What to Expect

at your first appointment

At Virginia Braces, your path to a beautiful, healthy smile starts with a comprehensive consultation. Whether you're exploring braces, Invisalign, or an expander (RPE), your first visit is the perfect opportunity to discuss your treatment goals and discover the best options for your smile.

What Happens at the Consultation:

Initial Examination – At Virginia Braces, your first step is a thorough oral examination to assess the position of your teeth, jaw alignment, and bite. This evaluation helps us determine the best treatment approach for your unique needs.

X-rays and Digital Scans – For a complete understanding of your dental structure, we may take X-rays or perform digital scans of your teeth and jaw to ensure the most accurate treatment plan.

Customized Treatment Plan – After your evaluation, your doctor will review the available treatment options, explain the expected timeline, and guide you through what to expect during your orthodontic journey.

Answering Questions – We’re here to answer all your questions about the treatment process, the appliances, and the results you can anticipate, ensuring you feel confident every step of the way.

Financial Discussion – Our treatment coordinator will provide a detailed overview of the costs, payment plan options, and any discounts or promotions you may qualify for. We’ll also work with your insurance to help maximize your benefits and clarify any out-of-pocket expenses.

Scheduling Your Next Appointment – When you're ready to start your journey to a beautiful smile, we’ll schedule your next appointment to begin treatment.

Importance of Orthodontic Consultation

It is important for parents to realize that it is never too early to have their child’s teeth and jaw examined. Our experienced orthodontists can examine your child’s oral health and determine whether they are likely to develop dental issues as they grow up. It is best to get your child an initial orthodontic consultation at the age of 7. Even if your child has missed this early checkup, you can schedule a consultation at any age. The early orthodontic examination helps identify potential developmental issues your child may have and address them before they are a teenager.

During the initial consultation, you should also expect to discuss the financial information. Our staff will discuss the financial options available to you, insurance benefits, and any discounts you may be eligible for.

Getting Started with Braces

Once you've chosen to begin your journey with braces, your next appointment will focus on getting them placed. Here's what you can expect:

Cleaning and Preparation – We’ll start by thoroughly cleaning your teeth to ensure the brackets adhere securely and effectively.

Placing the Brackets – Your orthodontist will carefully attach small metal or ceramic brackets to each tooth using a special adhesive designed for orthodontic care.

Connecting the Wires – After the brackets are in place, we’ll thread a wire through them and secure it with elastic bands. This wire will gently guide your teeth into proper alignment over time.

Reviewing Care Instructions – Before you leave, we’ll provide detailed instructions on how to care for your braces, including tips for brushing, flossing, avoiding certain foods, and what to expect in the days after placement.

Scheduling Adjustments – Regular adjustments are an essential part of your treatment. These will typically be scheduled every 6-8 weeks to ensure steady progress.

@beecroftortho Braces Day 1! We started our lovely patient out with her upper arch. Why not do both at once? Sometimes adding brackets to both arches at once is very uncomfortable depending on how the patient bites down. The goal is to align her upper arch FIRST so she can bite down comfortably without the potential of biting into (& breaking) the lower brackets. #braces #bracescolorideas #valentinesbraces #orthodontist #dentalassistant #dentalassistantlife #dentaltiktok ♬ Flowers - Miley Cyrus

Getting Started with Invisalign

If you’re ready to begin treatment with Invisalign, your next visit will focus on preparing your aligners and ensuring they fit perfectly. Here's what to expect:

Placing Attachments – Some patients may require small, tooth-colored attachments to help the aligners grip and guide teeth more effectively. These clear buttons are bonded to the teeth and will be removed once treatment is complete.

Ensuring Proper Fit – We’ll provide your first set of aligners and ensure they fit comfortably and function as intended, setting the foundation for successful treatment.

Reviewing Care Instructions – You’ll receive thorough instructions on how to wear and care for your aligners. For the best results, we recommend wearing them 20-22 hours a day, removing them only for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.

Tracking Your Progress – You’ll receive a series of aligners to change out every 1-2 weeks. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your progress and ensure your teeth are shifting as planned.

If your treatment includes an RPE or fixed appliance, your initial appointments will focus on preparation and placement. Here’s what to expect:

Initial Scan – During your first appointment, we’ll take detailed digital impressions of your teeth. These scans provide a precise model of your mouth, allowing us to create a custom-fitted expander or appliance tailored to your unique needs.

Spacer Appointment – To prepare for the expander, we may place small elastic spacers between your back molars. These spacers gently create the space needed for the appliance and are typically left in place for 1-2 weeks.

Expander Fitting Appointment – After the spacers have created the necessary room, you’ll return for the fitting of your expander. The appliance will be placed and secured onto your upper molars. If your expander requires activation, we’ll show you how to turn it and discuss what to expect as your treatment progresses.

Monitoring and Care – We’ll provide detailed care instructions, including how to clean around the expander and maintain good oral hygiene. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your progress and ensure the appliance is working effectively.

Starting Treatment with a Rapid Palatal Expander (RPE) or Fixed Appliance

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