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A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Braces

Although every patient's treatment differs slightly, orthodontic treatment with braces is generally similar for everyone. Here, our orthodontists at Village Orthodontics - Erin Mills, Mississauga explain the process of getting braces step by step.

1. Booking an Assessment Appointment With Your Dentist

Make an appointment with your general dentist, who will be able to refer you to an orthodontist if necessary. Because people visit the dentist more frequently, it is often the dentist who refers you to an orthodontist if necessary. Normally, however, you would not need a referral.

2. Attending a Consultation

You can consult with your dentist on whether braces are necessary or the best option.

During this appointment, the orthodontist will typically perform a thorough examination of your teeth, including X-rays and intraoral photographs, in order to assess your case and determine treatment options.

3. Planning Your Treatment

Following the initial appointment, the dentist will most likely create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Because every mouth is different, treatment must be tailored to your specific needs in order to achieve the desired results.

4. Placing the Braces

Your dentist will most likely clean and condition your teeth at your next session in order to prepare them for braces.

Dental care at this visit usually consists of a thorough cleaning of the mouth and teeth. Following that, they are prepared for the cement, and the brackets are glued directly to the teeth in the locations determined by the dentist prior to treatment beginning.

It is next necessary to insert the wire into the brackets, which are subsequently secured in place by shutting the doors behind them.

5. Discussing Your Oral Care

Following the placement of your braces, your dentist should walk you through some basic orthodontic care procedures, such as how to clean your braces, brush your teeth, and which toothpaste to use. In some cases, they may even give you small spindle brushes to use to remove food particles and germs from around the brackets and between the wire and your teeth.

6. Adjustments & Checkups

After your braces have been set, you will typically have to wait for 8 to 10 weeks before you have your first adjustment.

The dentist will likely introduce a new wire into the brackets during an adjustment. This new wire will be somewhat stronger or will have a different design than the previous wire in order to continue to move your teeth and to pull or push the teeth in a certain direction.

It is critical that you keep up with your regular dental checkups and cleanings as much as possible while wearing braces. It may be difficult to clean your teeth if you have braces or wires in them. Your dentist and hygienist, on the other hand, should be experienced in cleaning around brackets and can assist you in cleaning more effectively to protect your dental health.

For more information about orthodontic treatment with braces, contact Village Orthodontics - Erin Mills, Mississauga today. Or find a Village Orthodontics near you.

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