What to Expect: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Orthodontic Treatment Process

For most patients, they only get to see the “front-facing” part of the orthodontic treatment in Overland Park, KS. But sometimes, having a clearer view of what’s happening behind the scenes from the orthodontist’s perspective helps patients and their parents to better understand what to expect. Here’s a step-by-step look at the orthodontic process.

Initial Consultation and Assessment

The first step in orthodontic treatment is the consultation. During this visit, the orthodontist will thoroughly assess the teeth, jaw alignment and overall oral health. This might include X-rays, 3D scans or digital impressions to help create a detailed treatment plan that aligns with expectations.

Planning the Treatment

Once the assessment is complete, your orthodontist will create a customized treatment plan. This plan will outline the type of orthodontic appliance best suited to your needs and an anticipated timeline for treatment.

Placement of Braces or Aligners

If traditional braces are the plan, the next step is placing the brackets and wires. This is a primarily painless procedure, though there may be some discomfort as the braces are adjusted. For clear aligners, the process involves taking detailed impressions of your teeth to create custom trays.

Adjustments and Check-ups

Regular check-ups are necessary throughout treatment to monitor progress and make adjustments. For traditional braces, this typically means tightening or replacing the wires every 4-6 weeks or so. With clear aligners, a new set is given at regular intervals to continue shifting the teeth into position.

Completion and Retention

After the desired results are achieved, the braces or aligners are removed, and retainers are used to maintain the new alignment.

At Bulleigh Orthodontics, we believe in treatment transparency, and understanding the steps involved can help demystify the orthodontic treatment process. Contact your orthodontist in Overland Park, KS to learn more.