Braces are an important tool in dentistry, serving multiple purposes. They not only improve physical appearance but also correct overbites and underbites, and address issues with jaw position and joint disorders. Let’s walk through the typical braces journey for our patients.

1. 1

   The Initial Consultation

   Our journey begins with a thorough oral evaluation. During this visit, the dentist will discuss the patient’s needs and make a treatment recommendation. It’s also an excellent opportunity to schedule a cleaning before the braces are placed.

2. 2

   The Big Day: Braces Placement

   On this exciting day, we’ll take X-rays if they haven’t been done already. Then comes the main event – bonding the braces to the teeth. We use a special adhesive for this, and despite how it might sound, it’s actually a painless process. Patients should expect to be in the chair for about 1.5 to 2 hours.

3. 3

   The Follow-up Journey

   The first follow-up appointment typically happens 3-7 weeks after the initial visit. These appointments are crucial for making adjustments and changing bands. They’re relatively quick, usually lasting 30-45 minutes. The total number of follow-ups can vary widely from patient to patient, depending on their individual needs and progress.

4. 4

   The Finish Line

   The day every patient looks forward to – getting the braces off! This final appointment is surprisingly quick and easy. We remove the braces and file down any remaining bonding agent. To maintain all that hard-earned progress, we provide a retainer for nightly wear. The whole process typically wraps up in about 30 minutes.

Remember, every smile is unique, and so is every braces journey. While these steps provide a general roadmap, we always tailor our approach to each individual patient’s needs.