Orthodontist in Cornelius, NC

You finally decided to get your crooked teeth straightened at Lake Norman Orthodontics in Cornelius, North Carolina. But you may still wonder what the whole orthodontic process is. Here is a run-down of the five basic steps of getting braces so you know what to expect.

Stage #1 – Consultation With Your Orthodontist in Cornelius

During the initial appointment, Dr. Anne Marie Payne, your orthodontist in Cornelius, examines your teeth, jaws, and bite. Depending on your particular case, it can last about 30 minutes to one hour. We take digital impressions of your upper and lower teeth and list the concerns. We discuss solutions and alternatives, oral hygiene with braces, and the possible risks of getting orthodontic appliances. 

The best part is showing before and after photos of previous patients with similar orthodontic needs. You get to see how your treatment can transform your smile. We also take this time to discuss the different types of braces, such as:

• tooth-colored ceramic braces
• traditional stainless steel braces
• plastic aligners 
• lingual braces
• self-ligating braces

We also take this time to tackle fees and insurance benefits. 

Stage #2 – Bonding/Banding

The second stage is when the metal brackets and wires are attached to your teeth. Some patients may require orthodontic spacers between teeth to create gaps a week or two beforehand. 

Then comes the intricate process where the spacers are removed, and the brackets are fitted and cemented to your teeth. The wires are fabricated and tied, and you can choose color elastic bands that hold the wire in the slot on the bracket. 

Getting braces in Cornelius doesn’t hurt, but it takes time. We must prep your teeth for the brackets, carefully position each tooth, and then run the archwire through and tighten things up!

Afterward, you are given care instructions and a list of foods to avoid. We teach you to brush and floss while wearing braces and keep your teeth in tip-top shape to prevent tooth decay. Note that the entire treatment will extend for an extra month for every instance you break a bracket. So it is wise to listen and adhere to the dentist’s instructions.

Stage #3 – Regular Adjustments Stage

The active phase requires routine appointments every 4-7 weeks for at least half an hour to monitor progress and make adjustments and wire modifications. The braces are tightened, colored elastics are changed, and broken brackets are replaced. 

Stage #4 – Debanding Stage

An impression is taken for the final removable retainers. You will probably be anxious about your “debanding appointment.” We remove your braces and give you a polishing so you can finally see how amazing your new smile looks without all that hardware blocking your view! This appointment takes about an hour.

Stage #5 – Retainer Stage

A retainer is made to keep your straight teeth in their new position. You must wear your retainer 24/7 except when eating or drinking anything other than water. It’s imperative to wear your retainer as directed to avoid undergoing the orthodontic process again!

Orthodontist in Cornelius | Lake Norman Orthodontics

Lake Norman Orthodontics are expert in orthodontic care. We know how to straighten your teeth and correctly position teeth to give you the most beautiful straight smile. We are with you at every stage of the treatment plan. Give us a call today.

Braces in Cornelius, NC

Children likely have many questions when they first find out they’ll need braces. Some kids might be excited and see braces as a rite of passage for a beautiful smile. In contrast, others may be nervous or embarrassed to have a mouthful of metal. They also might not be keen that they’ll have to avoid certain foods during treatment time.

Each question is valid; we get it from teens and their parents in our practice. What we have found in most cases is that kids are afraid of the unknown. At Lake Norman Orthodontics, we recommend parents ease their nerves and help their children understand what to expect. By preparing your children emotionally for braces, you’ll be surprised that some can even get excited about their future with orthodontics. 

#1 Learn About Braces Together

Let’s be honest; getting braces can feel overwhelming for everyone. The first step to preparing for braces is learning everything before treatment starts.

Learn about the changes that will have to be made – how to brush and floss, all the foods to avoid, and all the activities they might have to sit out. Find out about your options when it comes to the color of braces. After thorough research and a clear discussion of what is expected, you will feel more equipped for a life with braces.

#2 Let Them Know They’re Not Alone

Not many people are thrilled about getting traditional braces because they think they’ll be the only one experiencing it. But chances are they already have several friends or classmates with braces. An estimated 80% of teens will have some orthodontic care for their crooked teeth.

Reminding your kids that they are not the first person to straighten their teeth can help them get more comfortable with the idea. If you wore braces as a teen, share your experience with them and how it improved your oral health. Tell them about all the celebrities and athletes who had braces—for instance, Christiano Ronaldo, Venus Williams, Beyonce, the Biebs, and even Tom Cruise. Once your kids see how standard braces are for everyone, they’ll feel better about their treatment and get excited about a healthy smile. 

#3 Plan for Discomfort

There is discomfort with orthodontic treatment as the teeth shift and move to their desired position. Traditional metal braces can cause additional irritation to the inside of your child’s mouth. Have orthodontic wax, over-the-counter painkillers, and even some Oral Gel on hand when the teeth and jaws get sore. 

If the brackets are poking into your cheeks and causing sores, place orthodontic wax over that part of the braces to reduce irritation. Being proactive about managing discomfort will ensure a much more positive experience.

#4 Stock up on Soft Foods

Many foods must be avoided when you have braces, including sticky, chewy, hard, or crunchy foods. Anything that has to be bitten into, like apples or corn on the cob, is dangerous. Make lives easier by stocking up on softer foods like yogurt, soups, smoothies, steamed veggies, or ice cream. 

#5 Stay Focused

Depending on the length of the treatment plan, kids have to wait several months to straighten their smile. To keep them motivated, help them look ahead to the end of treatment when they see their perfect smile. Focusing on the outcome will encourage them to stay on track and comply with their orthodontist’s instructions.

Get Your Braces in Cornelius, NC | Lake Norman Orthodontics

If you are interested in learning more about braces in Cornelius, NC, call us at (704)-896-8452.