Your First Orthodontic Visit
During this visit, your orthodontist will address your dental problems and explain the need for braces to correct them. Diagnostic records like digital X-rays, clinical photographs, and moulds of your teeth will be obtained to formulate a customized treatment plan for each patient.
The length of your treatment depends on each person’s bite, age, response to treatment, and compliance with treatment instructions.
What Can I Expect When I Start Braces Treatment?
A set of three consecutive visits is required to start the actual process of orthodontic appliance therapy. These three appointments are spaced out weekly.
1. First Visit: Separator Placement
Separators are small rubber rings inserted between the molars to open up space to aid the fitting of orthodontic bands.
2. Second Visit: Banding
During this visit, the doctor will remove the separators and fit the molar bands (stainless steel rings) over your teeth. These molar bands serve as anchors for your braces.
3. Third Visit: Bonding
During this visit, the doctor will fully install your orthodontic appliance onto your teeth. An orthodontic wire will tie the braces together.
Expect some degree of discomfort from the appliance, as your mouth is experiencing, for the very first time, the pressure from actual tooth movement.
Care During Braces Treatment
Braces treatment is a team effort between you and your orthodontist to ensure a successful outcome. The following care for your fixed braces is highly expected:
- Avoid foods that will damage the orthodontic appliance
- Maintain a high level of oral hygiene
- Attend your adjustment visits every 4–6 weeks, or as instructed by your orthodontist, to ensure proper progress
- Strictly follow your doctor’s instructions on elastic wear to move your teeth in the correct direction
