February 24, 2023
Introduction
Are you thinking of getting braces for your teeth and wondering how the process of getting braces works?
We at Kirkland Premier Dentistry believe that patients should not get braces without knowing what to expect with the process of starting a braces treatment so our team makes sure that our patients are duly informed about the treatment before we start it as it helps you to make better decisions and also yields better results. It is always wise to know about a treatment before starting it.
This step-by-step guide about getting braces will help you do exactly the same.
The different components of braces like brackets, wires, rubber bands, and glue work together to fix certain oral problems.
What exactly is Orthodontic Treatment?
A branch of dentistry that deals with and treats dental abnormalities, Orthodontic treatment involves diagnosis, correction, and prevention of bite issues and teeth movement at the same time correcting their alignment issues.
Orthodontic treatment straightens or moves the teeth to help the bite and give you a better smile and comfort while promoting overall oral health. This branch of dentistry addresses common issues like crooked teeth, an overbite or underbite, and crowding issues with the use of braces and aligners.
Why Should I Have Orthodontic Treatment?
Most people tend to believe that orthodontic treatment is only for cosmetic purposes. Though that’s not a totally misplaced notion as a great smile can help to boost your confidence and self-esteem, the benefits of orthodontic treatment go much beyond just the aesthetics.
Orthodontic treatment can correct issues like overcrowding and crooked teeth which make cleaning teeth a hard process, allowing the buildup of plaque leading to decay and gum problems. Tooth decay and gum disease can be major reasons behind tooth loss and other serious health issues.
What is the Best Age to Start Orthodontic Treatment?
It is advisable to seek orthodontic treatment, as early as possible as it allows the specialist to create a treatment plan on time and prevent the problems from worsening. It is recommended that an assessment of orthodontic issues is done at around 7 years of age to get a fair idea of the child’s bite and any other potential issues.
However, the notion that orthodontic treatment is only for children is highly misplaced as this treatment is as beneficial for improving the ideal smile and bite of adults as it is for children. In fact, newer technologies have brought forth many orthodontic options for adults to help them improve their smile and oral health with the help of orthodontic treatment.
How do Orthodontic Devices work?
Orthodontic devices initiate or direct tooth movement, influence jaw development, and create new muscle patterns by applying pressure on the mouth and jaw.
The various types of orthodontic devices include Braces, Space Maintainers, Clear Aligners, Headgear, Palatal expanders, Splints, Bumpers, Retainers, etc. The extent and type of treatment suitable for you depends on your orthodontic issues and overall oral health.
What is the process of getting braces?
Diagnosis
A proper diagnosis by a competent orthodontist is an extremely important first step toward a successful and stress-free orthodontic process.
A full orthodontic diagnosis is recommended to be completely prepared for the treatment. Make sure to ask all the questions that you have at this juncture. The initial consultation gives the patient and the doctor a chance to discuss all of the options available.
An oral examination is performed to determine the oral problems that will need to be addressed. The mold of the patient’s mouth is also taken and a choice of braces is made.
Professional cleaning of the teeth is also advised at this point and your orthodontist may also recommend taking care of oral issues like periodontal problems or tooth extraction if needed.
First Visit
- X-rays of your whole mouth and of individual teeth are taken. Additionally, photographs of your face, teeth & mouth may also be taken.
- Spacers may be inserted in case the spacing between any of your teeth is too tight.
- Making an accurate mold of your teeth is the next step. The orthodontist will take an impression of your teeth for the same purpose.
Getting Your Braces
Remember to brush and floss properly before you get your braces on. Getting the braces is a painless procedure and the bonding appointment may last for about two hours.
A special dental glue is used to attach the brackets and hold them in place on the teeth. The orthodontist will then run a wire through the brackets, which may be shaped in a specific manner to ensure that the teeth are moving in the correct direction.
Rubber bands are also attached to the braces for dental patients who have been diagnosed with bite problems. This helps to put more pressure on some areas of the jaw & teeth.
Follow Up Appointments
Periodic adjustments of the braces by your dentist are needed for them to give you the desired results. Usually recommended every 4 to 8 weeks, these routine adjustments take much less time than getting your braces initially.
The orthodontist checks your progress and swaps out the old bands, and if needed, the old archwire also, for a new set. It is normal to feel slight discomfort for a few days after the archwire is changed but it is only temporary. Your dentist can suggest to you ways to reduce this discomfort.
Make sure to keep all of your adjustment appointments as the application of constant pressure on the teeth is mandatory for the braces to work. Thus adhering to an adjustment schedule is an extremely vital part of the process.
Final Appointment
The treatment is officially complete and you are all ready to witness a new perfect smile.
Removal of braces is an easier and faster process than most people assume. After taking the brackets off, the orthodontist will remove the bonding material and polish the enamel, giving you smooth and sparkling teeth.
Retainers
After the job of the braces is over, you must wear a retainer.
Retainers help to ensure that the teeth stay in their new and correct positions. The period for which you may be required to wear a retainer varies from patient to patient, with an average of about 12 months.
Remember to Brush and floss properly and visit your dentist regularly. These Small steps can go a long way in helping to preserve your smile.
A Word From Us
So if you are ready to take a leap toward a brighter and better smile, we are here to help you. If you are looking for a trusted and experienced orthodontist, then let us assure you that Dr. Sheena Gaur at Kirkland Premier Dentistry is one of the best in the field. With years of experience and hard work, she has made sure that she is updated with all the latest techniques, with the aim of providing the best treatment to her patients.
Our office is fully equipped with all the facilities to give you the best possible experience. And our staff makes sure to go the extra mile to make you comfortable and smile all through the process. We are just a call away. Feel free to contact us below for an appointment.
