Are you considering getting braces and are asking yourself, “Who is the best Orthodontist near me?” Getting braces can be a hectic experience for some people.

Knowing what will happen at the local orthodontist is a nice way to relieve some anxiety. You’ll also prepare yourself both mentally and physically for your new braces.

The experience will be different for those who choose Invisalign over the traditional braces. That is so because more goes into getting brackets and wires than getting trays.

Continue reading this guide to know what to expect when getting braces on your teeth.

Referrals

You will receive some referrals, usually from a dentist. More people have regular dental visits than orthodontic visits.

The dentist checks on the patients’ teeth conditions and refers them to a local orthodontist. But, you can set up the consultation on your own.

You do so by calling the office requesting to see the orthodontist. Remember to carry your latest x-rays set from the dentist and your concerns about your teeth.

Consultation

Consultation happens at your first orthodontic meeting. The specialists look at your dental formula and then determine how to straighten your teeth.

The orthodontist will also let you know if you need their treatment and how you will benefit. While most people would benefit from the procedure, some people have straight enough teeth. And, getting braces would be an unnecessary expense.

By looking at the x-rays and inspecting your teeth, the specialist will determine the best action plan. During this stage, they will make a mold of your dental formula to design your treatment better.

Designing Your Treatment

After you’re through with the consultation, the orthodontist designs a treatment that’s specific to your unique needs. Note that not everyone has an overbite or an underbite.

Also, not everyone will have a crowded mouth or gas in their teeth. Treatment is specific because each mouth is different, and for it to work well.

Using the mold of your teeth, the orthodontists create a mock-up of your braces.

Braces Go On

Once you arrive at the local orthodontist, they will clean and dry your teeth. They also make sure the brace metal will adhere to each tooth.

Your mouth is now ready for braces. The first step is usually attaching a bracket – this is the square piece holding the wires to each tooth.

It’s common to find adults with fewer brackets on their braces, but kids have them on most of their teeth. They use bonding glue to fix the brackets on your teeth.

You will likely taste the glue since they apply it across your mouth. After securing the brackets on each tooth, they connect a wire through each bracket. Then, they secure it using small bands on top of it.

Kids love this stage since they can select the color of their bands. The process should not hurt, but it will take up to a few hours.

Discussing Oral Care

The orthodontist will go over the basics of bracket care during consultation. They will go into depth about brushing your teeth, type of toothpaste and may provide some special toothbrushes.

The specialists try to make cleaning your brackets and teeth easy. Note, small spindle brushes are common. That is so because they help remove bacteria and food particles between the wires, around your brackets, and teeth.

The First Few Days

You will have some soreness during the first few days of getting braces on. Note that they will be the most painful days of the treatment.

The brackets and wires start to work together to shift your teeth’ positioning. The recommended local orthodontist should direct you to take soft foods during the first few days.

By eating foods like pasta, smoothies, and yogurts, you minimize discomfort while eating. Also, consider using over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen.

Avoid all sticky and hard foods and hard fruits because they will break or damage the hardware. Your lips will also experience discomfort while getting used to rubbing against the wires and brackets.

Consider rubbing an orthodontic wax on the brackets; it reduces friction till your mouth adjusts.

Adjustments

After the braces go on, you need to have three to four weeks before the next adjustment.

During this time, the orthodontist takes off the wire, either bend it again or inserts a new wire using the old one as a guide. The new wire is usually stronger or of a different configuration to keep moving your teeth.

During each adjustment appointment, the dentist inserts a slightly different wire. The new wire pulls or pushes your teeth in a particular way.

The dentist also replaces your rubber band because they wear out with time. The adjustment appointment is often quick, lasting about 20 minutes.

The process keeps moving towards your orthodontic goals.

Dentist Appointments

Throughout the period you will be wearing braces, it is vital to stay on top of your dentist appointments. The dentist will help you keep your teeth clean since it may be difficult for you to brush.

Wires and brackets make it hard to reach some parts of your teeth. But, hygienists and dentists have the proper training on cleaning around the hardware.

You will also receive pointers and tips on effectively and efficiently cleaning your teeth.

You Now Know How To Find The Best Orthodontist Near Me 

Each treatment is different but receiving and caring for braces is generally the same. But, ensure you follow your orthodontist’s and dentist’s instructions.

Braces will improve your oral health. Nevertheless, for them to work well, you need to clean and care for them.

Still asking yourself, “how will I find an Orthodontist near me?”

At Sencak Orthodontics, we will create for you a smile you will enjoy forever. We have a professional orthodontist and specialist team that will provide you with the best experience and results.

Find your office today to receive the best orthodontic treatment.