At Southern Smiles Orthodontics, our primary goal is to help you achieve the healthy, straight, beautiful smile that you’ve been seeking. Choosing to receive orthodontic care is a big decision, and we respect your reasons for wanting to improve your smile. We know that changing your smile for the better can also positively impact how you look and feel. Our practice will work with you to make sure that your orthodontic experience is as rewarding as possible. Dr. Courtney utilizes products of the highest quality as well as the latest technology in dentistry, offering a variety of safe and gentle dental treatment options to give you the exceptional care you deserve.
Begin With An Initial Consultation
Your initial consultation will give you the opportunity to tour our beautiful dental office, meet our wonderful team, and receive an initial exam. At this appointment, our goal is to educate you about how orthodontics can help you achieve your dream smile and which treatment options will best meet your needs. During your initial consultation, we will:
- Review your dental and medical history forms
- Provide a complete oral exam to determine whether treatment is necessary
- Take photos, plaster models of the teeth or intraoral scan, and x-rays (sometimes completed at a separate appointment)
- Design a customized treatment plan that best suits your unique goals
- Discuss all financial information, insurance options, and payment plans
Our team is excited to meet you and begin the process of determining which orthodontic treatment option is right for you. Please contact our practice to schedule your initial consultation.
What Happens After The Initial Consultation?
After your consultation and orthodontic records (photos, plaster models of the teeth or intraoral scan, and x-rays) have been completed we will schedule your next appointment. At that next appointment, Dr. Courtney will place your braces, other appliance, or Invisalign® trays depending on your specific treatment plan.
Placement of braces generally takes about 90 minutes, and during this time our team will be available to make sure that you are as comfortable as possible.
If you are receiving Invisalign® treatment, Dr. Courtney and her team will make sure that your first trays are fitting properly and give you all the necessary information you that you need until you return for your next Invisalign® check. You can expect your first Invisalign® appointment to take about 30 minutes.
Scheduling Future Appointments
Visiting the orthodontist about every four to six weeks is an important part of your orthodontic treatment. Our treatment is set up to continue working while you are away from the office, but we need to be certain that it is activated and headed in the right direction. Usually these adjustment appointments are fairly quick, and we will work with you to make sure that your appointments are as convenient as possible. When scheduling appointments, please let us know what days and times work best for you.
During these routine appointments Dr. Courtney and team will:
- Remove your colored or clear ties on the braces
- Make adjustments to the wires or brackets
- Retie your wire with NEW COLORS! You can be as creative or discrete in your choices as you want
- Monitor your progress and give you new trays if you are being treated with Invisalign rather than traditional braces
- Set up your next appointment
Visiting The Dentist During Orthodontic Treatment
During your orthodontic treatment, it is very important that you continue to visit your family dentist once every six months (or more frequently if directed to do so) for teeth cleanings and routine dental checkups. If extra dental care is needed, we will be happy to coordinate with your family dentist to make sure that you are receiving the best care possible.
What Can You Do To Help Keep Things Moving In The Right Direction?
Orthodontic treatment truly is a partnership between your orthodontist and YOU. There are several steps you can take to ensure the best and fastest route to your beautiful, healthy smile.
- Keep your appointments regular. We understand that life happens, which is why we have flexible appointment times to work around your potentially hectic life. The better you stick to your recommended schedule, the faster you will see your smile change.
- Keep them clean! Brushing and flossing has never been more important than during orthodontic treatment. While braces and clear aligners can be used to get beautiful results, it is extremely important to properly care for them to avoid undesired consequences such as white spots on the teeth or red, overgrown gum tissue. Dr. Courtney takes this part of treatment extremely seriously and requires the commitment from patient and parents to be sure that you avoid those unfortunate outcomes. She will give you all the tools necessary to avoid these problems and she will give regular updates on how you are doing.
- Stick to a braces safe diet. The key to moving teeth is keeping braces and buttons attached to the teeth! Adhering to a braces friendly diet will ensure less emergencies and that movement continues in the right direction.