No, braces are not placed during the first appointment with the orthodontist. Before you put on braces, it is important to visit your family dentist for a cleaning and checkup. Ask your orthodontist how long before your appointment you should put your braces on. Visits to the dentist should continue at least every six months for the duration of treatment, or more frequently if recommended.
If you normally take an antibiotic before your dental visits, be sure to tell your orthodontist, who will tell you if premedication is recommended before your appointment to place orthodontic appliances. In addition, tell your orthodontist about any allergies you have, especially any allergies to metals, including nickel. At the end of the consultation, a member of the team will explain how to brush and floss your teeth with braces, discuss what foods you should avoid (hard, sticky and chewable) so that they don't break, and what to do if you have any difficulty with braces. Putting on your braces the same day as your appointment requires only one appointment, which means less time to be absent from school, work, or going out with friends.
Depending on the type of braces you use, the wire can be attached to the tooth with a clip built into the holder (“self-ligating appliances”) or by a series of small elastic bands called “ligatures”, which come in many colors. About a week before the braces are placed, the orthodontist may insert “spacers” between the molars of the back. Your first orthodontic appointment is an important step in achieving a beautiful smile. It is important to be prepared for this appointment so that you can get the most out of it. Be sure to ask questions and get all of the information you need about what to expect when getting braces.
Your orthodontist will be able to provide you with all of the information you need to make an informed decision about getting braces.
