Universal Dental Clinic Kurali – Orthodontics
Understanding Orthodontic Treatment: Full Process and Procedure Explained Orthodontic treatment is more than just getting braces or clear aligners. It is a comprehensive dental specialty that focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. Whether you’re considering treatment for yourself or a loved one, understanding the full process can help you make informed decisions and feel confident throughout your orthodontic journey. Universal Dental Clinic Kurali 1. Initial Consultation What Happens: The first step in orthodontic treatment is an initial consultation with an orthodontist. During this visit, the doctor evaluates your oral health, discusses your concerns, and determines whether you need orthodontic treatment. Includes: Visual oral examination Review of dental and medical history X-rays or 3D scans Photographs of teeth and face Impressions or digital scans of teeth Purpose: To understand your specific dental issue, whether it’s crowding, gaps, overbite, underbite, crossbite, or jaw misalignment. Universal Dental Clinic Kurali 2. Customized Treatment Plan What Happens: Based on the findings from your initial exam and diagnostics, your orthodontist creates a customized treatment plan tailored to your needs. Includes: Timeline of the treatment Type of appliances needed (braces, aligners, expanders, etc.) Estimated costs and financing options Expected outcomes Purpose: To provide you with a roadmap of your treatment journey and align your expectations with the final results. Universal Dental Clinic Kurali 3. Placement of Orthodontic Appliances Types of Appliances: A. Braces Metal Braces: Traditional, durable, effective for complex cases. Ceramic Braces: Tooth-colored, less visible, slightly more fragile. Lingual Braces: Placed behind the teeth, completely hidden. B. Clear Aligners (e.g., Invisalign) Removable, virtually invisible trays Ideal for mild to moderate alignment issues C. Other Appliances Palatal Expanders: Widen the upper jaw Headgear: Adjusts jaw alignment and tooth positioning Retainers: Maintain teeth position post-treatment Procedure: Brackets are bonded to teeth (for braces) Archwires and elastics are installed For aligners, initial trays are given along with instructions Universal Dental Clinic Kurali 4. Active Treatment Phase What Happens: This is the longest phase of treatment, where the orthodontic appliance gradually moves your teeth into the correct position. Includes: Regular follow-up visits (usually every 4–8 weeks) Adjustments to wires, brackets, or aligner trays Monitoring tooth and jaw movement Duration: Average treatment time is 12–24 months, depending on complexity Purpose: To apply continuous, gentle pressure to reposition teeth and align the jaws properly. Universal Dental Clinic Kurali 5. Monitoring Progress and Oral Hygiene Key Practices: Maintain excellent oral hygiene (brushing, flossing, mouthwash) Follow dietary restrictions (avoid sticky/hard foods with braces) Wear rubber bands or additional appliances as instructed Report any discomfort or issues (broken brackets, pain) 6. Removal of Appliances What Happens: Once the desired tooth alignment is achieved, the orthodontic appliance is removed. For braces: brackets and wires are carefully taken off For aligners: no removal process needed, just transition to retainers Experience: Typically painless, may involve minor polishing or cleaning A mold or scan is taken to create a retainer Universal Dental Clinic Kurali 7. Retention Phase Importance: This is a critical phase to prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original positions. Types of Retainers: Removable Retainers: Worn mostly at night Fixed Retainers: Thin wire bonded behind teeth Duration: Varies, often indefinite for nighttime wear Conclusion Orthodontic treatment is a transformative journey that involves several stages—each playing a vital role in achieving a healthier, straighter smile. From your first consultation to the retention phase, your orthodontist guides you through every step, using science and precision to enhance both function and aesthetics. If you’re considering orthodontic care, schedule a consultation with a qualified orthodontist to begin your path to a confident, beautiful smile. Dr. Pooja Sharma From Kurali /Harry April 18, 2025