The process of getting braces involves coordination between your general dentist and an orthodontist, requiring preparatory visits, diagnostic procedures, and sometimes necessary dental work. The number of appointments needed before the braces are bonded varies widely depending on your dental health and the required preparation. Generally, patients can expect between three and five main appointments before the final bonding phase, excluding any time-intensive pre-treatment procedures.
General Dentist Clearance: The Starting Point
A recent visit to your general dentist is the first step in preparing for orthodontic treatment. This initial checkup ensures your mouth is healthy enough to begin moving teeth, as active dental issues like cavities or gum disease can make orthodontic treatment unsafe or ineffective.
You will need a professional cleaning and a full dental examination, including an assessment of your periodontal health. Orthodontists require a stable foundation because braces increase the difficulty of maintaining oral hygiene. Your general dentist provides a formal clearance, confirming that any restorative needs are addressed and that your gums are free from significant inflammation or infection before you start with the specialist.
The Initial Orthodontic Consultation
The first appointment with the orthodontist is an information-gathering session and a preliminary visual examination. The specialist will perform a basic clinical exam, looking at your teeth, jaw, and facial structure to assess the type of malocclusion present and understand your concerns about alignment.
During this consultation, the professional discusses potential treatment options, such as traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, or clear aligners, and provides an estimated timeline. The overall cost and payment options are also reviewed. This appointment determines if orthodontic treatment is appropriate and sets the stage for detailed data collection.
Gathering Diagnostic Records
Creating a precise treatment plan requires a dedicated appointment to collect diagnostic records. This session may take around 30 to 60 minutes and is sometimes combined with the initial consultation, depending on the office protocol.
The records typically include specialized X-rays, such as a panoramic radiograph to view all teeth and the jawbone, and a cephalometric X-ray, which measures the relationship between the jaw and skull. The process also involves taking photographs of your face and teeth, as well as digital scans or physical impressions (molds) of your dental arches. These records allow for precise planning of tooth movement and appliance placement.
Required Pre-Treatment Dental Procedures
The diagnostic records may reveal underlying issues that require resolution before the braces can be bonded, often increasing the total number of pre-braces appointments. Active tooth decay must be treated with fillings. If advanced gum disease is present, scaling and root planing may be necessary to stabilize periodontal health.
For cases involving severe crowding or bite correction, the orthodontist may prescribe tooth extractions to create necessary space for alignment. These surgical procedures require healing time before the braces can be installed. Additionally, some patients need separators—small rubber bands or metal springs placed between the molars a week or two before bonding—to gently create space for the bands that wrap around the back teeth.
Scheduling the Braces Installation
Once all necessary pre-treatment work is complete, your mouth is cleared for the final step: the bonding appointment. This appointment is often the longest, typically lasting between one and two hours, as the orthodontist attaches each bracket and threads the initial archwire. The office schedules this final phase only after confirming all preparatory requirements, including dental clearance and any prescribed extractions or fillings, have been completed.
The installation involves a minimum of three distinct visits—the general dentist checkup, the orthodontic consultation, and the diagnostic records session—if no complicating factors are present. The number of appointments increases to four or more if separate visits are required for procedures like extractions, fillings, or the placement of separators. The installation marks the beginning of active tooth movement.