Orthodontic treatment typically takes between 6 and 36 months to complete, depending on the type of treatment you receive and the extent to which your smile and bite need to be corrected. There are several phases of treatment before you finish your treatment. For more information about orthodontic treatment phases and to make your appointment with our dentist, please call Wasatch Gentle Dental at 801-262-6661.
Phase 1 – Planning
In this initial phase, Dr. Andrew Smith will evaluate your bite and smile to determine the most effective treatment for your needs. The planning phase may include:
- Medical and dental evaluations
- Panoramic X-rays
- Computer-generating images
- Photographs
- Studying models (castings and bite impressions)
Phase 2 – Active Treatment
The diagnostic tools used in the first phase of treatment will be used to develop a customized treatment plan. Our dentist will then provide an orthodontic appliance, such as braces or Invisalign®, to gently move your teeth into their proper positions. This appliance may be fixed or removeable. Other appliances may also be used in your treatment, such as headgear or elastics.
You will meet with our doctors regularly throughout your treatment to ensure adequate and continual pressure is applied to the teeth. If your appliance breaks or is damaged, contact our office immediately so that we can repair it and keep your treatment on-track.
Phase 3 – Retention
When your teeth have been correctly aligned, your braces and removable appliances will be discontinued and removed from your teeth. We will create a custom retainer to hold your teeth in position while the jawbone reforms around your teeth to fully stabilize them in the correct alignment. Be sure to follow all instructions for wearing and caring for your retainer to achieve optimal results.
If you have questions about orthodontic treatment phases, please call our office today.
