The Orthodontics Process

The Initial Consultation & Exam

Your first consultation with the Coquitlam Family Orthodontics team will include a thorough examination, and a discussion about your dental history and X-rays.

Based on the information we learn from this meeting, we'll be able to determine whether or not your condition requires braces. If it does, we can then determine what the most appropriate treatment for you is, and how long it will take. 

Treatment Begins

The details of each phase of treatment will depend on variables such as the seriousness of your condition, and the type of treatment recommended (eg. Wire Braces vs. Invisalign®). Treatment duration is typically anywhere from 8 to 48 months.

Regular Adjustment Appointments & Checkups

Once your wire dental braces have been placed, regular adjustment appointments will be scheduled to fine-tune the elastic ties holding the wires in the correct position. Without these adjustments, the wires would cease to create sufficient pressure to correct the misalignment.

If you choose to go the Invisalign® route, a series of clear custom aligners will be created specifically for you. These are typically changed every two weeks, which serves the same purpose as adjustments do for wire braces.

Adjustment appointments also provide your orthodontist with the opportunity to determine whether the movement of your teeth and the progress being made is going according to plan. Based on her findings, she can make recommendations that may improve the final outcome of the treatment plan.

Tooth movement takes at least 3 weeks to occur. Adjustment appointments are therefore made approximately every three to ten weeks. However, since today's newer wires provide longer working ranges, adjustments may be scheduled less frequently.

Living With Braces

While dental braces are in place, maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding certain types of foods are very important. Depending on the type of treatment you undergo, your orthodontist may also make additional suggestions. » Read More 

Removal of Wire Braces

Once your treatment is complete, your dental braces will be removed with a quick procedure. During this procedure, the bond between the brackets and your teeth will be gently broken.

When the bases of the brackets are squeezed, the adhesive bond releases and the brackets are removed. The adhesive is left on the teeth to prevent damage to the enamel and tooth structure.

After all brackets are removed, what's left of the bonding cement will be removed as well. Your gums may become slightly inflamed as a result, but this typically subsides within a few days, with careful brushing and flossing.

Recovery & Aftercare

After wire braces come off, your orthodontist will likely recommend a retainer. Retainers are necessary during the 'retention period' of orthodontic treatment after the braces have been removed, during which time the teeth are still relatively unstable.

Your retainer will be specially made to fit your mouth. Your orthodontist will recommend whether you should wear it full or part-time during the months after your braces have been removed.

At the next check-up, after your braces have been removed, our team will perform a thorough oral cleaning, to remove any left-over adhesive from your teeth and the area where the braces were.

Once your braces have been removed, you may want to consider having your teeth whitened, as you may notice a substantial difference in colour between where the brackets were bonded to your teeth, and the exposed enamel surface.