What to Expect During Your First Orthodontic Appointment

To help ease you into your treatment plan and help you to feel more comfortable every step of the way, we’re sharing some of things you can expect from your first orthodontist appointment. Remember that every appointment you have is an opportunity to ask questions, and you shouldn’t be afraid to ask for clarification if anything is unclear.

Your first orthodontic appointment

Your first appointment will be very different depending on the type of braces you have chosen. For fixed braces, you will have the braces attached to your teeth for the first time. For removable braces like Invisalign, you’ll receive your case of aligners and you’ll start wearing your first aligner.

What to expect for a fixed braces appointment

If you’ve opted for fixed braces, your dentist will start by bonding the brackets to your teeth. They will then attach a wire between these brackets and adjust to apply strategic pressure to your teeth. If anything feels uncomfortable, it’s important to speak up as your dentist may be able to adjust the braces or help you to apply dental wax to the area while you get used to wearing your braces.

What to expect for an Invisalign appointment

At your first Invisalign appointment, your aligners will have arrived and you’ll be able to start wearing them. Before you can go home, your dentist will want to know that you are confident putting them in and taking them out.

Your dentist will also run through the “rules” of the treatment, including how long you can take your aligners out per day, and how to care for your aligners so they don’t become stained or smelly. If you notice your aligners are rubbing anywhere, tell your dentist so they can make adjustments.

Tips for your first orthodontic appointment

If you want to make your first orthodontic appointment as stress-free as possible, try the following tips:

• Give yourself plenty of time. Your dentist will let you know how long you can expect your appointment to take, but give yourself a buffer so you don’t have to feel stressed if things run over.

• Arrive early so you can relax. It’s normal to be a little bit nervous about getting braces for the first time. Arrive early so you have time to gather your thoughts and relax in the waiting room.

• Brush your teeth. You’ll feel more confident going to the dentist if you’ve just brushed your teeth. You can bring your toothbrush and do this when you arrive if you prefer.

• Write down any questions. It can be overwhelming when you get braces for the first time, so it’s a good idea to write down any questions you think of so you don’t forget them. Remember, there are no silly questions.

• Take over the counter pain medication. Ibuprofen and paracetamol can help you to feel more comfortable when you first start your treatment. While it shouldn’t be painful, the sensation of pressure on your teeth can be unusual and uncomfortable when you first start wearing your braces.

• Plan your meals for the day. If you have opted for fixed braces, you might struggle to immediately eat your usual diet. Try planning a meal that will be a little easier to eat, such as soup, scrambled egg or mashed potato.

Ready to get started with your orthodontic journey? Get in touch with our team today to arrange your consultation.