Orthodontic treatment can be a confusing process for those who are unfamiliar with it. I want to try to clear that up. From the initial consultation to the placement of braces or aligners, there are several steps involved in straightening your teeth and correcting any misalignment issues. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the orthodontic treatment process and provide a step-by-step guide to help you understand what to expect.

Step 1: The Initial Consultation

The first step in the orthodontic treatment process is the initial consultation. During this appointment, you will meet with Dr. Boggan or Dr. Syed, who will evaluate your teeth and bite to determine if you are a candidate for treatment. This may include taking x-rays and photographs of your mouth, as well as getting a 3D scan of your teeth (or possibly impressions of your teeth). 

Step 2: Treatment Planning

Once the orthodontist has assessed your needs, they will develop a treatment plan that is personalized to your specific case. This will include the type of braces (metal, clear, or self-ligating brackets) or clear aligners (such as Invisalign, Clarity Aligners from 3M, or SHIFT Aligners™) that will be used, as well as the duration of treatment and the number of follow-up appointments that will be needed.

Step 3: Placing the Braces or Aligners

Once the treatment plan has been finalized, it's time to place the braces or aligners. This appointment typically takes about an hour for braces and about 30 minutes for aligners. For braces, the orthodontist will attach the brackets to your teeth and then place wires through the brackets which is held in place with colored “o-ties”. For aligners, attachments (sometimes referred to as “glue dots”) are placed then the aligners are placed over the teeth and attachments. Attachments are to move your teeth more efficiently and helps the aligners to fit snugly over a patient’s teeth.   Whether you are getting braces or aligners, you will also receive instructions on how to care for them and what to expect during the first few days of treatment. 

Step 4: Follow-Up Appointments

During the course of treatment, you will need to visit the orthodontist regularly for follow-up appointments. These appointments typically occur every 4-8 weeks for braces and up to 12 weeks or more for clear aligners. They allow the orthodontist to make any necessary adjustments to your braces or aligners.

Step 5: Removing the Braces or Aligners

Once your treatment is complete, the orthodontist will remove your braces or attachments. This process typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes, and the orthodontist will provide you with instructions on how to care for your teeth and maintain the results of treatment. 

Step 6: Delivering and Wearing Retainers

After braces or aligners are removed, your orthodontist will make you a set of retainers. Retainers are worn after braces or aligners to help ensure that the teeth maintain their desired alignment and prevent relapse, which is the tendency for teeth to return to their original position. This is especially important for patients who have had severe misalignment or have undergone significant tooth movement during treatment. The retention period is usually determined by the orthodontist and can vary from patient to patient, but generally, it is a period of time in which the teeth are still adapting to the new position and need support to keep them in place. We always recommend that patients wear retainers for as long as they want to have straight teeth. The day you stop wearing retainers is the day they start moving. So, protect your smile investment and wear your retainers. 

Orthodontic treatment can be a long and involved process, but the results are worth it! By following the steps outlined above and working closely with Dr. Boggan or Dr. Syed, you can achieve a beautiful, healthy smile that will last a lifetime. Schedule an appointment at our Pelham or Calera location today!