If you are planning to get braces or are still considering it, it is important to understand that successful treatment requires not only the dentist's professionalism and skills, but also self-discipline and a willingness to strictly follow the dentist's instructions.
Maintaining hygiene rules during brace treatment is a mandatory condition and may seem complicated, but as they say, beauty requires sacrifices, and in this case, it also requires discipline.
It should be taken into account that there are no universal programs, and in your case, the treatment plan may differ.
First Stage – Consultation with orthodontist
In fact, the first stage is the orthopantomogram, which is a panoramic X-ray of the entire jaw. This allows the doctor to assess the overall condition of the teeth, identify potential issues, spots of missing bone tissue, and determine if preliminary treatment, such as tooth extraction, is necessary.
The validity period of an orthopantomogram is approximately six months. To avoid unnecessary visits, it can be done in advance.
During the consultation, after the examination, the doctor will present the possible treatment options, discuss the cost, as well as the hygiene maintenance rules. At the end of the visit, you will have a complete understanding of the upcoming treatment plan.
As a rule, after the consultation, the patient takes some time to think about the information received and only then makes a decision.
2nd Stage – Braces Installation
If you decide to get braces, you inform the doctor, and they will schedule the appropriate appointment.
During the visit, all the details will be explained to you once again, and you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
Following that, the braces are installed, and an initial level of pressure is applied to them.
Hygiene Measures
It is recommended to purchase special hygiene products for braces before starting the treatment. The doctor will explain what needs to be bought and how to use them properly.
It is also advised to buy an irrigator in advance.
3rd Stage – Braces Treatment
This stage usually lasts between 1.5 to 2 years. The patient visits the orthodontist about once a month, where the doctor performs necessary adjustments to the braces system.
Unscheduled visits may be required in case of brackets breaking or if additional appliances need to be installed.
During the treatment, depending on the situation, certain components of the system, such as the archwires, may be changed or updated.
4th Stage – Removal of Braces
At this stage, the doctor removes the braces. However, the treatment doesn't end here.
After the braces are removed, additional steps may be necessary to ensure the long-term success of the treatment, such as wearing retainers to maintain the new position of the teeth.
5th Stage – Retention Period
After the removal of braces, the teeth and periodontal tissues are still not in a stable condition. Therefore, the doctor installs a retention device as soon as possible (on the same day). Retention means "maintenance." The purpose of the device is to keep the teeth in their correct position until the tissues are fully stabilized.
For consultation and more detailed information, you can contact the orthodontist at Elix Clinic Dental Center; the consultation is free.
You can learn about the prices for implants placed at Elix Clinic here.