The Procedure for Placing Braces – Mobile, AL Orthodontics

Getting braces is a great step in the right direction if you want to improve the overall appearance of your smile and enhance your dental health as well. Numerous patients have turned to Dr. William Harvey for braces over the years. Of course, many people do wonder what the treatment process for braces at our Mobile, AL practice entails. Though each orthodontic treatment will be tailored to the needs of the patient, we’d like to go over the basics of getting braces right now. This overview of the procedure should give you a good idea of what to expect.

Evaluating Your Needs

As with any precise dental treatment, the first real step is the consultation and examination. During this visit to our practice serving Mobile, AL, we’ll determine if braces are the right option for you. Most people who have teeth that are poorly aligned will be good candidates for braces.

Various models of your teeth will be created using molds, x-rays, and digital technology. These will be used in combination to determine the best placement for brackets in order to improve the alignment of your teeth.

Placing the Brackets and Wires

Once you have been deemed a candidate for braces and a treatment plan has been developed, the next step will be getting those braces in place. You teeth will be cleaned thoroughly first and then a special dental cement will be placed on the tooth followed by the bracket. This will be allowed to harden in place, which usually takes a few seconds per tooth.

Once the brackets are all properly set, the archwire is set in place along the brackets. This wire will provide the necessary tension to achieve optimal results. Some patients will also need elastic bands to be placed in order to improve overall alignment of various dental structures.

Making Additional Adjustments

Every month to two months, additional adjustment may be made to your braces at our Mobile, AL practice. This will account for the gradual shifting of your teeth, providing additional tension as needed. Similarly, you may be given new elastic bands to wear of varying tensions as your treatment progresses.

A timeline of treatment can be provided to you during your initial consultation, but generally your treatment will last roughly six months to two-and-a-half years. Since each patient is different, we prefer to give a range rather than an exact estimate.

Schedule a Consultation for Orthodontic Care in Mobile, AL

The process of getting braces is generally straightforward and relies on the use of the latest techniques possible. To learn more about your options for orthodontic care and if treatment is right for you, be sure to  contact our Mobile, AL practice for braces today. Dr. Harvey and the entire team here look forward to meeting you in person.