It’s important to ask questions before you visit the orthodontist for the first time.
The more questions you ask, the more knowledge you can gain about what to expect from your treatments, why your orthodontist chooses one therapy over another, and what makes orthodontic treatment unique.
In this post, we’re answering some of the most common orthodontic treatment FAQs so you can be confident in what to expect.
Let’s get started!
What Is Orthodontic Treatment?
Orthodontics, at its essence, is a specialty of dentistry focused on aligning teeth and bones around the mouth. Treatments are designed to move teeth into their proper position and align jaws to make bites more comfortable.
What Are the Most Common Orthodontic Treatments?
Orthodontists use various treatments and devices to move teeth into place. Here are some of the most common orthodontic treatments we feature at Orthobar:
- Braces by Damon Ultima System
- Clear aligners by Invisalign & Spark
- Palatal expanders by AOA labs and Invisalign
- Removable retainers
Each treatment is tailored to the shape of your mouth and uniquely designed to give you the best results possible!
What Is the Process of Orthodontic Treatment?
We embrace a patient-first approach to orthodontic treatment. This focused strategy means we take the time in building a long-lasting relationship with you and understand your needs before treatment begins.
Here’s how the treatment process typically goes at Orthobar:
An Orthodontic Consultation
During the consultation, we examine your bite, take a single 3D radiograph, and use 3D-imaging software to clearly understand what you need from treatment.
We will also take the time to answer any questions you may have. We also offer complimentary consultations!
Building a Treatment Plan
This process includes scheduling the installation of orthodontic devices, follow-up appointments, and detailing the length of treatment.
Every patient is different, so no two treatment plans are the same.
Orthodontic Appliance Fitting
After you receive your treatment plan, we’ll see you next when it’s time to install your treatments! Many times, we have the ability to get started the same day, depending on your treatment needs!
This step could involve attaching brackets and wires for braces, checking the fitment of a retainer, or fine-tuning your bite assessment for clear aligners.
Follow-Up Appointments
We try our best to use products that only need minimal adjustments, like Damon Ultima Braces, so you may only have a few follow-ups.
When you do stop by for a visit, Dr. Petersen or Dr. Grahl will check your progress and make minor changes and adjustments.
Removing Your Appliance
After your teeth move into position, it’s time to remove your appliance and reveal your brand-new smile.
We love seeing our patients’ faces light up after we remove their braces, and they see their transformed smiles for the first time!
Who Needs Orthodontic Treatment?
Orthodontic treatment can be for anyone who wants straighter teeth and a healthier bite!
People often associate orthodontic treatments like braces with being a child or teenager. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Young adults, mothers, and fathers need a little smile-love too!
We see patients of all ages who need different levels of treatment at Orthobar.
When Should I Bring My Child In for Their First Appointment?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your child has their first appointment at around seven years old.
This early intervention allows us to determine if your child needs orthodontic treatments — like palatal expanders or braces — as their adult teeth grow in.
Our philosophy for early treatment is very simple: Create and make space for all the adult teeth to have access to erupt into the mouth! Almost always, you can expect treatment time to be 12-14 months for first-phase treatments!
What is the Difference Between Dental and Orthodontic Treatment?
Dental and orthodontic treatments have some overlap, but the real difference is that orthodontics is a specialty.
Orthodontic treatments focus on moving teeth and the bones in the mouth to give patients better bite alignment and a straighter smile. Dental treatments cover a more comprehensive range of treatments and focus on overall oral health.
For example, you would go to the dentist for treatments like a filling or to relieve a toothache. But you would need to see an orthodontist for treatments like braces or clear aligners.
Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment
In addition to a straighter, more confident smile, orthodontic treatment may help with many oral and facial issues. Depending on your treatment, you may experience:
- Fewer headaches caused by TMJ
- Increased airway size for better and improved breathing
- More effortless oral hygiene routines after braces
- Less discomfort when chewing
- Clearer sinuses from improved bite alignment
- Less chance of dental issues later on
Each person’s orthodontic journey is unique, so your benefits from treatment may look different from this list. But one thing we can guarantee is that you’ll have a fuller smile that boosts your confidence!
Choose Orthobar for Your Orthodontic Treatments
At Orthobar, we love helping Las Vegas improve its smile. From early childhood appointments to adult treatments, Dr. Petersen and Dr. Grahl are here to guide you on your orthodontic journey.
When you choose Orthobar, you get more than high-quality orthodontics. You become part of a community that supports you every step of the way!
Give us a call, fill out our online form, or stop by the office to schedule your free consultation and begin treatment with us today.