At some point or another, every one desires a straighter smile, but the decision to get braces is often a tough one as the potential pain and appearance deters many. However, if you do desire a straighter smile and have decided to give braces a go, you should familiarize yourself with everything the process entails. That is, what to expect in treatment, factors to consider, and more.
As your premier provider of orthodontic services in Utah County, we here at Trapnell Orthodontics strive to supply patients with valuable information regarding all things orthodontics. In an effort to fully prepare our potential patients for treatment, we’ve compiled a list of things to consider and what to expect with braces. Take a moment to learn more about the initial process and how you can make it easiest on yourself. Then, you’ll be ready to receive the smile of your dreams!
Preparing for Braces: Factors to Consider
Once you’ve made the decision to get braces and straighten your teeth, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind prior to getting started with treatment. While your orthodontist will tell you the best course of action and straightening method after an initial appointment, you may still want to think about the type of braces you’d like. Traditional metal braces virtually work for any patient, whereas Invisalign is less universal.
If you are a candidate for Invisalign, consider how well you’ll really take care of the aligners before choosing that option. While maintenance is easy, you need to remember to put the aligners in often and keep them clean. Traditional braces, on the other hand, require more maintenance, but they are the most effective method in straightening teeth. Similarly, ceramic braces are also a viable option, with a less noticeable appearance than that of metal braces.
Additionally, you should choose an orthodontist who’s nearby so you can easily make appointments without worrying about driving far. Fortunately for Utah County patients, Trapnell Orthodontics has four locations: Provo, Springville, Payson, and Spanish Fork. Now let’s take a closer look at the initial process.
Initial Appointments
Knowing what to expect in terms of your first appointment and the rest of treatment is a great way way to prepare for braces. This way, you won’t be so surprised when an issue arises or the pain is a little much—and you’ll know what to do! Take a look at an overview of the first few appointments below (for traditional braces):
- Initial Appointment: In your first appointment, your orthodontist will take photos and impressions of your teeth to use in treatment planning. Quite often, permanent teeth that are crowded will be removed prior to applying the braces.
- Second: Most often, your orthodontist will explain the treatment plan to you, then they will place separators between your molars in preparation for the bands of your braces.
- Third/Fourth Visits: It’ll then be time to bond the braces to your teeth.
- Recurring Appointments: Once your braces are bonded, you’ll typically return every 4 to 8 weeks for adjustments.
Aside from the first few appointments, you should also be aware of the foods to avoid and what life with braces will be like. For instance, if a wire has come loose and is poking your gums, you can simply add a piece of wax on it until you can get into the office. Anytime an issue arises, you should contact us immediately to set up an appointment. We can’t forget maintaining your braces, either. Because they create hard-to-reach areas throughout your mouth, you’ll need to be extra thorough in your daily routine. You may even want to purchase some helpful tools, like proxy brushes, to enhance your efforts.
Ready for Braces? Call Trapnell Today!
While pain and poor appearance are often associated with traditional braces, the appliances themselves have come a long way in recent years, decreasing in size and utilizing more effective materials. Now is a better time than ever to achieve the smile of your dreams, so don’t hesitate to start today!
If you’re interested in receiving treatment in Utah County, be sure to contact us today. We serve patients of Provo, Payson, Springville, and Spanish Fork!
