At Beauchamp Orthodontics, we understand your time is valuable!
We do everything possible to make orthodontic care convenient for you. In fact, we even offer same-day braces that your child or teen can get right after an initial consultation. That already cuts a week or two off of your whole treatment timeline. But what exactly happens after that?
Kids often worry that orthodontic treatment will “take forever.” Some of them are in a hurry to get those braces off as soon as possible. And we get it. Remember, by getting orthodontic treatment for a child, you ensure they can enjoy the benefits much sooner. It may be just a few months compared to years for an adult patient.
But everybody is different, and so is the timeline of their orthodontic treatment in Port Orange.
Generally speaking, younger patients respond to treatment more quickly. Some of the youngest patients won’t even need a retainer, which is used to make certain treated teeth don’t gradually “migrate” back to their old position. Even so, orthodontic treatment usually takes around a year in the best cases.
Complete treatment can take anywhere from six months to three years. It depends on a number of things:
- The patient’s specific needs – whether their orthodontic issues are considered severe or not
- The kind of treatment they will be using, whether that’s metal braces or clear plastic aligners
- Whether they consistently attend their orthodontic follow-up appointments on time
- The age when they got started and any other dental or oral health concerns they have
All in all, your family will spend very little time at a Port Orange orthodontist’s office once braces are put into place. But that is definitely time well spent because those follow-up appointments determine whether you get the fastest and most satisfying results that your loved one can possibly enjoy.
Let’s take a closer look at a general timeline for orthodontic care in Port Orange:
1. Initial Consultation (Day 1)
The initial consultation can be a fun and exciting time for you and your child. It doesn’t take long at all for the oral exam, and you can even fill out some of the patient paperwork in advance for a faster and smoother day. Once the exam is complete, you’ll get an explanation of any issues and treatment options.
The Beauchamp Orthodontics team strives to make the initial consultation stress-free. You’re never under any obligation to go forward with braces. If you decide that now is the time, you can benefit from same-day braces or choose to get braces placed during a separate appointment. It’s always completely up to you.
2. Placement of Braces (Day 1)
Whether you decide to get braces right away or to wait until a future appointment date, the process is the same. It usually takes about 1-2 hours to put braces in. The patient’s teeth are thoroughly cleaned, then treated with conditioning liquid and a bonding material that enables the brackets of the braces to stick.
The brackets are then placed on the teeth, followed by the hardening of the bonding material using a special light. When the brackets are fully stable, the archwire is threaded through all of the brackets and secured. Children can choose colored bands in their favorite color to make the process a little bit more fun for them.
On paper, this might seem like a whole lot of stuff. But once you get started, it’s over before you know it! It’s a good idea to plan for about three hours from start to finish. We’ll do our best to meet your little one’s needs throughout the process, and you can be there every step of the way to provide support.
3. Regular Adjustments (Every 4-6 Weeks)
No matter their age, patients often wonder – “How often do wires get changed in braces?”
The answer to this question is almost always “never.”
The wire you start with at the very beginning of treatment is the same one you’ll end up with at the very end. The only way this changes is if there’s an accident that causes the wire to break. That’s why it’s so important younger patients wear an athletic mouthguard when playing sports, even when they only play for fun.
Still, there’s some truth to this idea: It’s the wire that needs to be adjusted over time in your follow-up visits. The wire is responsible for the precise amount of gentle tension that gets applied to the teeth. As the teeth shift, the pressure needs to change so that they will continue moving right along.
Adjustments are usually scheduled every four to six weeks. But they can be a little bit less or a little bit more depending on where you are in the treatment journey. As you near the end of the process, you will probably need fewer follow-ups than at the start.
With all that in mind, regular adjustments are crucial! Miss them and your treatment will effectively be on pause until you’re able to come in. Luckily, you won’t “reverse” your treatment or lose progress on the way.
4. Removal of Braces (After About 18-24 Months)
The removal of braces is effectively just the reverse of putting them on. It often gets done much faster, too! There is no discomfort, and most patients can eat right away after the procedure. You will know for weeks or months in advance when the braces will be coming off. Many families like to make this a day for a big celebration.
5. Retainer Fitting (Right After Braces Removal)
A retainer is an appliance that helps ensure the teeth will remain in their new, treated position. The majority of retainers are removable. For the best results, each person’s retainer must be custom fit to their mouth. After fitting, you’ll also receive instructions to help with cleaning, care, and maintenance.
6. Retainer Check-Ups (Periodically for 2 Years)
Follow-up appointments during this period may be timed anywhere from every three months to every six months. Appointments are usually more frequent at the beginning and taper off at the end. During these sessions, Dr. Beauchamp will confirm that the teeth are staying in place.
While you might start off wearing a retainer for most of the day, many patients can switch to wearing it only at night after the first two years. Then, you are all set!
The Sooner You Get Started, the Sooner You’ll Be Done with Orthodontic Treatment in Port Orange
Everything has to start somewhere, and that’s just as true when it comes to braces for your family.
At Beauchamp Orthodontics, our goal is to make orthodontic treatment simple, easy, and even fun. We work to accommodate your schedule from start to finish. We’re always available to answer your questions, and we get to know your family so everybody can be truly comfortable at the orthodontist.
To get started, set up your consultation today. We look forward to meeting you!
