Getting braces can be an exciting yet nerve-wracking experience, especially if you don’t know what to expect. While the orthodontic treatment process differs for each patient, there are some common first steps that most people go through when getting braces.
Consultation and Examination
The first step in the braces process is usually an initial consultation and examination with an orthodontist. This appointment allows the orthodontist to assess your specific case and determine if braces are the right treatment option. The orthodontist will:
- Take a full medical and dental history
- Conduct a clinical exam of your teeth, jaw, and bite
- Take digital scans, x-rays, and impressions of your teeth
- Evaluate your facial proportions and jaw alignment
Based on the examination, the orthodontist will be able to diagnose any issues with your bite, spacing, or alignment and decide if braces or other treatments are necessary. The orthodontist will explain what treatment options are available and develop a customized treatment plan based on your needs.
Determining the Treatment Plan
If the orthodontist determines that braces are the right treatment for you, they will devise a comprehensive treatment plan outlining the course of your orthodontic care. This includes:
- Type of braces: Traditional metal braces and clear aligners like Invisalign are two common options.
- Estimated length of treatment: Most braces treatments take 1-3 years to complete.
- Retention plan after braces: Retainers help keep teeth from shifting after braces are removed.
- Extraction or expansion: Teeth may need to be pulled or spacing widened to allow teeth to align properly.
- Any additional treatments or appliances: Headgear, elastics, or bite plates may be used along with braces.
The orthodontist will discuss your treatment plan options, explain what to expect at each stage, and answer any questions you have. It’s important you understand and agree to the proposed treatment before moving forward.
Getting Records Taken
Once you decide to get braces, the orthodontist will take detailed orthodontic records at your next appointment. These records are used to precisely plan out your treatment and create custom appliances. Records taken may include:
- Molds of your teeth: Silicone molds or digital scans provide highly accurate impressions of your teeth.
- Photos: Digital photos record jaw alignment, facial proportions, and smile aesthetic issues.
- X-rays: Panoramic, bite wing, and cephalometric (skull) x-rays show roots, jaw joint, and growth potential.
- 3D digital scan: An intraoral scanner quickly captures every tooth surface in 3D.
Your orthodontist will use this data along with specialized computer software to map out exact tooth movements and design custom wire sequences that will gradually shift your teeth into proper alignment.
Getting the Braces Bonded
Once your custom braces have been designed, you’ll return to the orthodontist’s office to get them bonded to your teeth. This is when you’ll first get braces put on.
At your bonding appointment:
- The teeth will be cleaned and lightly etched to roughen the surface.
- A conditioning liquid will be applied so the glue adheres to the teeth.
- Brackets will be bonded in precise locations on each tooth with dental bonding resin.
- An archwire will be threaded through all the brackets to begin gently guiding teeth into place.
- Any necessary spacers, bands, or auxiliary appliances will also be installed.
Getting the braces bonded takes about 1-2 hours. You may feel some pressure and teeth may be sore for a few days. Over-the-counter pain medication can help relieve any initial discomfort. Be extra gentle when brushing and eating at first.
Initial Adjustment Appointments
You’ll need to return to the orthodontist’s office every 4-8 weeks for braces adjustments. Small adjustments are made each visit to continue shifting your teeth into their ideal positions.
At adjustment appointments, the orthodontist will:
- Check for any loose brackets or bands
- Change archwires to apply different pressure as needed
- Tighten wires and replace rubber bands
- Assess treatment progress and adjust the care plan if needed
It may take 6-10 adjustment visits over the first several months to fully transition to thicker archwires that move teeth more dramatically. Adjustment appointments are brief but important for ensuring braces function properly.
Conclusion
The first steps when getting braces typically include an initial examination, creating a treatment plan, taking records, and getting the braces bonded. Frequent orthodontic adjustments help advance the teeth into proper alignment. While treatment timelines vary, most patients wear braces for 1-3 years and see remarkable improvements in their smile and dental health after completing orthodontic treatment.