Orthodontics Process in Langley: What to Expect
The details of orthodontic treatment will vary somewhat, depending on the needs of the patient. At our practice in Langley, BC, our team will walk you step by step through your customized treatment plan.
Initial Exam & Consultation for Braces
During your initial consultation at Langley Orthodontics, you will undergo a thorough exam, and we will discuss your dental history and X-rays. Based on the results of this meeting, we will determine whether you need orthodontic treatment and, if you do, what the best choice for treatment is, and how long it will take.
Starting Your Orthodontic Treatment in Langley
Depending on the seriousness of your condition and the treatment route you take (eg. wire braces vs. Invisalign), the details will vary. Orthodontic treatment plans can last anywhere from 8 to 48 months.
Regular Appointments & Adjustments
If your orthodontic treatment option involves wire braces, you'll attend regular adjustment appointments to fine-tune the elastic ties that hold the wires in place. Without these adjustments, after a while the wires would stop creating the pressure necessary to align your misaligned teeth.
If you are undergoing treatment with Invisalign, a series of custom-made, clear aligners will be created specifically for you. This will need to be changed every two weeks.
During your regularly scheduled appointments at our practice, your orthodontist will have the opportunity to monitor and evaluate the progress of your treatment. This allows for recommendations that may improve the final outcome of the treatment plan.
It takes at least three weeks for any discernible tooth movement to occur. This means that adjustment appointments are typically scheduled every 3 to 10 weeks. With the newer wires available today, however, adjustments may be required less frequently, since they provide extended working ranges.
Living With Braces
It's important to maintain good oral hygiene and to avoid certain types of food when you're wearing your traditional braces. Your orthodontist may also make other life style suggestions, depending on the type of treatment. » Read More
Completing Your Orthodontic Journey
At the end of treatment, your dental braces will be removed with a simple, quick process. This involves the bond between the brackets and your teeth is safely and gently broken. By squeezing the bases of the brackets, the adhesive bond is released, and the brackets can then be removed. We will temporarily leave the adhesive on the teeth in order to prevent damage to the enamel and tooth structure.
Once the brackets are off, we will remove the remaining bonding cement. After the removal process, you may find that your gums are slightly inflamed, but this will most likely subside after a few days with thorough brushing and flossing.
Recovery & Aftercare
Once your traditional metal braces have been removed the last phases of treatment is usually a retainer. Retainers are removable orthodontic appliances. these are necessary during the 'retention period' of orthodontic treatment because the teeth will still be relatively unstable for some time following the removal of your braces.
Your retainer will be specifically made to fit your mouth, and your orthodontist will recommend whether you should wear it full time or part time for a number of months.
At your next check up after your braces are removed, we will perform a thorough oral cleaning to remove any remaining adhesive from your teeth.
At this point, teeth whitening may also be considered, since there may be a significant difference in colour between where the brackets were bonded and the rest of the surface of your teeth.