Though we try to limit in-office visits to the minimum, we do need to have them to track your progress throughout your treatment with braces or Invisalign. But we know you have a life to live, and you don’t want it interrupted by too many visits to your orthodontist. Still, we do need to see you once in a while to make sure your treatment is on track and to make any necessary adjustments.
Wilson & Hendrickson Orthodontics tries to limit office visits to every 6-8 weeks to check your progress in your braces or clear braces, or 8-10 weeks for Invisalign. But the times will vary from patient to patient.
What We’ll Be Checking During Your Visits
What can you expect during your visits? We’ll examine your braces to ensure they’re still secure and undamaged, and we’ll replace your archwires.
If you’re in Invisalign, we’ll make sure your clear aligners are tracking correctly (no gaps). We’ll also give you the next set of clear aligners in your sequence.
We’ll check whether you are wearing your clear aligners as prescribed for 20-22 hours per day. Trust us, we’ll be able to tell if you aren’t. We’ll also be able to tell if you are on track with your treatment plan, and we’ll make adjustments if you aren’t. That may include giving you rubber bands to wear on your braces or clear aligners.
We’ll check how your bite is lining up. In other words, are your upper and lower jaws lining up when you put them together?
We’ll also check for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, or other oral hygiene issues. We know braces can make brushing and flossing more challenging, so we want to be sure you don’t end up with any issues.
Why the Appointment Schedule Exists
We don’t want you to miss or have to reschedule many of your appointments because it helps us keep your treatment on track. The more you miss, the better your chances that your treatment time could be extended. We don’t want that!
The archwire on your braces is what moves your teeth. As they move, the archwire becomes passive. We want it to keep working, which is why we switch it out when you visit!
Also, Invisalign works in increments, which is why it’s vital to get your next set of clear aligners before you’re done with the current ones we’ve given you.
Skipped appointments don’t pause your treatments. They can delay your treatment times, especially if we can’t replace your archwires in your braces.
You need to make sure you attend every appointment and don’t miss too many.
What You Can Do Between Appointments
How can you keep your treatment on track? Here are a few tips:
- Wear your rubber bands/headgear/whatever else we prescribe as we instruct you.
- Avoid foods that can damage your braces — hard, crunchy, chewy, sticky foods.
- Brush and floss your teeth daily and make sure you keep your clear aligners clean.
- Keep your Invisalign in a proper storage container when they aren’t in your mouth. Keep them out of reach of pets or small children so that they don’t get damaged.
- Make sure you wear your Invisalign for the minimum 20-22 hours a day.
- Call us if you have any issues, damage, or other problems with your clear aligners or braces.
FAQs About Orthodontic Appointments
What happens at an orthodontic adjustment appointment?
We will be sure your braces and clear aligners are undamaged and fitting correctly. We will check for tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental issues. We make adjustments if necessary to keep your treatment on track. For braces patients, we will change out your archwires. Invisalign patients will get their next sets of clear aligners.
How often do you need to have an orthodontic checkup?
The American Association of Orthodontics recommends 6-8 weeks for braces or 8-10 weeks for clear aligners. The timing will vary from patient to patient, and we will set your schedule as we plan your treatment.
What happens if you skip a braces appointment?
It could delay your treatment time, since you won’t get new archwires or clear aligners on time. We’ll need to reschedule as soon as possible. Call us right away if you don’t think you’ll be able to make a scheduled appointment.
Orthodontic Treatment in Topeka, KS
Are you ready for braces, clear braces, or Invisalign in Topeka, KS? Schedule an appointment with Wilson & Hendrickson Orthodontics. We can draw up the perfect plan for you after a thorough examination during your first visit.
