Orthodontic Treatment Journey

Orthodontic Consultation

This is your first visit to our office. This appointment gives us the opportunity to meet you and your family, and for you to get acquainted with our office and staff. We will take photos, x-rays, and an extensive exam will be performed. A treatment plan will also be presented along with financial options.This appointment is generally about 60 minutes.

Initial Records

Diagnostic records are very important for Dr. Defay to determine the treatment that you need. Initial records are taken at the consultation visit. Records include; x-rays, photos, and diagnostic models.  Diagnostic models are only taken if you decide to start treatment. Impressions must be taken to make the diagnostic models and to prepare you to get your braces.

Appliance Placement

This is where your orthodontic journey truly begins! This is your first appointment of active treatment. Generally, at this appointment we place all appliances and/or braces. Instructions regarding oral hygiene and brace care are also presented to you and a guardian. This appointment is usually one to two hours and takes place in the morning or early afternoon.

Active Treatment

After your appliances are in we will see you for adjustments every 5-10 weeks, depending on your treatment plan. These visits can be anywhere from 10 to 60 minutes, contingent on what we are trying to achieve. Periodically, progress reports and records will be taken to ensure the best results possible.

Appliance Removal

Once active treatment is finished all of the orthodontic appliances will be removed and impressions will be taken for retainers. Photos will also be taken for phase 1 patients. These appointments are generally in the morning with retainer placement and retainer care instructions in the late afternoon.

Retention

Retention is a critical part of maintaining the results that you now enjoy. After patients receive their final retainers, they will come back in 4 weeks for a final records conference. At this appointment, final photos will be taken, adjustments will be made to your retainers, and Dr. Defay will meet with you and a guardian to discuss your finished treatment. We will then schedule you for periodic retainer checks to ensure that your retainers are functioning properly and that they are being worn as instructed.