Dental braces are a device used to correct teeth alignment. Braces consist of brackets bonded to the teeth and a wire threaded through the brackets. The wire is then attached to rubber bands that hold it in place. Dental braces are usually made from metal or ceramic.
Orthodontists use dental braces to correct various dental problems, including crooked teeth, overbites, and underbites. In most cases, dental braces are used with other orthodontic treatments such as retainers and expanders.
If you are considering getting braces, it is essential to understand the process and what to expect. This article will provide a complete guide on getting braces.
THE PROCESS OF GETTING BRACES
Our team of experts in Patuxent Orthodontics can help you shine with a more simplified, thorough explanation of the procedure. You will not only understand the journey from A to Z when it comes to receiving braces, but you’ll be more self-assured in your choice to start your orthodontic treatment after reading this blog. So let’s save our energy and attention for the more exciting aspects of braces treatment!
#1: GETTING A RECOMMENDATION
Getting a referral is the first step. Because most patients visit dentists rather than orthodontists, your dentist will assess your dental health and write a referral to an orthodontist. Otherwise, you can skip to the end and contact your orthodontist directly. Before visiting your orthodontist, make sure you have all your dental X-rays on hand.
#2: YOUR FIRST CONSULTATION
This will be your first encounter with your orthodontist, during which they will evaluate both your medical history and tooth alignment before determining whether braces are the best solution for your dental needs. It’s critical to note that not all patients are good candidates for getting braces; in other cases, additional treatment options such as retainers or Invisalign may be more appropriate.
After the orthodontist has examined your dental X-rays, they will take more data about your teeth and assist you in selecting the best orthodontic treatment for you. At this stage, they’ll be able to provide an estimate to you. Your orthodontist will be ready to begin working on your customized orthodontic treatment once you’ve completed this phase!
#3: TREATMENT DESIGN
It’s here that the magic happens: your orthodontist will create a mockup of your braces based on your unique medical history. As we previously said, each patient has a distinct dental history, which is why the orthodontist must take underbite, overbite, missing teeth, or overcrowding into account while creating your braces mockup.
#4: BRACES PLACEMENT
The orthodontist will first check to see whether they can properly place the brackets on your teeth. They’ll start by selecting the tooth surfaces that are best suited for the brackets. The dentist will then clean the target areas and apply a dental glue called bonding cement to fix the brackets. Each bracket is added one at a time, with residual cement removed as each step is completed. After the brackets have been placed, it’s time for the orthodontist to insert the ligature or wire.
#5: INSERTING THE WIRE
The orthodontist will cut a semicircle of wire to the appropriate length. Then, they’ll insert the wire into the brackets and apply rubber bands around each cable to keep it in place with this stage over. The end of the wire will be cut as a precaution so that it does not pierce your gums or the back of your mouth when inserted.
When your orthodontist has inserted the wire into the brackets, your orthodontic treatment is ready to start working! You will get excellent tooth straightening and a stunning grin that will wow everyone around you at the end of your treatment. On the other hand, solid outcomes necessitate constant attention, which is why you will be given instructions on how to care for your teeth and braces.
#6: ORAL CARE DISCUSSIONS
When you get braces, the orthodontist will show you how to brush your teeth correctly and choose the appropriate kind of toothpaste. To begin, you’ll need a tiny spindle brush that removes germs and trapped food particles from your brackets and wire while providing a more thorough dental cleaning. Make sure you brush your teeth at a 45-degree angle and upwards in a circular motion; likewise, flossing is vital.
It’s time to schedule your next orthodontic treatment once you’ve received all the information about dental therapy with braces!
#7: REGULAR CHECK-UPS AND ADJUSTMENTS
Following three to four weeks, your orthodontist will expect you for your first regular check-up. That is when they will make the required adjustments or replace the wire entirely for a better, more durable one better suited to reshape your tooth alignment. Every time you have an orthodontic appointment, one of the two processes will occur. Keep track of your appointments to keep your orthodontic therapy on track!
START YOUR ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT AT PATUXENT ORTHODONTICS
Are you ready to contact Patuxent Orthodontics and create your own personalized orthodontic treatment? That’s wonderful! You’ll be part of our vast network of patients, who, with Dr. Richard Lee’s training, skill, and superior aesthetic vision, are now enjoying confident, natural smiles:
“Being in my 40s, I was a bit apprehensive about getting braces; however, I found the overall experience with Dr. Lee to be very pleasant. His staff is very nice, their client management top-notch (e.g., no waits, effective insurance processing, and so forth), and his office is state of the art. Dr. Lee’s communications skills are great as he outlines options and associated benefits so that it’s straightforward to choose the best option. I’m about halfway through, but I can see that the results will be great. Highly recommend Dr. Lee.” – X. R.
Contact Patuxent Orthodontics if braces are the solution to your dental woes. Whether you want to learn more about the benefits of braces or have questions about the process, use our live chat or call (240) 802-7217 or send us a message through our contact us page to connect with our friendly staff today and book a complimentary orthodontic consultation! Our office, located at 44220 Airport View Dr., Hollywood, MD 20636, proudly serves Maryland’s Patuxent area, as well as the Greater Washington DC area. So, if you’re residing in Hollywood, Wildewood, or Leonardtown and are looking for one of the best orthodontists in Maryland, don’t hesitate to visit our office! We also invite you to keep up with our blog to get answers to many of the frequently asked questions about maintaining your perfect smile and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to become a part of our smiling community!
