What Should I Expect from the Orthodontic Treatment Process?
Orthodontics can dramatically improve the appearance of the smile. If you or your child have tooth alignment issues, Dr. Kellyn Hodges can customize a treatment plan to address your oral health and cosmetic needs. Once your treatment begins, Dr. Hodges will periodically schedule follow-up visit to monitor your progress.
Our dental practice specializes in traditional orthodontics and similar procedures for both children and adults from Bala Cynwyd, PA, Bensalem, PA, and Philadelphia, PA. The average treatment timeline ranges from several months to a few years.
Orthodontic Treatment Overview
While each orthodontic treatment will be customized to meet the needs of individual patients, there are several basic steps that are involved.
Orthodontic Consultation and Exam
During your initial consultation, you will have the opportunity to speak at length about your personal goals. This feedback, along with other dental considerations, will be used to create a recommended orthodontic treatment plan.
Patient education is important to our staff. We encourage orthodontic candidates to come to us with questions. Common questions include:
- How long will my treatment timeline last?
- What are the benefits of Invisalign vs. traditional braces?
- What are the costs of orthodontic treatment?
- Will I still be able to enjoy my favorite foods while undergoing treatment?
By the end of the orthodontic consultation, a recommended treatment course will be provided. At that time or a later date, images or impressions of your teeth will need to be made. A thorough exam will be conducted to ensure that you are in good oral health.
Gum disease, tooth decay, and loose fillings are common risk factors that will need to be addressed before you can undergo Invisalign or metal braces treatment. Once your exam is complete, a date will be set to begin orthodontic treatment. Our office offers traditional braces and Invisalign.
Beginning Your Metal Braces Treatment
Placing the various appliances that are used for metal braces can take one or more hours. These devices include brackets that are individually placed on teeth, elastic rings, and the archwire that guides teeth toward better alignment.
Applying these devices does not hurt. Our doctor and team members will take their time to ensure that each device is carefully placed. The first phase of the metal braces treatment allows our doctor and team members to explain how the appliances work and how to maintain them.
Beginning Your Invisalign Treatment
When your first set of trays arrive at our office, a second appointment will be made. Our doctor will give detailed instructions on how to care for and maintain your clear aligners. Each set of trays will be worn for a set number of weeks. Patients typically leave with a few sets that will last for several weeks. Before you leave, you will be shown how to place and remove the aligner trays.
Follow-up Appointments
No matter which orthodontic treatment you undergo, periodic check-ups will be scheduled. These visits allow Dr. Hodges to follow your progress and make adjustments as needed. For Invisalign users, this may include interproximal reduction treatments to create space for complex tooth movements.
For individuals who are undergoing treatment using metal braces, these visits will be used to tighten certain areas of your braces to encourage teeth movement. These visits also allow a member of our dental team to repair or replace any damaged appliances.
Treatment Completion
If you undergo treatment with traditional metal braces, the brackets and oral appliances will need to be removed. Whether you underwent traditional braces or Invisalign, you will be fitted with a retainer that should be worn at night to maintain your cosmetic results.
Schedule Your Orthodontic Treatment Today
Undergoing orthodontic treatment can be an exciting time. After only a few weeks, you can begin to see preliminary results. Many patients in Bala Cynwyd, Bensalem, and Philadelphia trust Dr. Hodges to straighten crooked teeth and deliver beautiful cosmetic results. To schedule your orthodontic treatment, please contact our office online or call (215) 245-5100.
