Why should you come to your orthodontic appointments? If you have braces, we typically see you every 6-8 weeks. If you are wearing Invisalign aligners, we normally see you about every 12-15 weeks. It is critical to come to your appointments because engaging in orthodontic treatment without monitoring by an orthodontist can be extremely detrimental to the health of your teeth.
Braces and Invisalign Appointments
At each appointment, we evaluate many things. We check the alignment of your teeth, your bite, the health of your gums, and your oral hygiene (brushing). We verify at each visit that we are satisfied with our current treatment plan and can update you on how you are progressing. We often change the direction of your rubber bands depending on how your teeth look at that time.
If you have braces, we may place or change the power chain, which is the colored elastic that connects all the teeth and closes space. This chain only stays active about 4 weeks and after that, it no longer closes space, so if you do not come to your appointments, your treatment does not progress.
If you have Invisalign, we make sure the aligners are fitting like they are supposed to. If space has developed between the tooth and the tray, then the teeth will not continue to move correctly when you switch to the next aligners.
Monitoring by an orthodontist
If teeth are moved without monitoring by an orthodontist, white spots can form, gum recession can develop, and teeth can even be lost. If you are unable to make it to your appointments due to financial hardship, please do not hesitate to reach out. We will do what we can to work with you so that you can still be monitored.
Do you have questions about braces, Invisalign, or anything else related to orthodontics? You can reach out via phone/text at 704-782-5146, send us a message on Facebook, TikTok or Instagram @bestorthonc, or reach out via our website here.
Dr. Best