Step by Step to Your New Smile
At Foundations Orthodontics, our Centennial, Granby, and Winter Park, CO orthodontists rely on their extensive training and experience to ensure getting braces is efficient, painless, and effective. To start your own smile journey, schedule a complimentary consultation. Or, read on to learn what to expect during your braces treatment.
The Braces Process
Step 1: Initial Exam
When you visit our Denver-area orthodontics practice for a complimentary exam, Dr. Moran or Dr. White will examine you and chat with you about your goals for treatment. This will help them determine if braces are the best choice for your unique needs and diagnosis. If you are a good candidate for LightForce® braces, a team member can take the necessary diagnostic records.
Step 2: Treatment Planning and Pre-Treatment Consultation
While some offices offer same-day braces, as a holistic orthodontics practice, Dr. Moran and Dr. White separate the exam and consultation into two separate appointments. Why? Well, they spend the time to evaluate your diagnostic records and to create the most personalized treatment plan. With more in-depth, up-front treatment planning, you’ll spend less time in braces, get better results, and we can ensure your teeth and jaw joints are in the healthiest positions possible.
Once Dr. Moran or Dr. White has your individualized braces treatment plan, you’ll be scheduled for an in-person or virtual consultation. Dr. Moran or Dr. White will walk you through their plan, let you know exactly what to expect, and answer any questions you have. Our Treatment Coordinator will then chat with you about things like your insurance coverage, as well as your LightForce braces cost. We’ll provide you with a full copy of the doctor’s findings, treatment recommendations, x-rays, and braces cost estimate.
Step 3: Get Your Braces Put On
We’ll send your treatment plan to the LightForce lab and they’ll 3D print your custom brackets to perfectly fit each individual tooth. When your brackets are ready, you’ll come to our office for your bonding appointment. Getting braces put on doesn’t hurt and there are no needles involved.
Dr. Moran or Dr. White will fit your brackets into custom, 3D-printed trays to quickly and accurately bond the brackets to your teeth. Thanks to the special adhesive we use, the brackets will be secure. Once the brackets are on, they’ll thread your braces wires through the brackets. We’ll wrap up this appointment by explaining everything you need to know about caring for your braces.
Step 4: Check-Ups
Depending on your braces treatment plan, you’ll come in for a visit approximately every 10 to 12 weeks. Since we’re a private, local practice, you’ll see the same orthodontist throughout your entire treatment. At these visits, they’ll make sure your progress is on track and, occasionally, make adjustments to achieve the desired tooth movements.
Step 5: Get Your Braces Taken Off
Getting your braces taken off is equally as painless as getting them put on. Dr. Moran or Dr. White will use special tools to gently remove your archwires and brackets. We’ll then polish your teeth and let you admire your stunning new smile and healthy bite in the mirror.
Step 6: Retainer
The final step in your braces treatment is wearing an orthodontic retainer. Wearing a retainer after braces is the only way to prevent the teeth from shifting and ensure your results last a lifetime. We’ll design a custom retainer for you to hold your teeth in place and lock in your bite. Trust us, when you see how fantastic your smile looks and how strong and stable your bite is, wearing a retainer won’t seem like a big deal at all.