Why You Should Avoid Skipping Your Orthodontic Appointment

Posted on March 26, 2021

Orthodontic treatment can be a life-changing experience. The benefits may go beyond correcting your bad bite. You can also improve your oral hygiene, treat your TMJ disorder, boost your self-esteem and give yourself a beautiful smile. It is no wonder that over 4 million Americans are in braces treatment currently.

Treatment Period

Orthodontic treatment may demand a lot of patience and compliance with the instructions provided. One of them is regular visits to the orthodontist’s office. Depending on the guidance of your orthodontist, you may have to schedule an appointment every six to eight weeks.

The treatment span may vary on a case-to-case basis. Several factors such as the severity of your dental issue, type of treatment, and age may affect the period that you may have to wear your braces. On average it may take approximately 18 to 24 months to get straight teeth. However, some simple corrections may take an average of six months, with serious malocclusions taking over three years.

Orthodontic Appointments

Throughout your treatment period, you may have to visit the orthodontic office regularly. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that you get braces from an orthodontist instead of a general dentist. An orthodontist has the required skill and expertise in teeth and jaw realignment. All orthodontists are trained dentists, while only 5% of dentists are orthodontists.

Here are three reasons you should not skip your orthodontic appointments:

1. Braces Require Regular Adjustments

The best orthodontist in Baton Rouge, LA, will create a customized treatment plan for you. The regular visits allow the orthodontist to periodically adjust the wires and brackets, guiding your teeth to the correct positions. For Invisalign aligners, you receive the next set of clear aligners. Skipping orthodontic appointments means missing these vital adjustments which can affect your treatment.

2. Treatment May Not Always Go to Plan

Braces are not a one-size-fits-all solution to all dental issues. Sometimes even with a well-thought-out treatment plan, your gums and teeth may respond differently. Your teeth may move in unanticipated directions, necessitating immediate attention. Skipping your orthodontic appointments means that you may never realize that your teeth realignment is off-track. It can significantly increase the time that you may need to have braces to correct the issue. Track your progress carefully by honoring the visits to the orthodontist.

3. Repair Broken Parts

The wires, brackets, or clear aligners are prone to damage and may require immediate attention before your teeth roll back to their incorrect position. The visit to the orthodontic office allows you to carry your broken or loose brackets with you for the assistants to repair and fit back. The orthodontist can also help replace any elastic bands that you may have lost. Maintaining your braces is one way to stay on track with your orthodontic treatment. It can help you get off your braces faster.

Orthodontic treatments are an excellent way to get your confidence, straight teeth, and a beautiful smile back. Part of the journey may involve making regular trips to the orthodontist’s office. If you are unsure of when your next appointment should be, contact Parker Orthodontics.