Orthodontics: Before and After

Orthodontic treatment involves the use of braces or other devices to straighten and align teeth. The process of treatment can vary depending on the specific needs and goals of the patient, but generally, the following steps are involved:

Before treatment:

  • Consultation: During the first visit to the orthodontist, the orthodontist will discuss your concerns and goals for treatment, as well as examine your teeth and mouth. They may also take x-rays and impressions of your teeth to create a treatment plan.
  • Treatment planning: The orthodontist will create a customized treatment plan that outlines the steps involved in your treatment and the expected outcome.
  • Preparation for treatment: The orthodontist will provide instructions on how to care for your teeth and braces or aligners during treatment. They may also make any necessary preparations, such as placing brackets on your teeth or fitting you with a retainer.

During treatment:

  • Follow-up visits: You will need to visit the orthodontist regularly throughout treatment to have your braces or aligners adjusted and to check your progress. These visits typically occur every four to eight weeks.
  • Care and maintenance: It is important to follow the orthodontist's instructions on how to care for your braces or aligners and to practice good oral hygiene during treatment.

After treatment:

  • Final adjustments: The orthodontist will make any necessary final adjustments to your braces or aligners to ensure that your teeth are in the correct position.
  • Retention: After your braces or aligners are removed, the orthodontist will fit you with a retainer to help maintain the new position of your teeth. It is important to wear the retainer as directed by the orthodontist to ensure that your teeth stay in their new position.
  • Follow-up visits: The orthodontist will schedule follow-up visits to check the stability of your teeth and to make any necessary adjustments to your retainer.

After orthodontic treatment, you should notice an improvement in the appearance and function of your teeth. It is important to continue practicing good oral hygiene and to follow the orthodontist's instructions on how to care for your teeth and retainer to maintain the results of your treatment.