Most of us are used to going to the dentist, but when it comes to orthodontics and making sure our teeth are straight and function the way they should, we sometimes forget that our teeth may need more specialized care. If your dentist decides to set you up for an orthodontic visit, knowing what to prepare for and what can happen moving forward is a good idea. Today we will provide some tips to prepare for your first orthodontic visit and why you may need one.
Orthodontic treatment specializes in the alignment, position, and function of the teeth and jaw. This means occlusions, overbites, crowding of the teeth, and lockjaw all fall under this category. This also means if the dentist sets you up for your first orthodontic visit, it is because you need some type of care for one of these issues.
If you need orthodontic care, it is to fix an issue that could compromise the health of your teeth. It is a good idea to heed the advice of your dentist and go to the appointment, but that does not mean you need to be nervous or afraid. The sooner you find a solution for dental issues, the better.
There is nothing to worry about from your first orthodontic visit. The first visit is typically just a consultation to discuss what issues your teeth or jaw may have and what treatments are suggested to fix the issue.
The best way to prepare for this first visit is to talk with your dentist about why you need an orthodontic visit and be prepared to ask questions to learn more about the condition you have that needs treating and how to get ready for the first treatment.
Perhaps the most well-known and common reason people are sent for an orthodontics visit is that they have an alignment issue with their teeth and need braces. Braces come in many styles and, depending on the level of correction needed, are worn for a period of time. In the most serious cases, a person may need traditional metal braces that use a series of wires and brackets to pull teeth into position. The average length of time a patient wears traditional braces is two years.
In mild cases, clear aligners can be used to correct the issue. Clear aligners use custom-made trays to shift teeth over time, and this can be done in as little as a year.
Orthodontic treatment also covers the correction of the jaw through the use of dental appliances. One of the common causes of tension and misalignment of the jaw is a person grinding their teeth and clenching them at night. This issue can usually be corrected with a specialized mouth guard that removes the jawbone's tension and prevents grinding and clenching.
Orthodontic care is the best way to keep your teeth functioning properly and in good shape. If you need to visit, do not hesitate, as it could save your smile. We are happy to help inform you about your options and get your smile back to its very best.
Request an appointment here: https://valleyranchorthodontics.com or call Valley Ranch Orthodontics at (972) 200-1016 for an appointment in our Irving office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Orthodontics in Irving, TX.
Patients undergoing Invisalign® treatment often want to know how long they will need to wear their aligners. Read on to learn how long the aligners need to be worn. Several variables determine the length of Invisalign treatment, and one of the most important is how long you wear your aligners each day.Invisalign treatment can take…
Are you considering Invisalign® treatment? Read on to learn about some of the benefits of opting for this teeth-straightening treatment. According to the American Dental Association, teeth straightening is more than just for cosmetic purposes; it may help your overall oral health. While conventional metal braces are still widely used, modern technology has enabled the…
Any patient who goes through a teeth straightening treatment, such as braces or clear aligners, must wear retainers to keep their smile straight and looking great. It is important to understand the importance of the retainer and follow the instructions provided by the orthodontist or cosmetic dentist. It is essential for patients who have recently completed a…
Every patient's Invisalign® treatment regimen is unique. However, the way a treatment plan is developed is comparable. This article describes the process of developing a treatment plan for Invisalign. Your orthodontist will design a personalized Invisalign treatment plan tailored to your situation.Ahead of any Invisalign treatment, the orthodontist must do an exam and x-rays to…
Patients undergoing Invisalign® treatment often want to know how long they will need to wear their aligners. Read on to learn how long the aligners need to be worn. Several variables determine the length of Invisalign treatment, and one of the most important is how long you wear your aligners each day.Invisalign treatment can take…
Are you considering Invisalign® treatment? Read on to learn about some of the benefits of opting for this teeth-straightening treatment. According to the American Dental Association, teeth straightening is more than just for cosmetic purposes; it may help your overall oral health. While conventional metal braces are still widely used, modern technology has enabled the…