Orthodontics revolves around enhancing your smile. Addressing issues from jaw misalignment to teeth irregularities, orthodontic treatments aim to diagnose, prevent, and rectify any alignment problems, granting you a straighter smile and relieving any discomfort or inconvenience caused by your current oral condition. Without needing a referral from a dentist, orthodontic procedures are often conducted gradually and may involve the use of braces, clear aligners, or occasionally surgical interventions.
But how does it work in practice? What are the fundamental steps of orthodontic treatment? Let’s break it down for you, ensuring that if you’re considering improving your teeth, you can do so with confidence.
The first step of your orthodontic treatment: the initial consultation
Your orthodontic journey commences with an initial consultation, providing you with an opportunity to communicate the objectives you wish to achieve by undergoing such a treatment whether it is for aesthetic matters or to ease some pain or inconvenience you may face. Our specialist orthodontist will thoroughly evaluate your jaw and teeth, collaborating with you to determine the optimal course of action to achieve the smile you desire. We’ll present the finest available solutions, empowering you to select the option that aligns best with your preferences before advancing with the treatment.
Understanding orthodontic treatment: detailing the process
Following the initial consultation and the determination of the treatment type, we proceed to plan the treatment in detail. This planning phase enables you to comprehend the various steps involved in your treatment journey. From the initial phase of openers to the subsequent aftercare follow-up, we provide you with a comprehensive timeline outlining each step of the process. This ensures you have a clear understanding of the duration and components of your treatment.
Orthodontic treatment: kickstart your journey towards a straighter smile
Upon agreeing on the chosen treatment, we can then process to its very first stage: preparing your mouth. This entails capturing photographs and moulds of your current oral structure to maintain a record and track progress over time. Additionally, preparation involves readying your teeth for any forthcoming procedures. For example, if braces are advised, your teeth will undergo cleaning, and moulds will be taken to customise suitable braces for installation. Spacers may also be placed if creating space before treatment is required. If your treatment requires surgical intervention then anaesthesia and all pre-operational arrangements will be made to ensure the smooth running of the procedure.
Orthodontic treatment: a journey towards the smile of your dreams
Your mouth, teeth, and any braces or aligners are ready and time has finally come to kickstart your treatment. If braces are necessary, brackets and wires will be affixed to your teeth.
Alternatively, if you’ve chosen invisible aligners, you’ll receive the prescribed set to wear. Our doctor will provide you with comprehensive instructions to maintain and optimise the efficacy of the dental apparatus. Some treatments may necessitate specific dietary adjustments for optimal maintenance. For instance, when wearing transparent braces, it’s advised to limit the consumption of staining beverages like coffee or tea. Additionally, caution is advised against biting into hard foods such as apples, which could potentially damage wires or brackets.
In cases where surgical intervention, such as orthognathic treatment or TADS, is recommended as part of your treatment plan, the procedure will be arranged accordingly.
Orthodontic treatment: monitoring progress
After initiating your treatment, a series of routine appointments will be arranged to monitor its progress and track its evolution. During these visits, the doctor will evaluate the advancements made, solicit your feedback regarding your experience, and implement necessary adjustments as per your treatment plan or to alleviate any discomfort you may encounter. These adjustments may include tightening wires, replacing aligners, or making other essential modifications to ensure continued progress toward your desired outcome.
Should any damage occur to your devices during this phase, the doctor may undertake repairs or whitening procedures if necessary.
Orthodontic treatment: all teeth out!
Your treatment is coming to an end and it’s finally time to bid farewell to your braces or retainers: hooray!
During a final appointment, the doctor will evaluate your teeth to ensure no additional intervention is necessary. If braces were worn, it may be recommended to continue wearing a retainer overnight or have a wire installed behind your teeth to maintain the results of the treatment and prevent significant shifting. Indeed, similar to other aspects of our bodies, teeth and jaws undergo changes over time as we age.
Orthodontic treatment: ensuring post-treatment service
Once treatment is fully completed, follow-up appointments can be scheduled episodically to ensure the post-treatment phase progresses smoothly. During these appointments we will make sure you do not face any discomfort and that your teeth maintain their new alignment.
Starting an orthodontic journey can feel daunting. At Solas Orthodontic, we prioritise offering comprehensive follow-up care to ensure a seamless experience. Tailoring solutions that prioritise efficiency, aesthetics, and cost-effectiveness, your comfort remains our utmost concern throughout the treatment process. We are committed to helping you achieve your goals and take pride in witnessing your radiant smile as you complete your treatment journey with us.