Shift Your Teeth Gradually With Regular Orthodontic Adjustments
Orthodontic adjustments are a series of regular visits where your braces or aligners are modified to keep your teeth on track as they move into the desired position. These adjustments are critical for the success of your treatment, as they help us make any necessary changes to ensure that your teeth are shifting properly and that your bite is aligning correctly. The adjustments may include tightening wires, changing rubber bands, or adding new components, depending on your orthodontic device.
Our team at Summit Family Orthodontics uses advanced tools like digital X-rays, CBCT scanners, and intraoral scanners to track your progress. These tools help us take accurate measurements and make precise adjustments, ensuring your treatment stays on course.
Orthodontic Adjustments Are Essential
Orthodontic adjustments are necessary to keep your treatment on schedule and ensure the best results. We customize your treatment plan at every step, ensuring your experience is as comfortable and effective as possible. Our team carefully monitors your progress using 3D imaging and digital X-rays to make real-time adjustments to your treatment. Here’s why they’re essential:
- Accelerated Progress: Adjustments help move your teeth in the right direction, speeding up the treatment process.
- Improved Bite and Smile: Every adjustment helps ensure that your bite aligns properly and that your teeth are moving properly.
- Enhanced Oral Health: Correctly aligned teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
- Comfortable and Customized Care: Each adjustment is tailored to your needs, ensuring your treatment plan adapts to your progress.
What Happens During Orthodontic Adjustments?
When you visit Summit Family Orthodontics for an orthodontic adjustment, you can expect the following steps:
1. Initial Evaluation
We’ll begin by reviewing your progress using our advanced digital scanners and X-rays. This allows the dentist to assess how well your teeth respond to treatment and determine the next steps. We use cutting-edge technology, including the iTero digital scanner, to capture highly detailed images of your teeth, ensuring precision in every adjustment.
2. Making Adjustments
After evaluating your progress, the dentist will make any necessary changes. For those with traditional braces, we may adjust the archwires, replace rubber bands, or modify brackets. If you’re using clear aligners, we’ll see if it’s time for a new set. These adjustments are essential for keeping the teeth moving in the right direction.
3. Ensuring Comfort
Once we finish the adjustments, we check to ensure everything feels comfortable. We know that braces can cause some discomfort, so we’ll ensure that everything is in place and that you’re comfortable before you leave. We’re here to assist if you need anything, such as orthodontic wax or pain-relieving advice.
4. Providing Aftercare Instructions
After your appointment, we’ll give you clear instructions on how to care for your braces or aligners. This includes tips on brushing and flossing with braces, avoiding foods, and managing any discomfort. We want to ensure that your treatment continues smoothly between appointments.
5. Follow-Up Visits
Depending on your treatment progress, we’ll schedule your next adjustment appointment, typically every 4 to 8 weeks. As your teeth move into place, the adjustments will become less frequent, but we’ll continue to monitor your progress to ensure everything is on track.
6. Post-Visit care
It’s completely normal for your teeth to feel sore or tender for a day or two after an orthodontic adjustment. This discomfort means your teeth are responding to the pressure and beginning to move. You can manage soreness with over-the-counter pain relievers, a soft diet, and cold compresses—our team is always here if you need extra support or advice.
