So you’ve decided to get braces. Congratulations — you’ve taken the first step towards achieving the smile you’ve always wanted! At Dr. Melanie Orthodontics, we believe everyone deserves to have a smile they’re proud to show off and orthodontic treatment can help you get there. Our team of experts has the knowledge and experience to make your braces treatment quick, effective, and painless, from your first visit through to the big reveal. Our braces guide will explain the process to make it simple for you on your first visit.
But as you prepare to get braces, you probably have some questions about what to expect from your braces appointment. How does the braces process work? What’s the procedure for getting braces put on? Does getting braces hurt? We want to make sure you feel as comfortable about getting braces as possible. So here, your Rancho Santa Fe and San Diego orthodontist is sharing a step-by-step guide for getting your braces put on.
Step 1: Have a Complimentary Consultation with Dr. Melanie
The first step in any braces journey is a meet-and-greet with your orthodontist! And when you visit Dr. Melanie for your free consultation, you’ll be greeted with a smile. First, we’ll show you around our beautiful, state-of-the-art office so you can get comfortable with where you’ll be receiving treatment. Then one of our highly trained team members will take complimentary digital photos and x-rays of your teeth and jaw. Dr. Melanie will then examine your mouth and use her findings (along with your diagnostic records) to develop a diagnosis and customized treatment plan.
Don’t worry, we know receiving so much information can be overwhelming. But Dr. Melanie will explain everything in detail and answer any questions you have. We’ll then chat about the cost of braces, look at your insurance coverage and discuss our flexible financing options. We want you to feel informed and confident in your decision to get braces, so don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you decide you’re ready to go ahead with treatment, we offer same-day starts so you can begin braces treatment right after your consultation! This saves you an extra trip to the office and means you’ll get to see your new smile as soon as possible.
Step 2: Get Your Braces Put On
It’s time to get your braces! We promise that getting braces does not hurt one bit. It’s a simple, painless procedure and Dr. Melanie uses a specialized approach to put your braces on quicker (and more accurately) than other orthodontists. While other doctors place brackets on the teeth one by one using a one-size-fits-all technique, we used a customized tray system for more precise treatment. A team member will take a quick 3D scan of your mouth which is then transferred to our high tech software. Here, Dr. Melanie will digitally design your perfect smile to guarantee the exact placement of your brackets before you even get started.
Once your customized smile blueprint is ready, Dr. Melanie will print out a custom indirect bonding tray using her 3D printer, which will allow her to place the brackets in their perfect positions all at once, instead of one at a time. This means you’ll spend less time in the orthodontist chair and end up with more precise results! Once the brackets are bonded to your teeth, Dr. Melanie will thread the wires through them. Then we’ll tell you everything you need to know about taking care of your braces and you’ll be on your way.
Step 3: Visit Our Office for Regular Adjustments
While most of your braces treatment happens outside of the office, you’ll need to visit our San Diego or Rancho Santa Fe orthodontic practice for regular check-ups. How often you need to see your orthodontist during braces treatment will depend on your unique case, but you should expect to visit us every six to eight weeks. During these appointments, we’ll make adjustments when needed and discuss your progress with you. This is also the time to ask any questions so we can offer guidance if you need it. Fortunately, our cutting-edge braces system greatly reduces (or eliminates) the need for wire bending or bracket repositioning, resulting in fewer appointments for you overall!
Step 4: Get Your Braces Off
Now, the moment you’ve been waiting for: the day your braces come off! We know how exciting this part of the process is so we encourage you to soak it all in. Many patients worry that getting braces taken off hurts, but that is not the case. Just like getting them put on, having braces removed is completely painless. Once they’re off, we’ll polish up your pearly whites and let you admire your brand new smile. Take as long as you need — you’ve earned it!
Step 5: Wear Your Retainer Every Day — Yes, Really!
Your braces have been through a lot during treatment, so naturally, they’ll want to shift back to their original positions. The only way to prevent this relapse is with an orthodontic retainer, which will help lock your new bite into place. And yes, you really do need to wear it all day, every day, at least in the beginning. Eventually, you’ll only need to wear it while you sleep.
And that’s all there is to it covered in this guide to getting braces! Getting braces is a simple, straightforward process that has big, life-changing results. Have any more questions that wasn’t addressed in this braces guide? Ready to book your complimentary consultation? Contact Dr. Melanie Orthodontics today to get your questions answered or get started.
