Starting your journey to a straighter smile is an exciting step towards improved oral health and confidence. Understanding what to expect during the process can help you prepare mentally for the road ahead.
Initial Consultation and Assessment:
The journey begins with an initial consultation with a specialist orthodontist. During this visit, the orthodontist will assess your oral health, take x-rays, and discuss your treatment options. This is an opportunity to ask questions and gain a clear understanding of the recommended course of action.
Customise a Treatment Plan:
Once the assessment of your teeth is complete, your orthodontist will create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. This plan outlines the type of orthodontic appliance (braces, aligners etc.) and the estimated duration of the treatment.
Fitting and Adjustment Appointments:
If braces are chosen, the next step involves the fitting of the brackets and wires. If aligners are the preferred treatment of choice, you may have small opaque looking spots glued to your teeth, called attachments, and a series of aligners will be given to you. Throughout any prescribed treatment, you’ll have periodic adjustment appointments where wires may be tightened or aligners switched to maintain progress.
Adapting to Changes:
Orthodontic appliances may cause some discomfort initially as your teeth adjust to the new pressure. Eating softer foods during this time can help ease any soreness. It’s common for speech adjustments to occur temporarily, especially with aligners.
Oral Hygiene and Maintenance:
Proper oral hygiene becomes paramount during orthodontic treatment. Regular cleaning of braces or aligners is crucial to prevent plaque buildup. Your orthodontist will guide you on effective cleaning methods and may recommend additional tools like floss threaders.
Monitoring and Progress Checks:
Regular check-ups with your orthodontist are scheduled to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments. These appointments are essential for ensuring that your treatment plan is on track and achieving the desired results.
Completion and Retention:
Once your teeth have reached the desired alignment and you and your orthodontist are happy with the way your teeth are looking, the active phase of treatment concludes. To maintain your result, your orthodontist may recommend wearing a retainer. Retainers help prevent teeth from shifting back to their original positions and may be fixed onto the back of your teeth discreetly, or you may be required to wear a removable clear plate at night.
Understanding these stages of orthodontic treatment can help you to approach the process with confidence and commitment. If you’d like to learn more about how orthodontics can help you, book a consultation with the friendly team at Ortho Co and see how they can transform your smile.
