Braces take around one to three years to fix a person’s teeth. However, the length of time you need them depends on your unique oral issues.
The timeframe of braces is one thing you might wonder about when getting braces, but you might also have questions about what to expect.
Visiting an orthodontist is a great way to learn more about your orthodontic treatment. After all, getting braces is the best way to straighten your teeth, but do you understand how it works?
As you prepare to get braces, you might have questions about what to expect. Fortunately, you can learn the top things to know about orthodontic treatment by reading this guide.
It Begins With a Consultation Visit
Orthodontic treatment begins with choosing an orthodontist. You can search for orthodontic practices in your area to find one, but you should research a clinic before settling on it.
After finding a clinic to use, you can contact them to schedule a consultation visit. This visit is a preliminary visit that provides the information you need. It also gives the orthodontist a chance to review your situation.
So, what happens during this visit?
First, the orthodontist reviews your medical history and examines your mouth to determine if you need dental care before getting braces.
Next, the clinic takes pictures, molds, and x-rays of your teeth. This comprehensive step helps the orthodontist determine your unique needs and goals for orthodontic treatment.
It also helps the orthodontist locate issues with your mouth. For example, are you missing any permanent teeth? If so, you have a condition called hypodontia, which an orthodontist needs to know before creating your plan.
Finally, this visit informs you about your treatment plan. You’ll learn about the timeframe for braces, the work you must complete before getting braces, and the costs.
Additionally, you can ask questions about the process during the consultation visit and schedule the appointment to get your braces.
The Orthodontist Installs the Braces
The process of getting braces takes some time. Therefore, the orthodontist office will discuss this with you, so you know how long you’ll be at the office. They might tell you to plan on being there for two to three hours.
When you arrive to get your braces, they’ll have you sit in a dental chair and begin the work. They’ll likely start by examining your teeth. Then, if necessary, they’ll clean your teeth and dry them before applying the braces.
Next, the orthodontist clinic applies bonding cement to your teeth. This cement is safe and durable; its purpose is to hold the brackets to your teeth.
They’ll place a bracket on each tooth and run a wire through the brackets. You might feel some discomfort and pressure during this process, but it’s not painful.
Once complete, the clinic will give instructions on how to care for your new braces.
You’ll Need to Learn How to Care for Them
You’ll need to change a few things in your life while wearing braces, and the clinic can help you learn these things.
First, you must complete the proper oral care habits daily. Braces tend to collect food particles because of their structure. As a result, you must clean your teeth and braces thoroughly several times a day.
You can clean them by routine brushing. You might also use a mouth rinse product to help with this issue, and your orthodontist can teach you how to floss your teeth with braces.
Secondly, you’ll need to eat differently. Your mouth will feel sore for a few days after getting your braces, so you might limit your foods to soft things and liquids.
After that, you can eat normal foods, but you should avoid certain foods. For example, you might want to avoid eating sharp foods. You may also need to avoid eating sticky and crunchy foods.
Your orthodontist will give you a list of foods to avoid, and it would help if you followed these instructions.
Finally, you must continue visiting a dentist for cleanings and exams during your orthodontic treatment. Continuing these visits is vital because your teeth are more vulnerable to decay while you have braces.
Orthodontic Treatment Requires Routine Visits
The next thing to expect is routine visits to your orthodontist. While you may need to visit a general dentist every six months for exams, you might need to return to your orthodontist’s office every month.
These visits serve several purposes:
Fix Issues
Brackets can break and might need repairs or replacement during your orthodontic treatment. Therefore, they use these visits to ensure that all the components are working properly. If not, they’ll fix the issues.
Modify the Plan
Secondly, they use these visits to modify your treatment plan if necessary. For example, they might give you small rubber bands to attach to your braces to adjust the way your bite moves.
Tighten the Wires
The wires run through the brackets and place pressure on the teeth. They must tighten these each month to add more pressure to the teeth.
They’ll Remove Them When Complete
The orthodontist will look closely at your progress each time you visit the clinic. When they decide you’ve reached your goals, they will schedule an appointment to remove your braces.
This process takes one to two hours, and it’s one of the most exciting parts of getting braces. Finally, after wearing the braces for one to three years, you’ll get to see your brand-new smile!
Schedule Your Consultation Visit
Are you considering orthodontic treatment? Braces can help you have straighter teeth and a nicer smile, leaving you with more confidence.
You can learn more about braces and other options by contacting us at Arch Orthodontics. We offer services for children, teens, and adults and would love to hear from you.
