Orthodontist visit? If you have crooked, overcrowded, or otherwise misaligned teeth, braces are obviously an appropriate corrective option. But what if your concerns go beyond teeth that are crooked or oddly spaced? Do you need to have all of your teeth repaired prior to orthodontic treatment? In most cases, the answer is no. Orthodontists used specialized tools to solve a variety of dental concerns, so in most cases, the repairs can be made as a part of the ongoing treatment process. However, there are a few steps that should be taken to effectively prepare for your orthodontic treatment. Knowing what needs to be taken care of beforehand as well as what is involved in this type of treatment will help you receive more effective treatment as well as be more satisfied with the process along the way.

Preparing for Braces

You’ll need to see your regular dentist for a check-up and cleaning, before getting your new appliances affixed,. This procedure will allow you dentist to assess the condition of your oral health and determine if you have any progressive decay or gum problems. These are two conditions that must be remedied prior to beginning your orthodontic treatment.

It is important that you have any cavities filled or other forms of decay treated prior to the beginning of your treatment. Doing so will help prevent further spread of decay and bacteria in your mouth. Plus it will deter issues with bonding the brackets to your teeth. If there is active decay in any of your teeth,  the new appliances attached to your teeth will exacerbate the issue and cause additional concerns.

Likewise, if you have any gum disease or other problems, it is important that this is treated prior to beginning with your orthodontist. This type of issue can leave your gums sensitive and more susceptible to infection. So it is necessary to treat issues with the gums prior to any steps of the orthodontic treatment.

Following a routine check-up with your dentist that results with a clean bill of oral health, you can begin treatment with your orthodontist. It is crucial to maintain regular appointments with your dentist for cleanings even throughout your orthodontic treatment as this will help you avoid cavities and other breakdowns of your oral health.

Steps in Orthodontist Treatment

Knowing what to expect as you begin treatment will help you better prepare for each appointment. You will then feel more comfortable and confident as you begin the process. Your provider will explain what should occur at each appointment, but this timeline provides a rough overview of each of the steps of your treatment.

First Visit – Photos, impressions, and x-rays will be taken of your teeth to create plaster study molds. Your provider will plan your treatment using these records. At this point, determinations will be made if you need any permanent teeth removed if here is not enough space for all of them in your mouth.

Second Visit – In this visit, your orthodontist will explain the specific steps in your treatment as well as what type of appliances are suitable for your condition. Before your appliances are installed, separators will be placed between your molars to create enough room for the molar bands used in traditional treatment. You’ll typically have these bands for a week.

Third and Fourth Visits – These visits are extremely important as this is when your brands and brackets are bonded to your teeth. This is a careful process that will typically take longer than any of your adjustments.

Subsequent Visits – After your brackets and bands have been installed, you’ll have an adjustment every 4 to 8 weeks. These appointments will involve changing the wires, adding springs, and swapping the elastics and other accessories attached to your appliance.

Accessories

Accessories are an important component of your orthodontic treatment. Elastics achieve proper alignment between your upper and lower teeth. A facemask, headgear, or biteplate can be used when you have a fixed appliance. Your provider will explain exactly how to use each accessory. It is important that you follow his or her instructions. Failure to use your accessories correctly can slow or even reverse the progress of your treatment.

Deband Appointment – Once your treatment is complete, you’ll have a deband appointment to remove your appliances. Your provider will also remove the cement from your teeth and polish them at this appointment. Likewise, new molds of your teeth will be made to fashion retainers. Even after your active treatment is complete, you’ll need to wear your retainers. The ensures your teeth remain in their new position.

Length of Treatment

While the length of treatment varies, a normal treatment period is roughly 2 to 3 years. You’ll need to make time every 4 to 8 weeks to have an adjustment if you want your treatment to progress in a timely fashion.

Caring for Your New Appliances

Effective oral hygiene practices are vital when you have braces and other accessories. Having these appliances makes cleaning your teeth more difficult to clean. Be sure to brush your teeth following each snack and meal. This will reduce your risk of developing decay and gum disease.

Also, you will want to avoid eating hard food and biting directly into foods that may dislodge your brackets and bands or damage your wires. You should avoid eating hard foods, like nuts, raw vegetables, and some fruits. Also, avoid foods that are high in sugar or that are sticky and stick in your teeth.

You will adjust to your new appliances over time. You may experience some chafing or rubbing initially. Likewise, your teeth and gums will feel sore for a few days after each treatment. This is normal so expect it.

A straight beautiful smile follows your orthodontic treatment. Your provider will determine exactly what needs to be done for your teeth. In most cases, prior repair of teeth is not necessary as your treatment should include rearranging, straightening, and realigning teeth. In some cases, minor repair outside of orthodontic treatment is necessary to remove staining or remove teeth that are causing overcrowding. Call (937) 433-0830 today to schedule your complimentary orthodontic consultation and determine your first step of treatment today.

King Orthodontics
6460 Far Hills Ave
Centerville
OH 45459
Phone: (937) 433-0830
https://kingssmiles.com

Repair Teeth Before Orthodontist Checklist

Dr King

I love orthodontics. I love the challenge of creating healthy and beautiful smiles. I love the people I get to meet and interact with on a daily basis. I love taking care of my patients and giving them a smile they can be proud about.