Why Dental Braces Need Regular Tightening

On average, ceramic or traditional metal braces should be tightened every 4-6 weeks. With that said, that timeline can change depending on your specific situation, but most patients end up having similar schedules. Our Grand Rapids, MI, orthodontists can brief you on when you need to be seen so you’re aware of the commitments.

Here’s what you should know about orthodontic checkups and why they’re key to your progress.

Why Follow-Up Visits Are Important

Believe us, we understand that finding the time to come in to see our team isn’t always easy. After all, there’s school, work, and socializing to contend with. It might not be ideal, but it is what you sign up for when you choose metal braces or even ceramic braces for your smile.

The orthodontic treatment plan created for you by our local orthodontists requires frequent check-ins at our Grand Rapids, MI, orthodontics office to keep your progress on track. Missing these types of appointments can throw off your treatment completely, result in needed corrections, and add to your time wearing braces.

Related Post → How Long Will I Have to Wear Orthodontic Braces?

Generally, there are 4 major components to a follow-up visit with our orthodontists. Those include:

Changing the archwire so it’s stiffer
Adding on or replacing rubber bands (elastic ligatures)
Adjusting or tightening ligature wires

There is a chance that your visit may involve additional steps but our team will be sure to let you know what’s needed before getting started.

What to Expect for Tightening Appointments

If you selected Invisalign® aligners for your orthodontic treatment, your checkup appointments will be shorter and much less involved. We may even be able to conduct virtual exams. Clear aligners aside, the structure of your visits will be pretty standard each time you come in.

After you check in at the front, you’ll meet with one of our clinical assistants who will get started making the necessary braces adjustments. Before you leave, however, our orthodontists will take a closer look at your progress. You’ll be on your way after that - until next time!

Visit Length

If there’s something that needs fixing at your appointment beyond just tightening dental braces, that can mean you’ll be in the exam chair for longer. We’re talking broken wires, brackets, and other loose components like a spacer or bands.

Learn More → 5 Orthodontic Treatment Issues You Can Fix at Home

Common mishaps aside, you can expect a follow-up visit to last around 30 minutes give or take. Feel free to ask any questions or bring up any concerns you may have during this time. Our assisting team members and orthodontists would be more than happy to help.

Level of Discomfort

Fortunately, you should not experience much or any pain during the braces tightening process. Of course, all treatments and pain tolerances are different so it’s hard to generalize for everyone.

For example, your reaction to new forces being applied to teeth may be better or worse than another patient. One thing that will occur regardless of your personal pain tolerance is general soreness. This feeling is temporary and can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days following an adjustment.

To help combat soreness, we recommend eating soft foods after your appointment and taking over-the-counter pain medications only as needed. Beyond the first adjustment, you’ll develop a system for yourself in terms of pain relief until having dental braces removed becomes your reality.

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