Your teeth and gums need to be healthy before you embark on a course of orthodontic treatment. A check-up appointment is advisable before you go ahead so your dentist can make sure your teeth are decay-free and see if any fillings need replacing or repairing.
Gum inflammation or disease should also be addressed prior to treatment, so it’s a good idea to visit your hygienist. They can ‘scale and polish’ your teeth to help remove soft plaque and hard tartar deposits, ensuring they will be clean and smooth before braces are fitted. They can also teach you effective brushing and flossing techniques to use when wearing braces.
Embarking on orthodontic treatment can be exciting, but you’ll probably have a few questions about what the process will involve. The team at Colchester Orthodontic Centre will be with you every step of the way, supporting you during each appointment and giving you all the information you need.
At this appointment, we will fit your braces (or put your aligners in place). If you are having fixed braces, the brackets will be bonded to the surface of your teeth and the archwires connected. Your fitting appointment will take longer than normal, approximately 30 minutes, and you will also be given full instructions on how to care for your brace.
After this appointment, you will need to come back and see us at 6-12 week intervals so we can adjust your braces. If you are having treatment with Invisalign, we will use these appointments to provide you with the next series of aligners.
Orthodontic treatment at Colchester Orthodontic Centre is flexible enough to fit around your busy lifestyle. Routine appointments will usually only take about 20-30 minutes and we can offer times to suit your schedule.
In between your appointments, it is vital to look after your teeth and braces and follow the instructions we have provided to ensure your treatment time is kept to a minimum. To help make your orthodontic treatment that bit easier, we’ve put together some advice about looking after your braces and teeth, as well as recommendations about what you can and can’t eat when wearing braces.
During treatment, we will also take photographs of your teeth to ensure both you and your clinician are happy with how your treatment is progressing.
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Once your teeth have been realigned, we will remove your braces, but only when both you and your orthodontist are happy with the appearance of your teeth. We will also take final photographs and impressions at this stage.
You will be provided with removable retainers to wear at night and when advised, or permanent upper and lower bonded retainers fixed to the back surface of your teeth. Wearing retainers is an extremely important part of your orthodontic treatment. Without correct and consistent wear of your retainer, your newly straightened teeth could move back to their original position.
We will review your teeth for a year after the removal of your braces, but you are welcome to contact us if you have any concerns or queries after this period. We are proud of our substantial knowledge and years of experience and are readily available to offer help and advice when needed – we have your best interests at heart.
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