What to Expect From Orthodontic Treatment
At this point, you probably understand what orthodontic treatments are, the various types of orthodontic treatments (as well as the pros and cons of each kind), and you may have a general sense of whether or not you’re a good candidate for orthodontic treatment. But what are orthodontic procedures like? What happens throughout the process? Let’s take a look.
What Is it Like Getting Braces?
1
Initial Consultation
First, you'll chat with an Dr. Jenna to understand your unique situation. They'll check your oral health and X-rays scans to see your teeth and jaw alignment if needed. Based on this, they'll create a treatment plan just for you, including what kind of appliance (like braces or aligners) you might need, how long it could take, and if any other steps like extractions or expanders are necessary. Lastly, they'll discuss finances and insurance coverage.
2
Application of Orthodontic Appliances
Next up is getting your braces or aligners. This happens at Dr Jenna's office and usually takes about 1 hour for braces, and about 1 hour for aligners. If you're in a hurry, this can sometimes happen right after your consultation. For braces, they'll attach brackets to your teeth and connect them with wires. If you choose clear aligners, they'll scan your mouth, and you'll get custom trays from a lab that you can easily put in and take out.
3
Adjustment and Monitoring
During your treatment, you'll have regular checkups and adjustments with Dr. Jenna. If you have braces, they'll change the wires and change your color ties (you can even pick fun colors!). If you're using aligners, you'll get new trays every so often. These visits make sure your teeth are moving correctly, and Dr. Jenna can make any needed tweaks.
4
Removal of Appliances
Once your teeth are perfectly aligned and you are happy with your smile, your braces or attachments will be removed. We will take final photographs and x-rays and send you home with your smile transformation photos.
5
Retention
After your braces or aligners are off, you'll need to wear a custom retainer to keep your teeth in their new positions. Retainers can be removable or fixed, depending on what your Dr. Jenna recommends and what works best for you. You'll have a few follow-up appointments to make sure your smile stays perfect.
How Long Do Orthodontic Procedures Take?
Orthodontic treatment typically spans 18 to 24 months but can extend up to 3 years to achieve the desired smile. The duration of appointments and the overall treatment period are influenced by the complexity of your case, the chosen orthodontic method, and other individual factors. The following provides typical timelines for various treatment types; keep in mind that individual outcomes can differ. Most treatments begin with an initial consultation lasting approximately 60 minutes.
- Application
1 visit, 1 hour - Adjustments
1 visit every 4-8 weeks, 15-30 minutes per visit - Removal
1 visit. 1 hour
- Application
1 visit, 1 hour - Adjustments
1 visit every 8-12 weeks. - Removal
1 visit. 1 hour
- Application
1 visit, 1 hour - Adjustments
1 visit every 4-8 weeks. - Removal
1 visit, 30 minutes. - Total Treatment Time
Typically a few months depending on the case
Procedures like orthognathic surgery or other surgeries that happen as part of orthodontic treatments can vary widely depending on the severity of the case. The specialists at Walburn Orthodontics would be happy to discuss the specifics of procedures like these in the unlikely case that you were to require them.
What About Same-Day Braces?
While achieving a perfectly straight smile takes time, Dr. Jenna can often start your treatment on the very same day as your initial consultation. This means you can begin your journey to a flawless smile much sooner and more conveniently, even with a busy lifestyle. Contact our practice today to see if same-day braces are right for you.
Do Orthodontic Treatments Hurt?
At Walburn Orthodontics, your comfort is a top priority. Our experienced team uses various effective pain management strategies to ensure a comfortable experience throughout your orthodontic journey.
To minimize potential discomfort and swelling, we often recommend taking over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) before certain appointments. In certain situations we may utilize the Dental Pain Eraser from Synapse.
Braces can sometimes cause irritation to the inside of your mouth. Orthodontic wax provides a simple and effective solution by creating a smooth barrier over any sharp edges, protecting your delicate soft tissues and relieving discomfort.
It's common to experience some tooth and gum sensitivity after orthodontic procedures and adjustments. Eating soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies, and soups can help minimize any discomfort during this time.
More Questions About Braces?
Now that you have a better understanding of the orthodontic treatment process, you might be wondering about topics such as finding a local orthodontist, the cost of braces and other treatments, or how to choose the best provider for your needs. Explore the navigation menu above for comprehensive information on all aspects of orthodontics.