What Steps Occur During Orthodontic Treatment?

    ALEXANDRIA, VA, November 09, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- With modern advancements in dentistry, orthodontics has become a predictable and effective method for treating a variety of issues with your smile. Orthodontic treatment can address issues including malocclusion, crowded teeth, crooked teeth, and unevenly spaced teeth, providing straight, beautiful smiles and preventing future oral and systemic health issues.

Your specific orthodontic treatment will be customized to meet your unique needs. The steps necessary for treatment, however, remain fairly standard for all patients.

Orthodontic Treatment Steps

Orthodontic treatment generally takes between 12 and 36 months. The type of device used and the unique needs of your smile will determine the amount of time you require treatment. An experienced orthodontist will discuss this with you during your initial consultation.

There are three steps required for orthodontic treatment:

- Diagnostic and treatment planning - During this first step, your orthodontist will make a diagnosis to determine the most effective way to treat your bite issue. This may include things such as a comprehensive evaluation of your medical and dental history, castings and bite impressions, digital x-rays, and photographs. Based on this information, a treatment plan will be created, and you will move on to step two

- Active treatment - After determining the appropriate type of orthodontic treatment you require, your active treatment will begin. This step may include attaching the appliance, or customizing aligner trays for invisible braces. You will return to your orthodontist's office several times during this phase for adjustments or for new trays. During these visits, your orthodontist will make sure everything is progressing as it should. Once your teeth have been brought into proper alignment, you will move on to step three

- Retention - Once your teeth have been realigned, you will require a retainer to ensure your teeth do not shift back into their previous position. Your orthodontist will customize a retainer for you to wear at night, helping ensure that the results of your treatment last for a lifetime

From your initial consultation through the creation of your retainer, your orthodontist will work closely with you to make sure your treatment is as comfortable and effective as possible. You will be spending a significant amount of time with your orthodontist, making it very important to choose someone who instills confidence and comfort during every step of your treatment. Carefully selecting an orthodontist is the first step in receiving treatment that will provide you with the smile you deserve.

If you live in or around Northern Virginia including Tysons Corner, Fairfax, Reston, Alexandria, Arlington, or Washington D.C., and would like to learn more about orthodontics, please visit the website of Dr. Michael Chung at Softouch Dental Care for more information at www.softouchdentalcare.com.

# # #