Consultation
Your initial visit will give you an opportunity to meet the doctor and knowledgeable staff, who will answer any questions you may have regarding orthodontic care (This appointment will last approximately 30 minutes.)
Records
Diagnostic records are made to document the patient's orthodontic problem and to help determine the best course of treatment. As orthodontic treatment will create many changes, these records are also helpful in determining progress of treatment. (This appointment will last approximately 30 minutes.)
Cephalometric x-ray |
Panoramic x-ray
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Photographs
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Study Models
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Spacers
Before braces are placed, spacers or separators are placed to make space between the teeth that will have bands. Bands go around the large back teeth like a ring on a finger. Spacers can be placed from two days to two weeks before the banding appointment. (This appointment will last approximately 15 minutes.)
Rubber bands |
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Braces!
Orthodontic treatment can take from 1-3 years with the average treatment time of 2 years. Placing the braces usually takes 1- 1 1/2 hours. Once the braces are placed, patients are seen at anywhere from four to eight week intervals to make adjustments. The adjustment appointments are approximately 15 minute visits and are scheduled throughout the day. A few appointments throughout treatment are longer in duration (30 minutes to 1 hour). These appointments are performed in the morning or early afternoon when the doctor and staff have more time to concentrate on these procedures.
Clear |
Metal
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What to Expect With Braces
After initial placement of the braces, your lips might feel like they are sticking out. Your lips and cheeks will have to get accustomed to your new hardware. Slight discomfort of the teeth will begin a few hours after your braces are placed. The teeth may be slightly mobile, since they will already be moving into their new corrected position. Discomfort of the teeth can dissipate within one day, or last up to four days. Non-prescription pain remedies, such as Advil, Tylenol, or a generic equivalent are recommended if needed.
Retainers
Retainers are worn by patients to ensure the teeth stay in their corrected position. A final set of orthodontic records is taken some time after the braces are removed to check on wisdom teeth and for medical legal documentation. There are many types of retainers, but Dr. Larson typically use a removable upper retainer and a lower bonded retainer that adheres to the backside of the lower front six teeth. Occasionally different retainers are used depending on the orthodontic case.