The orthodontic treatment process has 5 main steps: consultation and exam, treatment planning, active treatment with braces or aligners, removal of braces, and lifelong retainer wear. From start to finish, most patients complete their journey in 18-30 months, depending on how complex their case is.
At Impact Orthodontics in Calgary, we guide you through each step so you know exactly what to expect. The process starts with X-rays and photos to plan your treatment, then moves into the active phase where your teeth gradually move into place. After your braces or aligners come off, retainers keep your new smile looking perfect for life.
Orthodontic Treatment Steps Breakdown
| Step | What Happens | How Long | What to Expect |
| 1. Consultation | Exam, X-rays, photos, treatment plan | 1-2 visits | Learn your options and costs |
| 2. Treatment Planning | Custom plan created, appointments scheduled | 1-2 weeks | Get your timeline and instructions |
| 3. Active Treatment | Braces/aligners placed, monthly adjustments | 12-30 months | Gradual tooth movement, regular visits |
| 4. Braces Removal | Appliances removed, teeth cleaned and polished | 1 appointment | See your final results |
| 5. Retainer Phase | Custom retainers made and fitted | Lifelong | Keep your new smile in place |
What is Orthodontic Treatment?
Orthodontic treatment is a special type of dental care that helps move your teeth and jaws into their proper positions. When you have crooked teeth, misaligned teeth, or bite issues, an orthodontist can help fix these problems. The treatment process uses gentle pressure over time to guide your teeth into their desired positions.
At Impact Orthodontics in Calgary, we help patients of all ages get the confident smile they want. Our team works with you to create a personalized treatment plan that fits your needs and lifestyle.
Phase 1: Initial Consultation and Examination
Your orthodontic process begins with an initial consultation. This first orthodontic visit is when you meet your orthodontist and learn about your treatment options.
What Happens During Your First Visit:
- Complete Examination: Your orthodontist will look at your teeth and jaws carefully
- Medical History Review: We talk about your dental health and any past dental work
- X-rays and Digital Scans: These pictures help us see your teeth, roots, and jaw bones
- Photo Documentation: We take pictures of your smile and teeth from different angles
- Bite Analysis: We check how your upper and lower teeth fit together
Advanced Tools We Use:
- Digital scanning instead of messy impression materials
- 3D imaging for complex cases
- Computer planning software
- Detailed bite analysis
This first appointment helps us understand your orthodontic issues and what treatment might work best for you.
Phase 2: Creating Your Personalized Treatment Plan
After your initial consultation, we develop a personalized treatment plan just for you. This plan shows exactly how we will move your teeth to create your beautiful smile.
Your Treatment Plan Includes:
- Problem List: All the orthodontic issues we need to fix
- Treatment Goals: What we want to achieve with your smile
- Appliance Choice: Which type of braces or aligners will work best
- Timeline: How long your treatment will take
- Care Instructions: How to take care of your teeth during treatment
Things That Affect Your Treatment Plan:
- How severe your orthodontic issues are
- Your age and jaw growth
- Your oral health habits
- Whether you prefer braces or clear aligners
- If you have any missing teeth or previous dental work
Phase 3: Getting Your Orthodontic Appliances
When treatment begins, you will get your orthodontic appliances. The type you get depends on your personalized treatment plan and what works best for your situation.
Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are the most common type of orthodontic treatment. They work very well for all kinds of orthodontic problems.
Getting Metal Braces:
- Your teeth are cleaned and prepared
- Brackets are glued to the enamel surface of each tooth
- A wire connects all the brackets together
- Elastic ties or rubber bands hold the wire in place
- Your orthodontist chooses light, flexible wires to start
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are a popular alternative to traditional braces. They are custom made plastic trays that fit over your teeth.
Getting Clear Aligners:
- Digital scans create a perfect model of your teeth
- Computer software plans your tooth movement
- Custom aligners are made just for you
- You get several sets to wear in order
- You need to wear them 20-22 hours every day
Phase 4: Active Treatment and Regular Adjustments
The active treatment phase is the longest part of your orthodontic process. This is when your teeth actually move into their new positions. Most people wear their orthodontic appliances for 6 to 30 months during this phase.
Regular Appointments
You will have regular appointments every 4 to 10 weeks. These orthodontic visits are very important for your treatment success.
What Happens at Adjustment Appointments:
- Wire Changes: New wires apply gentle pressure to keep moving your teeth
- Bracket Adjustments: Fine-tuning the position of brackets
- Progress Checks: Taking new photos and measurements
- Problem Solving: Fixing any issues with your appliances
- Oral Health Review: Checking for tooth decay or gum disease
How Tooth Movement Works
Your teeth move through a special process in your body. When constant pressure is applied to a tooth, the bone around it changes. Old bone breaks down on one side while new bone forms on the other side. This lets your teeth move slowly into their desired positions.
Important Facts About Tooth Movement:
- It happens very slowly and safely
- You might feel some discomfort after adjustments
- Younger patients often see faster movement
- Good oral health helps teeth move better
- Following instructions speeds up the process
Your Role During Treatment
Your treatment success depends a lot on what you do at home.
Patient Responsibilities:
- Keep excellent oral health by brushing and flossing
- Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods with braces
- Wear rubber bands or other appliances as told
- Come to all regular appointments
- Protect your appliances during sports
Phase 5: Treatment Completion and Appliance Removal
When your teeth reach their proper positions, it’s time to remove your orthodontic appliances. This is an exciting day that many patients look forward to.
Removing Braces
The Removal Process:
- Special tools remove all the brackets from your teeth
- Adhesive cleanup removes any remaining adhesive
- Your teeth are polished until they shine
- Final photos show your new smile
- Impressions are made for your retainers
Final Check
Your orthodontist will do a complete examination to make sure:
- All treatment goals have been met
- Your bite works properly
- Your teeth are in their best positions
- You’re ready for the retention phase
Phase 6: Retention Phase and Long-term Care
The retention phase is crucial for keeping your beautiful smile. Your teeth have a natural tendency to move back toward their old positions. Retainers prevent this from happening.
Retainer Care Instructions
Wearing Schedule:
- Wear full-time for the first 4-6 months
- Gradually move to nighttime-only wear
- Many people wear retainers for life to keep their smile
Taking Care of Retainers:
- Clean them every day with a soft brush
- Store them in their case when not wearing them
- Bring them to all follow-up appointments
- Replace them if they break or don’t fit well
Maintaining Your Oral Health During Treatment
Good oral health is extra important during orthodontic treatment. Food and plaque can get trapped around your orthodontic appliances, leading to tooth decay and gum disease.
Brushing with Braces
Daily Brushing Routine:
- Brush after every meal and snack
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Brush for at least two minutes
- Clean around all the brackets and wires
- Use fluoride toothpaste to protect your teeth
Special Brushing Tips:
- Angle your brush to clean under the wires
- Brush the gums gently to prevent gum disease
- Replace your toothbrush more often
- Consider using an electric toothbrush
Flossing with Orthodontic Appliances
Flossing with braces can be difficult but very important. Food particles and plaque can hide between your teeth and cause problems.
Flossing Tools:
- Floss threaders help get floss under wires
- Water flossers can clean around brackets
- Special orthodontic floss is easier to use
- Take your time and be gentle
Regular Dental Checkups
Keep seeing your regular dentist during orthodontic treatment. They will:
- Clean your teeth professionally
- Check for tooth decay and gum disease
- Apply fluoride treatments if needed
- Work with your orthodontist on your care
Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment
Getting orthodontic treatment gives you many benefits beyond just a beautiful smile.
Health Benefits
- Better Oral Health: Straight teeth are easier to clean
- Reduced Risk of Tooth Decay: Less plaque buildup in hard-to-reach places
- Healthier Gums: Properly aligned teeth support gum health
- Improved Bite Function: Better chewing and speaking
- Less Tooth Wear: Properly aligned teeth wear more evenly
Life Benefits
- Increased Confidence: You’ll love showing off your healthy smile
- Better First Impressions: A great smile helps in social and work situations
- Improved Self-Esteem: Feeling good about your appearance
- Long-term Dental Health: Fewer dental problems as you age
Your Journey to a Healthy Smile Starts Here
The orthodontic treatment process might seem long, but each step brings you closer to the confident smile you want. From your initial consultation through wearing your retainers, every phase plays an important role in your success.
At Impact Orthodontics in Calgary, our experienced team guides you through each step of your orthodontic journey. We use the latest technology and techniques to give you the best possible results in a comfortable, friendly environment.
Ready to start your orthodontic journey? Book your consultation today and take the first step toward the beautiful, healthy smile you’ve always wanted. Our Calgary team is excited to help you achieve your smile goals!
