There are 3 phases to traditional orthodontic treatment with braces (
click here for the Invisalign treatment process).
1) General alignment. New metal technology developed by NASA has improved the comfort, efficiency and speed of this phase. Approximate appointment time interval 8-12 weeks.
2) Bite correction.
For example: overbite or overjet. May involve the use of elastics.
Approximate appointment time interval 6-10 weeks.
3) Finishing and detailing - tweaking. May involve the use of elastics.
Approximate appointment time interval 3-5 weeks.
All discussion of treatment time remaining is estimated and may vary.
Typical factors that can increase treatment time include skeletal discrepancies, dental and facial asymmetries, tooth size discrepancies, missing teeth, impacted teeth, trauma to the face or jaw, poor cooperation with elastics or appliances, poor gum health or poor oral hygiene, and age.
Your First Consultation
During your first consultation with Dr. Zhu, she will provide an oral evaluation and inform you as to whether orthodontic treatment is right for you. If treatment is indicated, you will be provided with all your options along with a preliminary treatment plan. Dr. Zhu will also address any questions or concerns you may have.
After that, we will go over your total treatment fee, taking into account any dental insurance coverage you may have. Payments can be made on an interest free monthly basis.
Initial Records
The next step would be to take a full set of "before" diagnostic records. This will be used to develop a comprehensive treatment plan. Initial records typically include digital panorex and cephalometric x-rays, photos, and taking impression models of the patient’s teeth.
Spacers (aka. separators)
Depending on the treatment plan, spacers may be needed before braces are placed – not everyone may need spacers. Spacers are small doughnut-shaped rings that are placed between your teeth – usually by the molars.
It is used to create a small space between your teeth for molar bands. Spacers will stay on for 3 to 7 days. Based upon personal experience and patient feedback, it feels like having food stuck between your teeth.
Getting Your Braces On
If spacers were used, they will be removed and replaced with molar bands. Molar Bands are metal rings to which the archwire or other attachments can be connected to. Molar Bands are used at the molars because they are better able to withstand the forces of chewing.
Once the molar bands are in, if necessary, braces will then be placed on your teeth. The braces and molar bands are attached using special brace glue. An archwire will then be threaded through the center of each bracket and tied in with ligature ties – we have an assortment of colorful ligature ties for you to choose from so you can customize your smile.
This entire appointment usually takes between 40 to 60 minutes. At the end, instructions will be given on how to take care of your braces as well as the types of foods that you must avoid (bubble gum, almonds, peanuts, taffy, etc).
Regular Adjustment Visits
You will visit our office at regular intervals approximately 3 to 12 weeks apart for adjustments (depending on phase of treatment). During these visits, your archwire will be reactivated and your ligature ties will be changed. Total appointment time is between 10 to 20 minutes.
Taking off Your Braces
This is the day you have been looking forward to – your braces are coming off! During this visit, special pliers will be used to remove your braces and any residual bonding glue will be polished off your teeth.
Final or “after” records will be taken during this appointment and retainers will be provided to you.
Wearing Your Retainers
Now that the braces have come off, you must wear your retainers as instructed. Retainers are custom made for you and they help to keep your teeth in their newly corrected positions.
It can take up to 9 months for your periodontal ligaments to fully strengthen. You may have to wear your retainers full time during the first few weeks of finishing treatment – eventually you can wear them before sleeping at night. If you don't wear your retainer as instructed, there is a high chance that your teeth will eventually shift and all that time spent in treatment will be wasted.
