Dr. NUTTAYA CHANTARASAMEE
ORTHODONTICS
Schedule an appointment with an orthodontist, ensuring to check the doctor's schedule beforehand. Since orthodontic treatment takes a long time and patients need to visit regularly every month, it is important to select a time that allows for consistent visits to the orthodontist until the treatment is complete.
When visiting the orthodontist for the first time, patients will receive detailed information about the braces process to help them make an informed decision. The orthodontist will examine the patient's teeth to determine if braces are necessary.
The orthodontist will assess whether braces can address the patient’s dental issues. This includes taking impressions to create a model of the bite, as well as X-rays of the skull and face. Photos will also be taken to provide a clear overview of the mouth, which will help in planning the orthodontic treatment.
The orthodontist will complete any necessary dental work, such as scaling and polishing, filling cavities, extracting teeth, treating root canals, or removing wisdom teeth. This prepares the mouth for braces, as installing braces while needing further dental work could complicate the process and lead to difficulties. Proper oral health care before braces reduces the risk of tooth decay or gum inflammation during treatment.
This step is not painful, but after the braces are installed, the patient may experience some discomfort or tightness as the braces begin to move the teeth gradually to the desired position. If the pain is severe in the initial stages, pain relievers can be taken as recommended by the orthodontist.
Patients must follow the orthodontist’s advice regarding oral hygiene, including proper and regular tooth brushing and flossing. It is also essential to follow all instructions and avoid certain foods to ensure that the treatment progresses as planned and within the expected timeframe.
The orthodontist will schedule regular follow-up appointments to adjust the braces as necessary, typically every month. Patients should attend these appointments as scheduled to ensure the treatment plan remains on track and achieves the best results.
In addition to regular visits for adjustments, patients should schedule routine dental check-ups, cleanings, and scaling every six months to prevent gum disease during orthodontic treatment. After the braces are removed, the orthodontist will provide retainers, which the patient must wear consistently as instructed to ensure that the teeth remain in their correct and aesthetically pleasing positions.
ORTHODONTICS
