Getting Braces is Easier than You May Think
Congratulations! You have taken the first step and decided to move towards better oral health – and a beautiful smile. If you don’t know about process of getting braces, it might seem to be a big deal, but it’s easier than you might think. Knowing how to get braces and what will happen when you are in the orthodontist’s chair can help make the whole braces process less intimidating.
As you get ready for your first appointment at Orthodontic Experts, you’ll probably have a lot of questions. Your orthodontist at Orthodontic Experts will guide you through the process of getting braces, but it can help to know the basics before you head in. Read on the helpful information below to get an idea about how to get braces, from the first consultation to the day you get your braces off!
Your Orthodontist
Before your first official appointment, you will have an initial consultation with your orthodontist. If you have any x-rays from your dentist, bring them along at your initial consultation. Your orthodontist at orthodontic experts will evaluate your teeth and make a treatment recommendation suggesting the best orthodontic appliance for you.
This is the time when you can ask all your questions – so come prepared! We’ve got a list of questions in our FAQ section.
Things to Do Before You Get Braces
The first step of braces process is to visit your family dentist! Get your teeth professionally cleaned. If you need treatment for any other oral care conditions such as periodontal problems or tooth extraction, your orthodontist at Orthodontic Experts may recommend taking care of these issues before getting braces.
Your First Visit at Orthodontic Experts
At Orthodontic Experts, first of all you’ll get x-rays of your whole mouth and of individual teeth. If spacing between any of your teeth is too tight, your orthodontist may insert spacers to help prepare your mouth for braces process.
Whether you get Traditional Metal Braces or customized behind-the-teeth braces, the next step is to make an accurate mold. Your orthodontist will take an impression of your teeth make an accurate mold. One of the old fashion methods is to bite down on a tray of soft impression material for a few minutes, but your orthodontist at orthodontic experts will take a digital scan of your mouth.
Process of Getting Braces at Orthodontic Experts
Don’t forget to brush and floss your teeth before process of getting braces! The braces process itself is painless for most people. Your bonding appointment at orthodontic experts may last for about two hours, so you may want to bring some music to help pass the time.
Your orthodontist at Orthodontic Experts will insert in a device in your mouth to keep your mouth dry and your tongue in place. They will also dry your teeth and apply an etchant to make the tooth surface ideal for bonding. In the next step, braces will be placed on your teeth using a special adhesive to hold them in place throughout your treatment. A curing light will be used to harden the adhesive and set the bond. Finally, your orthodontist will run the archwire through the braces and hold it in place with ligature bands unless you have chosen self-ligating braces, which don’t need additional bands. And that’s it; your braces process is completed. Having read this, you would definitely know how to get braces, but must read on to know about further steps of the process of getting braces.
Your follow-up appointments
When you get your braces on, you’ll have about 4-8 weeks to get used to them before your first follow-up appointment. These routine “adjustments” doesn’t take as much time as getting your braces. Your orthodontist at Orthodontic Experts will check your progress and swap out the old bands, and possibly the old archwire, for a new set. This is the perfect time to change up your colors if you want!
Your orthodontist may recommend adjustment appointments every 4-8 weeks throughout your treatment. When the archwire is replaced, it is normal to feel minor discomfort for a few days – but it is only temporary. If you are concerned, talk to your orthodontist they will suggest some methods to relieve your discomfort.
Your Last Appointment at Orthodontic Experts
You’ve done it! Your orthodontic treatment is complete, and you are about to see your new beautiful and perfect smile. You won’t have to wait very long – removing braces is easier and faster than you might think. The brackets will come off easily, leaving behind just a trace of the bonding material. Your orthodontist at Orthodontic Experts will remove the bonding material and polish the enamel, leaving smooth and shiny teeth where your braces had been. It will only take about 15 minutes!
When you are done with braces process and braces are taken off what happens next? You may need a retainer to keep your teeth at their new positions. You should ask your orthodontist how to care for your smile after braces. As always, keep brushing and flossing regularly and get ready to show off your beautiful new smile!
Talk to our orthodontist
For more information about living with braces, including eating, cleaning and extra-curricular, check out our Life with Braces page. Or you can give a us call to talk to our orthodontists. Our multilingual staff to would love to help you.
