Orthodontic treatment has allowed millions of people to address a wide range of dental alignment issues like gaps, crowding, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites, and it is typically a complex process that takes at least a year to complete. Your journey to a straighter and healthier smile begins with a consultation with your orthodontist so they can evaluate your oral health, determine an appropriate treatment, and help you understand how it will work. Here are a few great questions to ask during your first appointment.
Which Orthodontic Treatment Is Right for Me?
There are several orthodontic methods available, and the best one for you depends on the nature of your misalignment and your personal preferences. Invisalign and Spark Clear Aligners use customized sequences of removable and virtually invisible trays to gradually shift teeth into healthier positions, and they can be ideal for mild to moderate misalignments. Traditional braces, on the other hand, can realign even the most severe malocclusions and may be better for those who would have difficulty keeping track of removable appliances.
How Long Will My Orthodontic Treatment Take?
The duration of your orthodontic treatment will depend on factors such as your age, the severity of your misalignment, any other oral health issues that must be considered, and how well you comply with your treatment instructions. Invisalign and Spark Clear Aligners typically take six to eighteen months to achieve the desired results, and traditional braces usually take one to several years.
How Can I Keep My Orthodontic Treatment on Track?
While the details of your treatment plan will depend on the orthodontic method used, there are several habits that you’ll need to keep up with to keep your dental realignment on track. These include:
- Practicing excellent oral hygiene multiple times a day.
- Protecting your smile from injury.
- Keeping your orthodontic appliances clean.
- Keeping up with regular orthodontic checkups so your oral health professional can ensure your teeth are moving as planned.
Orthodontic treatment is an investment in your smile’s appearance and your oral and overall health. Coming to your first appointment prepared with a few excellent questions can set you up for an effective and complication-free realignment process.
About the Author
Dr. David W. Cordes earned his dental degree at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine and specializes in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. He is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association, the American Association of Orthodontics, and the Valley District Society. His offices in Westfield, Enfield, and Suffield offer traditional braces, Invisalign, Spark Clear Aligners, and orthodontic emergency services. To schedule your orthodontic consultation, contact his practice online.