Whether you’re coming in for a free consultation or have been referred to Randall Orthodontics by your family dentist, there are some things that you can expect at your first appointment or consultation. Generally speaking, there is information we will want to cover at your initial appointment to determine if braces or another type of Idaho Falls orthodontic treatment are right for you. Some of the points that we will cover at this initial appointment include, but are not limited to:
● A review of your health and oral health history to establish a baseline for treatment.
● An oral exam
● A discussion of what treatment options will work best for you and your orthodontic goals and requirements
● Financial limitations, what insurance covers and what it doesn’t cover
During this initial visit to our orthodontic office in Idaho Falls, we encourage all of our future and current patients to ask as many questions as they need in order to make this a constructive and positive experience.
After your consultation, with the help of your Idaho Falls orthodontist, you will need to make the decision if braces are the right option for you. If you decide to move forward with orthodontic treatment, your next appointment will be either to be fitted for the braces of your choice or to get impressions, take x-rays, etc,. This appointment is considered a record or diagnostic appointment. In some instances, we are able to get our patients in for their second appointment that same day!
Getting Your Braces Put On
After your consultation, and your diagnostic appointment, it’s time to get fitted for braces! This appointment generally only takes about an hour and a half. During this appointment your braces or other orthodontic appliance will be fitted to your teeth. Once your braces are placed on you will be given all of the cleaning tools and supplies for your new braces along with instructions on how to properly care for your braces. Common types of braces that we fit our patients with include:
● Metal (Traditional Braces)
● Ceramic Braces
● Plastic Braces
● Damon Braces
● Lingual Braces
● Invisible Aligner Trays
Randall Orthodontics uses the latest technology with all of our patients and because of this, the process of getting braces is often painless. However if you do experience any tension or discomfort, don’t hesitate to let us know. We will give you a treatment plan that will help to alleviate any unnecessary discomfort you may be feeling. Mild discomfort is common; if the uncomfortable feeling lasts longer than one or two weeks, we may need to bring you back in for adjustments.
Adjustment Appointments
Just like how every smile is unique, the subsequent appointments and length of time that you’ll need to wear your braces to achieve the best results may vary. Usually, patients will come in to our Idaho Falls orthodontic office every 4-6 weeks for adjustments (If you’re wearing invisible aligners expect to come in more frequently to change out your trays).These appointments allow us to adjust your braces so that your teeth and jaw continue to move toward that “perfect smile” and will also help us to address any issues you may be having with your braces.
Additionally, if you ever need to come in for an emergency adjustment because of injury or if one of your wires accidently broke loose, contact us as soon as possible.
Getting Your Braces Off
While the period of time a person has to wear their braces isn’t exactly the same, most people can expect to wear their braces anywhere from 18 months to two years. Very rarely do our patients have to wear their braces for any longer than that.
You’ll know it’s time to get your braces off when your teeth and jaw are in the correct position as predetermined by your orthodontic treatment plan. At this appointment your Idaho Falls orthodontist will remove the brackets and wires and gently clean and polish your teeth. We recommend scheduling an appointment with your regular dentist about a week after you get your braces removed for a cleaning exam. In addition to removing the wires and brackets, your orthodontist will take molds of your mouth in order to create a retainer that will further assist in keeping your teeth in the correct position for a specified amount of time.
Even though your braces are off that doesn’t mean you stop going to the orthodontist. Your Idaho Falls orthodontist will make sure that everything is going smoothly over the years, adjust your retainer, help you with aftercare or anything else that’s part of your specific treatment plan that he or she will need to check on. Expect to see your orthodontist annually for a couple years after you have gotten your braces removed.
Call Randall Orthodontics today to schedule your free consultation. We want to help you smile with confidence.
