How Does Your Orthodontist Decide If You Need Braces?
By Matthew Noyce | Published on February 11, 2011 | 0 Comments
Whenever you embark on a new personal endeavor–especially one that will affect your health and appearance–it’s common to be a little nervous about what lies ahead. For many people, this reigns true when they decide to move forward with orthodontic treatments to correct their smiles. Luckily for residents in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin getting braces has never been so easy, and this is in large part thanks to Matthew Noyce DDS and the expert staff at Lake County Orthodontics. From your very first appointment until your braces are finally removed, he and his team of dental specialists are there for you every step of the way.
The first time any patient visits Lake Country Orthodontics, regardless of age, Dr. Noyce conducts a thorough exam and notes the state of patient’s current oral health. If from this initial exam he is able to conclude that the patient is a candidate for further treatments, he then moves forward with a more complete examination. This includes taking X-rays, making impressions, and creating digital photos.
Once Dr. Noyce has all of the preliminary information he needs regarding a patient’s oral health and the condition of her teeth, he studies everything in great detail until he is able to create a comprehensive treatment plan. After Dr. Noyce successfully compiles everything, he will ask his new patient to revisit the office in order to discuss all of the options available, and may even move forward with placing braces that very same day if applicable.
Typically, he says, it is on the third appointment at Lake Country Orthodontics that a patient actually has braces placed on her teeth. Once the braces are affixed and all of the proper cleaning techniques are reviewed, Dr. Noyce asks that the patient come back to the office every eight to 10 weeks for adjustments. At Lake Country Orthodontics, Dr. Noyce favors Damon Self‐Ligating Brackets, which allow for more time to pass in between orthodontic appointments.
At these supplementary appointments, your orthodontist will remove the old wires and replace them with new ones as well as make any adjustments that will help to further straighten your teeth. While you may not be able to see the big picture and how your braces will shift your teeth, Dr. Noyce says that he can generally predict after the first few appointments how many months the treatment is expected to take. Even at the initial exam, he explains, a ballpark treatment time is possible.
If you are still toying with the idea of getting braces to fix your smile, it never hurts to meet with your orthodontist for a consultation. You may find that achieving your ideal smile is easier than you had originally thought.
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.