Embarking on the journey to a beautiful, healthy smile is an exciting and transformative experience. At Sherman & Balhoff Orthodontics, we believe that understanding the orthodontic treatment process can help set clear expectations and make your journey smoother. Here’s a comprehensive guide outlining each stage of orthodontic treatment, from the initial consultation to the final results.

1. Initial Consultation

Your orthodontic journey begins with a complimentary consultation at one of our convenient locations. During this appointment, you will meet with one of our experienced orthodontists, Dr. Sherman, Dr. Balhoff, or Dr. Glasscock.

  • We will conduct a thorough examination of your teeth, jaws, and overall oral health.
  • Digital X-rays, photographs, and impressions may be taken to get a detailed view of your dental structure.
  • We’ll discuss your concerns, goals, and the potential treatment options available to you.

By the end of this visit, you will have a clear understanding of your orthodontic needs, the recommended treatment plan, and the estimated duration and cost of your treatment.

2. Treatment Planning

Once you decide to proceed with the recommended treatment, we will develop a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

  • Treatment Options: Depending on your diagnosis, you may choose from options such as traditional braces, clear braces, Invisalign clear aligners, or other specialized appliances.
  • Scheduling: We’ll schedule your appointments and provide a timeline for your treatment milestones.

You’ll receive a detailed roadmap of your treatment journey, including what to expect at each stage and how to prepare for your upcoming appointments.

3. Appliance Placement

The next step involves placing your orthodontic appliances. This could be braces, aligners, or other devices depending on your treatment plan.

  • Braces: If you’re getting braces, we will bond brackets to your teeth and connect them with archwires. The process is painless and typically takes about 1-2 hours.
  • Invisalign: If you’re using Invisalign, you’ll receive your first set of custom-made aligners along with instructions on how to wear and care for them.

You’ll leave the office with your new orthodontic appliances in place and a set of guidelines on how to manage them, including tips on oral hygiene, dietary restrictions, and what to do if you experience discomfort.

4. Regular Adjustments & Check-Ups

Throughout your treatment, you’ll have regular check-up appointments every 4 to 8 weeks. These visits are crucial for monitoring your progress and making necessary adjustments.

  • For braces, we’ll tighten the wires and replace any elastics or bands. For Invisalign, you’ll receive new aligners approximately every 1-2 weeks.
  • We’ll assess the movement of your teeth and ensure that everything is progressing as planned.

These regular visits help keep your treatment on track, address any issues early, and ensure that you’re making steady progress toward your desired results.

5. Mid-Treatment Evaluations

At certain points during your treatment, we’ll conduct more detailed evaluations to ensure that everything is aligning correctly.

  • We may take additional X-rays and photos to compare with your initial diagnostics.
  • If necessary, we’ll make modifications to your treatment plan to better achieve your goals.

Mid-treatment evaluations ensure that your treatment is on the right path and allow us to make any necessary adjustments for optimal results.

6. Completion of Active Treatment

Once your teeth have moved into their desired positions, it’s time to remove your braces or finish your course of aligners.

  • Removing braces is a quick and painless process. We’ll clean your teeth thoroughly after removal.
  • If you’ve been using Invisalign, you’ll finish your last set of aligners and move on to the next phase.

You’ll finally see your new smile without the appliances, but the journey isn’t quite over yet. We’ll capture final records and discuss the next steps in maintaining your results.

7. Retention Phase

Retention is a critical phase that ensures your teeth remain in their new positions.

  • Retainers: You’ll receive custom-made retainers designed to keep your teeth in place. Depending on your needs, these may be removable or fixed.
  • Follow-Up Visits: We’ll schedule periodic follow-up visits to monitor your retention and make any necessary adjustments.

Consistent use of retainers as instructed will help maintain your smile for the long term. Our team will continue to support you in this phase to ensure lasting results.

Understanding the complete timeline of orthodontic treatment helps set realistic expectations and prepares you for each stage of your journey. At Sherman & Balhoff Orthodontics, we are committed to providing exceptional care and support throughout your entire treatment process. From the initial consultation to the moment you reveal your stunning new smile, we’re with you every step of the way.

Ready to start your orthodontic journey? Schedule a complimentary consultation with us today and take the first step towards achieving the smile of your dreams.