Orthodontic treatment is different for everyone, however, the process of having braces applied is generally the same. In this post, our orthodontists in Burnaby break down the steps of getting braces.
1. Scheduling Your Orthodontist Appointment
Because people visit their dentist more often patients usually get a referral for braces from their dentist. However, we don't require a referral to provide you with braces, you can schedule your own orthodontic appointment by calling our office.
2. Going to Your Consultation
The first time you go to the orthodontist's office will be for an initial consultation.
This consultation includes a comprehensive examination of your teeth, X-rays, and intraoral photos so the orthodontist can determine if braces are the right treatment for you.
3. Customizing Your Treatment Plan
After your consultation, your orthodontist will customize a treatment plan tailored to your specific oral health needs. Because everybody has a different mouth, your treatment has to be designed specifically to get your desired outcome.
4. Planting the Braces
At the next appointment, your orthodontist will prepare your teeth for the braces by thoroughly cleaning and conditioning every tooth.
During the first part of this process, the orthodontist will deep clean your teeth, so they can be primed for the cement. The brackets are then cemented directly to your teeth, based on the predetermined positions mapped out by your orthodontist.
The wires are then placed into the brackets, this is when the doors are shut to hold everything in place.
5. Discussing At-Home Oral Care
Once your braces have been planted, your orthodontist will go over your at-home dental care routine, which will include the process of brushing your teeth with braces, the proper toothpaste to use, and bracket care. They may also give you a spindle brush to help you remove bacteria and particles from the wires and brackets around your teeth.
6. Checkups & Adjusting Your Braces
There will be an 8 - 10 week time frame following the initial placement of your braces for your first adjustment.
At this adjustment, your orthodontist will put new wires on your brackets. The new wires could have a different composition or be a bit stronger in order to keep your teeth moving and to push/pull your teeth in a specific direction.
It is extremely important to stay up to date with your routine dental cleanings and checkups while you are wearing your braces because the braces can make it hard to give your teeth a proper cleaning on your own. Your dental hygienists and dentists are equipped with the skills and training needed to clean around the brackets and wires to help you maintain excellent oral health.