smile blog

What to Expect During Your First Appointment and Beyond

When was the last time you smiled with confidence or laughed freely? Our self-esteem is directly linked to our appearance. If you are self-conscious about your teeth, you may feel uncomfortable laughing, smiling or even talking up close to a partner. A great smile is more than just a confidence booster– it’s also an indicator of good health. Missing or crowded teeth and jaw misalignments may increase your risk for a host of oral health problems, including tooth decay, tooth loss and facial deformities.Wish your smile were different? You’re not alone. Even movie stars are not born with perfect smiles! The good news is that thanks to advances in orthodontic care and braces, it is easier and more affordable than ever to obtain your dream smile.Getting braces as an adult can feel a bit intimidating. Maybe you had them briefly as a teenager but didn’t get the results you wanted. Or maybe you’re taking the very first step towards straightening your teeth. When you know how braces work, you can feel confident and comfortable you’re making the right treatment choice for a healthy smile.This short guide will walk you through the first appointment with our Dartmouth Nova Scotia orthodontist. For more information on what to expect next, be sure to check out the Docbraces definitive guide to “How Do Braces Work? The 4 Steps of Treatment.”

What to Expect During Your First Appointment with an Orthodontist

So you’re ready to take the plunge and get braces. Congratulations! Even if you have already discussed getting braces with your family dentist, you’ll still need to meet with an orthodontist for a full evaluation. During this diagnostic appointment, an orthodontist will conduct a full evaluation of your teeth, mouth and jaw. Your orthodontist may ask you questions about chewing, swallowing and any noises, such as clicking or popping you may hear when your jaw opens and closes.

Orthodontic Evaluation

Your orthodontist may request orthodontic x-rays to better evaluate your teeth and jaw alignment. At Docbraces, we use state-of-the-art digital X-rays because they require 90% less radiation exposure than traditional film X-rays and produce images that are exceptionally clear and detailed. We may also take impression molds of your teeth. Docbraces use cutting edge software to visually demonstrate the impact of orthodontic treatment on your smile and overall face and jaw shape. You may even notice it results in a more youthful appearance!At Docbraces, your comprehensive evaluation is typically scheduled for a one-hour slot. That’s because our orthodontic team wants to ensure you have plenty of time to ask any questions you may have about treatment options and expected outcomes.

Treatment Consultation

After your orthodontic consultation, our treatment coordinator will discuss your different treatment options and show you examples of braces, aligners and other appliances like retainers that may be necessary for straightening your teeth. Many adults prefer Invisalign for teeth straightening. Unlike braces, these clear aligners are virtually invisible and can be removed to brush, floss and eat.If you are ready to move forward with treatment, the coordinator will work with you to help set up a payment plan that works for your budget. At Docbraces, our Maritime orthodontist believes every patient deserves a healthy, confident smile. That’s why we offer flexible, interest-free financing plans with no credit checks. We also offer direct billing to insurance providers (no need to pay significant amounts up front) and family discounts. Our free online payment calculator can help you estimate the cost of treatment and your monthly payment.

Next Steps: Getting Fitted for Braces and Beginning Treatment

Like a good dress or suit, your braces or clear aligners must be tailored to your teeth and jaw perfectly! A perfect fit will help your treatment progress safely and quickly.For more information on what to expect when you get fitted for braces and what happens during your regular check-ups, download the Docbraces guide, “How Do Braces Work? The 4 Steps of Treatment.”