will change the wires and bands and evaluate the progress of the treatment.
You should receive new aligners throughout the treatment based on the current stage of you progress. These check-ups help the orthodontist see whether your teeth are better positioned in your mouth with the current plan. In situations where alignment is not progressing as desired, the orthodontist corrects the wires or broken brackets and deals with any oral discomforts.
Completion of Treatment
Your treatment at the orthodontist’s clinic will end once your teeth have completed the process of moving to their optimal positions. So that your teeth stay in their new places, you will also require a retainer. A retainer is a removable appliance that is fashioned to make sure the newly aligned teeth do not shift again. You will be instructed to wear the retainer all day for the first few months and eventually at night only.
Long-Term Maintenance
Once your outcomes are to your satisfaction, your treatment is officially complete. Routine check-ups are necessary for some time afterward. Residual tooth movements may take place due to various changes in the oral cavity. It is advisable to strictly follow the orthodontist’s instructions to maintain the improved tooth alignment.
Consult an Orthodontist
Braces may need to be worn for some time but will most likely result in a healthy smile. Knowing what to expect from an orthodontist before going through the treatment process could relieve any doubts about getting care. Consult an orthodontist today for a check-up and to find out what needs to be done to improve your oral health.
