How Often Do You Visit an Orthodontist During Treatment?


For each patient, their orthodontic goals and appointment scheduling is unique. Every patient receives a customized orthodontic treatment plan based on his or her individual needs. Orthodontic treatment can take anywhere from a few months to a few years. At your initial visit, your orthodontist will determine which type of dental braces work best for you, such as tooth-colored ceramic braces, traditional braces, lingual braces, or aligner trays. Our talented and highly skilled orthodontists in North Liberty, Iowa will work with you to determine what is best for your beautiful smile.

Visiting for Braces

On average, braces treatment can last anywhere from 1 to 3 years with regularly scheduled visits to help move a patient’s teeth gently and effectively. “How often should I visit the orthodontist?” is a common question we receive from our patients. For traditional braces, either stainless steel or ceramic braces, patients regularly come in every 4 to 6 weeks. These appointments are necessary for keeping your smile on track and moving in the right direction.

In addition to adjusting your dental braces, your North Liberty orthodontist will use these appointments to different, custom fit oral appliances, such as fixed appliances, an expander, or rubber bands. These appliances assist in the movement of your braces, helping you achieve the smile of your dreams.

Regularly scheduled appointments also help your orthodontist perform maintenance on your braces. Braces get regular wear and tear from chewing and biting forces, and sometimes become loose or unglued from the tooth. Keeping up with these routine visits help your orthodontist evaluate the progression of your smile and your overall oral health during orthodontic treatment.

Visiting for Aligners

Instead of traditional braces, your orthodontist may recommend Invisalign clear aligners for your orthodontic treatment. Clear aligners are a clear, removable form of orthodontic treatment that is monitored regularly by your orthodontist. Most of the time, patients with clear aligners come in less frequently than those with traditional braces, typically every 6 to 10 weeks. During the initial aligners treatment appointment, your orthodontist will develop your treatment plan based on the impressions taken of your teeth and the level of treatment required.

Routine appointments for clear aligner patients are more focused on progress rather than the maintenance and adjustment required with traditional braces. Your orthodontist will ask you questions about your progress and oral health habits with your clear aligners. They will make sure your aligners are fitting properly and your smile is on its way to the smile of your dreams!

Emergency Appointments

Sometimes, you may need an appointment right away, and we’re here for you! Keeping your smile safe, healthy, and on the right track is our focus. If you think you may have an orthodontic emergency, please call our office at 319.252.1435 and we will get you in as soon as possible.

Contact Corridor Family Orthodontics for Questions About Treatment

If you’re looking for an orthodontist in the North Liberty area or Iowa City area or want to learn more about treatment schedules for braces and Invisalign clear aligners, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with Corridor Family Orthodontics! Our orthodontists are here to build your unique treatment plan and create happy smiles for life.

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