Braces Treatment Process

Your braces are individually designed to fit you. Learn more about how braces can move you to a more confident smile.

1Records Appointment – Call for a complimentary consultation appointment with Dr. Sandra Tai to discuss your problem and whether this is the right time to initiate orthodontic treatment. In severe cases, early interceptive treatment may start as early as age 7. This will also be your opportunity to ask any questions you have about the treatment: costs, dental/orthodontic insurance, or any other concerns. At the Records appointment digital x-rays, photos and moulds of your teeth will be taken to assess the problem and facilitate planning the treatment.

2Getting Your Braces On – The dental assistant or orthodontist will dry off your teeth and apply “etchant” to them. The etchant prepares the surface of your teeth for the bonding “cement” that holds on the braces.The braces are placed on your teeth. High intensity plasma light is then quickly applied to the surface of the bracket to set the bond. The wire (archwire) is placed through the braces. Little rubber bands are placed on the braces (unless you are getting self-ligating braces). That’s it! You’re done! Each row of teeth takes about an hour, so if you’re getting a full set of braces, it will take about two hours.

3Adjustments – You will need to have your braces “adjusted” every 8 weeks. When you arrive at your orthodontist’s office, the dental assistant may take off the old rubber bands and may also take off the wire. You now have the opportunity to brush and floss with relative freedom. Then, a new wire will be put on, and new elastics will be applied. After an adjustment, you may have some discomfort. Talk to your orthodontist about methods for relief.

4Your Last Appointment - Taking off your braces is easier and faster than you’d think. When your braces are ready to be removed, your orthodontist will clip the curve on the back of the braces with special pliers. This breaks the adhesive bond between the bracket and your tooth. Each bracket comes off clean, leaving a layer of the bonding plastic on the tooth. A high-speed hand piece smoothes the plastic off the teeth and polishes the enamel where the plastic was removed. It’s all very easy, takes about fifteen minutes and leaves perfectly white and shiny teeth where braces had been only minutes before.

5Wearing Your Retainer - You may need a retainer to make sure your teeth remember their new positions. Some are clear plastic retainers, some go only on the bottom or top teeth and some are permanent (meaning you do not have to take them out and put them in). You may wear a retainer for a few months or a couple years. Your orthodontist will recommend this option if needed during your treatment.