What to Expect with Orthodontic Treatment
Committing to braces is a big decision. It helps to know what you can expect with orthodontic treatment, so we’re here to answer all of your questions—and we know you have a lot of them! It’s common to wonder what to expect with costs, how long it will take to straighten teeth, or even what treatment is the best option for your needs.
If you’ve been considering orthodontic treatment in Atlanta, the team at Braces Braces can help. Whether you are further along in your journey and ready to get braces put on or you’re looking for a free initial consultation in which we’ll assess your teeth and answer any questions, we’ll guide you through the process and make sure you’re confident every step of the way.
Here’s a look at what to expect during each appointment, from the very first consultation to the final follow-up. Before we get started, it’s important to note that timelines and appointments do vary from patient to patient based on your unique needs.
Initial Orthodontic Consultation
All orthodontic treatment starts with an initial orthodontic consultation. This appointment generally lasts 30 minutes to an hour. Our first consultations are free for patients. It’s a chance to get to know our practice and team better, and learn more about what the next steps will look like. During this time, the orthodontist will go over dental records with you, talk about various types of treatments, and begin deciding on what approach is right for you or your child.
The orthodontist will do an examination of the mouth and take photographs of the teeth. This assessment helps us begin developing a customized treatment plan. We look into not just why braces are needed, but the overall health of the mouth. Braces fix a number of issues with function, appearance and more. In this consultation, we take the time to learn about your goals and what you want to achieve with braces.
This is where you can ask anything—any questions you may have, we’re ready to answer them. We’ll talk about financial programs and payment options, discuss expected timelines, compare pros and cons of treatments, and address any concerns.
The orthodontist will do an examination of the mouth and take photographs of the teeth. This assessment helps us begin developing a customized treatment plan. We look into not just why braces are needed, but the overall health of the mouth. Braces fix a number of issues with function, appearance and more. In this consultation, we take the time to learn about your goals and what you want to achieve with braces.
This is where you can ask anything—any questions you may have, we’re ready to answer them. We’ll talk about financial programs and payment options, discuss expected timelines, compare pros and cons of treatments, and address any concerns.
First Orthodontic Appointment
During the first official appointment, the orthodontist starts to collect even more information about the patient’s mouth. In particular, our team will take impressions of the teeth along with digital X-rays. In some cases, this can even occur during the initial consultation. We use this information to create customized braces, retainers and aligners, depending on what’s necessary for the treatment you chose with your orthodontist.
This visit typically lasts around one hour. Along with preparing for treatment, we verify medical records and go over paperwork to make sure you understand any consent forms and releases that need to be signed.
Braces and Aligners Appointment
During this appointment, we fit the braces or aligners onto the teeth. If you or your child are getting clear braces or traditional metal braces, the orthodontist will bond the brackets to the teeth and attach flexible wires that connect between the brackets. If you are getting Invisalign, we also fit the aligners to your teeth with any necessary adjustments made at that time.
Over time, our orthodontic treatments work to gradually shift your teeth into a straighter smile. Some sensitivity and soreness is completely normal in the first few days as you adjust. If you’re concerned about this, please don’t hesitate to call our office.
Before you leave, we’ll go over best care practices and hand you a packet of helpful instructions. Don’t be surprised if we send you off with a reminder to keep the Invisalign aligners in or to eat soft foods after your appointment for traditional braces.
Follow-Up Appointments
These visits are the quick, easy adjustments we do routinely throughout treatment. They usually take less than 30 minutes. We know how busy your schedules are, which is why our office has flexible hours and short wait times to make these appointments as hassle-free as possible.
Generally, visits happen every four to eight weeks depending on your needs. This is when we check the progress and movement of the teeth. With clear and metal braces, wires are also tightened. If rubber bands are needed, we’ll give you those as well. Patients also have the option to choose different colors for the bands surrounding the brackets at each tightening appointment. We have a full array of rainbow colors to choose from for a fun, personalized look! With Invisalign, you’ll be given new trays of aligners that are meant to be switched out every two weeks.
The great part about orthodontic treatment is that there are multiple options to figure out the right choice for you or your child. For cost-effective traditional braces that show personality with color or less visible options for patients wanting a more discreet look, we can do both.
Final Appointment
This is it. The final orthodontic appointment. We’ve made it to the end! Our team will check to make sure everything looks good and we’re happy with the results.
The teeth have moved into the desired position and your family is leaving our office with a brand new smile. This appointment generally takes about an hour and a half. With braces, the orthodontist removes the brackets and the wires. The feeling of smooth teeth for the first time in months—or even years—is a fun shock for many patients. With all treatments, we’ll polish and clean the teeth.
Your orthodontist will also let you know if you need any additional follow-ups. This could include impressions for removable or permanent retainers. We’ll finish by going over upkeep and general care for the years to come before taking photos of you or your child’s newly straightened smile.
Over time, you build a relationship with your orthodontic team. It’s important to choose a practice you trust. You’ll be in braces for an average of 18 to 24 months with more extensive work taking longer and less complex issues finishing sooner. If you want to know exactly what to expect with orthodontic treatment, contact us today. At Braces Braces, we serve adults and children in the Atlanta area.
The first step is making the initial orthodontic appointment in Atlanta. Give us a call at (770) 222-2322 to start on your braces journey with Braces Braces.
