WHAT TO EXPECT
Your First Orthodontic Experience
Get ready for an exciting first step toward your perfect smile! Your initial appointment is designed to be informative, thorough, and tailored to your unique needs. This one-hour visit is all about getting to know you and your orthodontic goals while laying the foundation for your treatment journey.
During the appointment, we’ll take detailed records—including X-rays, photos, and impressions—to understand your orthodontic needs fully. These tools help us craft the ideal treatment plan just for you!
Here’s what we’ll explore together during your visit:
- Can orthodontics help? We’ll assess your smile and explain how we can make it even better.
- Is now the right time? Learn whether treatment should begin immediately or if waiting for factors like growth or tooth eruption is best.
- What’s the plan? We’ll outline the procedures and steps needed to achieve your dream smile.
- Are extractions needed? We’ll discuss if any permanent teeth should be removed.
- How long will it take? Understand the timeline for your personalized treatment.
- What will it cost? Get a clear breakdown of fees and flexible payment options.
We’re here to make sure you leave feeling confident, informed, and excited about your journey to a stunning smile! Don’t hesitate to ask questions—this is your time to get all the details you need. Let’s get started on transforming your smile!
We are always excited about meeting new patients!
At your first consultation appointment you will be asked to complete necessary paperwork. To save time, you are able to download new patient forms here.
Please complete the forms and bring them with you to your consultation appointment.
How Orthodontic Treatment Works
Orthodontic appliances can be made of metal, ceramic, or plastic. They may be removable or they may be brackets bonded to the teeth. By placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, braces slowly move teeth to a corrected position.
This is a great time to wear braces! Gone are the days when a metal band with a bracket was placed around each tooth. You can choose brackets that are clear, silver, platinum or gold in color. You can choose the color of the ties that hold the wire in brackets. Wires are also less noticeable than they used to be and the latest materials move teeth faster with less discomfort to patients.
Duration of Treatment
Intervals between subsequent visits range from two to seven weeks with visit duration from twenty minutes to an hour, depending on the treatment. We strive hard to run on time so that you can be seen on time. It is a courtesy to the rest of our family of patients for you to arrive promptly for appointments so that we can stay on schedule.
Children – Early treatment procedures may take three to six months. It’s best to see an orthodontist by the age of 9. Early treatment can simplify later treatment.
Adults – One of every five patients in orthodontic treatment is over 21. If you have waited until your children were done with treatment, or if you have just waited your whole life for straight teeth, a simple and painless evaluation will let you see just what it will take to improve your smile.
Regular Appointments
Your first treatment appointment will entail putting your braces on. The appointment will take 45 – 90 minutes and you will leave with all the tools and instructions you need. You’ll then see us at regular intervals 4 to 8 weeks apart for an adjustment, which takes 20 to 40 minutes.
Remember, the adjustments keep treatment moving forward. Missing appointments slows your treatment down and keeps you in braces longer.
We love having you as a patient and hope you love being our patient, but we can guarantee that the sooner your braces are off, the happier you will be!
HOW TO
Taking Care Of Your Braces and You
Eating with Braces
For the first day or so, stick to soft foods. Avoid tough meats, hard breads, and raw vegetables. Before long, you’ll be able to bite a cucumber again. But you’ll need to protect your orthodontic appliances when you eat for as long as you’re wearing braces.
What To Avoid
Chewy foods: bagels, hard rolls, licorice. Crunchy foods: popcorn, ice, chips . Sticky foods: caramels, gum. Hard foods: nuts, candy. Foods you have to bite into: corn on the cob, apples, carrots . Minimize sugary foods; they cause tooth decay and related problems. Chewing on hard things (for example, pens, pencils or fingernails) can damage the braces.
Don't Rush When You Brush!
To successfully complete the treatment plan, the patient must work together with the orthodontist. The teeth and jaws can only move toward their corrected positions if the patient consistently wears the rubber bands, headgear or other appliances as prescribed. Damaged appliances lengthen the treatment time.
Don't Forget To Floss!
It’s more important than ever to brush and floss regularly when you have braces, so the teeth and gums are healthy after orthodontic treatment. Adults who have a history of gum disease should also see a periodontist during orthodontic treatment.
THE POWER OF BRACES
Before & After - Smile Transformations
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