First visit (consultation)
During the first visit, an orthodontist examines the condition of teeth. In addition, the orthodontist evaluates the malocclusion of the patient for orthodontic treatment. The first visit is also the best time for the orthodontist to become familiar with the doubts and possible fears that arise in the patient’s head as related to orthodontic treatment. Therefore, without fear patients should ask questions (even the toughest ones) to which would like to get an answer. If a patient qualifies for orthodontic treatment and opts for the treatment, impressions of the upper and lower jaw will be made. Making an impression is completely painless and aims to create models (castings) of the upper and lower jaws which serve diagnostic purposes in orthodontic treatment.
The patient’s X-rays are also performed, including: panoramic and cephalometric which are necessary for a reliable assessment of the complexity of the orthodontic case.
Second visit (diagnostic)
During the second meeting, on the basis of X-ray, the orthodontist presents a holistic treatment plan which is discussed in detail with the patient. During this conversation, the patient also becomes aware of possible difficulties and complications, which are posed by any orthodontic treatment. The orthodontist also informs the patient personally of treatment costs, results that can be expected from the treatment and how the patient’s direct involvement in this process can provide success. During this visit, the orthodontist also introduces the patient to different types of braces, and the patient will choose the type which accrues to his liking. Nowadays, technology in orthodontic treatment is so advanced that braces are not only more “friendly” to the mouth, but also more durable and less visible. During the second meeting, if necessary, the orthodontist treats the patient for application of braces with isolating rubber bands that are preparing teeth to establish a solid appliance. In addition, the patient must make a choice of the orthodontic braces with which he would like to be treated (ie. the metal, transparent, self-ligating, lingwalny, etc. – more on this topic in the section orthodontic appliances).
Third visit (foundation appliance / braces)
After diagnostics, patient presentation and detailed discussion of the orthodontic treatment plan and its costs, the patient receives braces. The method and technique of installing braces is completely painless and you should not fear it. Establishment of a single arc by an orthodontist takes about 30-45 minutes. Fixed appliances are glued to the tooth with a special adhesive. The bond of orthodontic lock is stronger than the bond to enamel, which makes the adhesive remains on the enamel when you remove the appliance after the active phase of orthodontic treatment.
Control visits (regular)
Subsequent visits insure control and are an important part of orthodontic treatment. Depending on the case, the patient will visit the orthodontist, on average, every 4-8 weeks. Dates of the control visits are determined by the orthodontist in consultation with the patient. During these visits the orthodontist replaces orthodontic wires and ligatures – depending on your needs. Regular control visits give you the chance to achieve optimum effect in the treatment of malocclusion. However, their irregularity affects not only the extension of the period of treatment, but in extreme cases, the impossibility of its further continuation. As a result, orthodontic treatment depends to a large extent on the commitment of the patient in the treatment process. In the case that a patient does not attend visits for 6 consecutive months, the orthodontist may refuse to continue his treatment.
Retention
After the end of the active treatment process, a patient’s fixed appliance must be removed. Then, after cleaning and scaling their teeth, the patient receives a (obligatory) retainer appliance, whose task is to stabilize the effects of orthodontic treatment. Each patient should, for control purposes, continue visits – every 3 to 6 months.