To straighten crooked teeth, braces are a viable and effective treatment. Teens and adults alike can benefit from this orthodontic care. If you are unhappy with your smile, you should speak with an orthodontist about whether you are a good candidate for this method. Your needs and goals will differ from other patients. Still, the process is similar, and the steps to fixing your teeth can produce the results you want.
It is not uncommon for people to want to change their smile. Various issues can hinder a person’s appearance and cause embarrassment. Orthodontists frequently treat patients who have crooked teeth. Braces can also address bite abnormalities such as crossbite, underbite, or overbite.
Other common problems include gaps in the mouth and crowded teeth. Wearing braces are also helpful for people who have abnormally small or large teeth. A patient with worn-down teeth can also get a new smile. This treatment is effective for minor, moderate, and severe problems.
Orthodontic work can begin as early as age 7. Many patients are in their teens, while adults are getting braces more often as well. The first step is to meet with the orthodontist for a consultation. At this meeting, the patient (and parents, if the patient is a child or teen) will express the treatment goals and express any concerns they have. The orthodontist will talk about the process of getting braces and what to expect from wearing them. Next, a staff member will take X-rays, and the orthodontist will do a brief exam.
Based on the exam, impressions, and X-rays, the orthodontist will create a treatment plan for the patient. The orthodontist will share the treatment plan with the patient, including the length of the treatment and the costs. There may also be some preliminary work, such as pulling any baby teeth. In some cases, the patient may need extractions of impacted teeth.
At a subsequent appointment, the patient comes to the office to get the braces. The appointment usually takes about 90 minutes. The orthodontist will clean the teeth and then attach the brackets with dental cement. A wire goes through the brackets, and elastics hold the wire in place.
Every few weeks, the patient will return to the orthodontist’s office for follow-up appointments. At these visits, the orthodontist will check on the progress of the treatment. The teeth will start moving soon after placement, so the orthodontist will make adjustments. These visits are faster and allow the patient to express any concerns.
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You may feel nervous and unsure about getting braces. But you can take comfort in knowing that your orthodontist has the training and knowledge to revive your smile. Being aware of the steps to getting braces can put you at ease. If you are ready to improve your appearance, make an appointment with an orthodontist to get started.
Request an appointment or call Precision Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry at 703-391-8800 for an appointment in our Reston office.
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