Summer is only two months away – (even though it almost always feels like summer in Jupiter.) The days are getting warmer, and you may be thinking about your summer plans.
Is traveling or vacationing on your list? Or are you planning to hang locally at the beach? Maybe you’re in more of a ‘stay-at-home and binge-watch shows or binge-read books’ mood this year.
However you choose to enjoy your summer, it’s important that you try your best to prioritize orthodontists appointments too. Don’t forget about your friends here at Jupiter Orthodontics!
Attending all of your Invisalign® or braces appointments with Dr. King or Dr. Welch is how you’ll experience beautiful results in the shortest amount of time.
Of course life happens, and unexpected obligations may arise – which could cause you to miss an appointment or two. What would this mean for your treatment progress? Is your new smile in jeopardy?
Here’s what you need to know about missing orthodontists appointments:
What happens if you miss an orthodontists appointment?
So you have a busy summer ahead, and you realize you may miss an orthodontists visit. Now you’re wondering about the fate of your smile. Would that hurt your progress?
Fortunately, one missed visit shouldn’t hurt your progress too much, as long as you reschedule the appointment as soon as possible.
In most cases, the further into your treatment process you are, the less likely a missed appointment is to affect your progress. If you’re at the very beginning of your treatment process and your teeth are just beginning to shift, a missed appointment that isn’t rescheduled within a week or so can slow your progress.
At your orthodontists appointments, your orthodontists will perform a check-up evaluation to assess your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your braces or Invisalign treatment plan. If your orthodontists isn’t able to assess your smile as frequently as necessary, this can delay progress and require changes to the initial treatment plan. It’s a good idea to prioritize your visits if you want fast results!
Sometimes, life happens, and you have to reschedule an appointment or two – and that’s okay! We’re happy to work around you. If anything comes up unexpectedly and you won’t be able to make your scheduled appointment, please give our office a call and we’ll reschedule your appointment for a better time.
If you know that you’ll be traveling or unavailable during a certain week, please let us know and we’ll be sure to schedule around your availability.
How often are orthodontic appointments?
The timing of your orthodontic appointments will depend on your specific case. Appointments may be anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks apart. For patients who have a more severe case or who just began treatment, you may be advised to visit your orthodontists every 4 weeks.
Patients who have minor cases, or those who are well underway in their treatment process, may be advised to visit their orthodontists every 6 to 10 weeks.
The frequency of your orthodontic visits is likely to change as you make progress too. Throughout the summer, you can expect anywhere from 1 to 3 orthodontists visits – depending on your personalized treatment plan!
Your visits will be quick, efficient, and enjoyable with our team!
How often do you get braces tightened?
We offer INBRACE invisible braces, metal self-ligating braces, and clear self-ligating braces! We use advanced self-ligating braces that don’t require rubber bands/elastics, and therefore, don’t need to be tightened.
Traditional braces may require tightening appointments every 4 to 6 weeks, whereas self-ligating braces appointments may be every 10 to 12 weeks! Dr. King or Dr. Welch will advise you on how often to visit us throughout your treatment process.
How often are Invisalign appointments?
The regularity of your Invisalign orthodontists appointments will also depend on your progress and the severity of your case. Invisalign patients generally visit us every 6 weeks or so.
You’ll receive a few sets of custom-made clear aligners each time you visit us, and you’ll switch each set out for one of your new ones every 2 weeks.
Two Tips to Speed Up Your Results this Summer
Whether you choose braces or Invisalign, there are ways to help your treatment progress along!
1. Wear your clear aligners at least 20 to 22 hours, every day.
Wearing your Invisalign aligners for no less than 20 hours a day is essential for achieving the shortest treatment length. Your clear aligners can’t do their job if they’re not in place – so if they collect dust in your Invisalign case, you’re probably looking at a longer treatment process.
2. Maintain good oral hygiene.
Oral hygiene isn’t just about preventing bad breath and yellow teeth. It’s also about maintaining strong teeth and gums to support your new smile. An article published by the National Library of Medicine states that maintaining great oral health is critical for patients in orthodontic treatment. Negligent oral health can lead to plaque buildup over braces and/or orthodontic appliances, leading to inflammation in the gums and compromised gum health over time.
Oral health problems, like gum disease, will require immediate attention and will likely prolong your orthodontic treatment. Keep your braces clean, and consider carrying a travel toothbrush and toothpaste to maintain cleanliness throughout the day.
Healthy gums and teeth create healthy, beautiful smiles – in short periods of time!
Still have questions about your upcoming orthodontists appointments this summer?
If you’re still on the fence about adult braces, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We would love to speak to you about your hesitations.
Ready to begin your journey toward your most confident smile? Get started by requesting your free exam with Dr. King or Dr. Welch, top orthodontists in Jupiter.