Your First Consultation
During your first visit at our office, our orthodontists will provide a comprehensive evaluation and inform you if braces is needed. You are encouraged to ask questions and to bring up any concerns you may have about your teeth. If treatment is indicated, a treatment plan with an estimated time of completion will be provided to you.
You will then meet with our treatment coordinator to discuss our fees, taking into account any dental insurance coverage you may have. Payment plans can be set up on an interest-free monthly or quarterly basis – we also offer discounts for payment in full.
Getting Started: Initial Records
Your journey to your new smile begins! A full set of diagnostic records will be taken. These initial records typically include digital x-rays, photos, and impression models of your teeth. Our orthodontists makes use of each component to design the best treatment plan for you. Usually, we will ask you to return in 2 to 4 weeks.
Placement of Braces
This is the day you get your braces! We will place braces onto your teeth, using a indirect bonding technique. An archwire will be placed onto your braces and secured with ligature ties. For more information, see The Process of Putting on Braces here
This appointment generally takes about an hour. Instructions will be given on how to take care of your braces as well as the types of foods that you must avoid (such as bubble gum, nuts, taffy, etc).
Regular Adjustment Visits
We will schedule your office visits at regular intervals from 4 to 12 weeks apart for adjustments to your braces. During these visits, your archwire will be reactivated and your colored ligature ties will be refreshed or changed. Appointment times are generally between 10 to 20 minutes.
Removing Your Braces
Once we determine that your smile is looking good and treatment is complete, your braces will be removed! During this visit, special equipment will be used to gently debond your braces and any residual bonding adhesive will be polished off your teeth. Final or “after-treatment” records are then taken and orthodontic retainers will be provided to you.
Wearing Your Retainers
Once your case is completed successfully, you must wear your retainers as instructed. Retainers are custom made for you and will help to keep your teeth in their newly corrected positions.
It can take several months for your new smile to stabilize. You may have to wear your retainers 24/7 during the first months after finishing your treatment. You can take them out when you’re eating or drinking. Eventually, you can transition to wearing them when you sleep at night.
We cannot stress enough that retainers are a very important part of your treatment. In order to keep your smile at its best for the long term, retainers must be worn consistently – if not, there is a good chance that your teeth may relapse and lose the corrections that were made. If your retainers are lost or damaged, it is your personal responsibility to contact us immediately to have a replacement made.
